Q: What does CAD stand for?
A: CAD stands for Computer Aided Design
Q: What exactly does “Green” mean?
A: Green means using products that are easily renewable, such as wood products that use waste from other wood manufacturing processes. It also means using products that consume less energy and/ or emit less pollution. One example might be a choosing a paint that has a low VOC emission (volatile organic chemical)
Q: What are the usual steps to complete a residential construction project?
A: In most cases an individual who wants a home built or remodeled will contact a builder directly.
The builder then assigns the tasks of:
- Home design
- Drafting & detail of the home plan
- Estimating
- Bidding by sub-contractors
- Actual construction of the home
Who is chosen for these tasks varies widely but in the case of drafting & detailing, the choice most builders use is to submit the plans directly to the drafter. The plan may come from a current design that’s to be modified, an original design from an architect or home designer contracted by the builder separately, or even an idea brought in from the homeowner themselves. Most successful builders have a library of already completed plans to choose from. It’s a very common practice to begin with one of these and modify it to become an entirely different home.
Q: Do I need an architect?
A: If you are unsure of what exactly you want, yes. An architect can be considered an administrator of the entire process, walking you though budget, home designs, site location, the loan process as well as finally the building process. There are literally hundreds of decisions to be made in the homebuilding process, the very least of which are cost, design, home size, type & style, paint & carpet colors, heating type, countertop material, etc. etc. etc.
An experienced architect can be trusted by his previously completed projects, (which hopefully led you to him or her) to assume the responsibility to help you make some of these choices, lead you in the correct direction, and keep you within your budget. |
