Detailed Plans Are The GPS To Get You To Your Destination!
Detailed plans were mentioned in a previous blog. Projects that do not include changes to plumbing location, electrical wiring, or framing changes may not need plans for permits. But if you are installing new cabinets, you need to communicate your goals, and you may want to get comparative estimates. Simple detailed plans can definitely help you!
What exactly are detailed plans? How can they make your building or remodeling project better and smoother?
Imagine you’re going to an unfamiliar place, and you’re meeting other people who have never been there, either. How are all of you going to get there? Detailed route instructions! Plans are the GPS that everyone uses as a guide to lead them to the same goal: your satisfaction. Below is a list of everything needed for permits, details that the building-remodeling team needs to assure that what you want to do is possible, within your budget. If you’re a D-I-Yer, this list will help you understand what’s ahead, and possibly change your mind about tackling a major project alone.
What Information Should Be In Detailed Plans?
♦ Area map showing the location of your property, and the legal description.
♦ Plot plan showing your home on your property, with dimensions and pertinent information (i.e., if there’s an addition, it must be shown differently, with the square footage calculation).
♦ Exterior elevations, especially if you’re changing the appearance with new windows, etc.
♦ As-built plan with dimensions.
♦ Demolition-framing plan with dimensions.
♦ Proposed plan with dimensions.
♦ Interior elevations of every wall included in your project, with dimensions and details.
♦ Electrical-lighting plan.
♦ Framing plans (if your project includes any structural changes, i.e., new windows, doors, or an addition).
♦ Exterior Specifications, to include manufacturer, model #, dimensions, finish, and specific installation information:
• Roofing
• Doors, windows, skylights
• Eaves, fascia, and gutters
• Siding
• Trim
• Decks, porches, railing
• Walkways
♦ Interior Specifications, to include manufacturer, model number, dimensions, finish, and specific installation information:
• Appliances
• Cabinets
• Plumbing fixtures
• Light fixtures
• Electrical outlets, switches, etc.
• Surface finishes for every room included in your project:
• Countertops (thickness? edge treatment?)
• Backsplash (material? thickness? finished ends? decorative details?)
• Shower and/or tub walls (material? installation? decorative details?)
• Shower floor (material? installation? type of drain?)
• Ceiling (texture? paint color and type?)
• Walls (texture? paint color and type?)
• Door and window trim (style? finish?)
• Crown moulding (style? finish?)
• Baseboard moulding (style? finish?)
• Flooring and underlayment or padding (material? installation? transitions?)
A professional designer can help you make all of these decisions! He/she is your personal facilitator, researcher, translator, value engineer, remodeling mentor, and advocate, to help you get from where you are today to where you want to be in your “new” home.
See the kitchen shown in the plans above.
“See the Possibilities. Create a Positive Difference.”
Are you thinking about remodeling or adding onto your home? Diane Plesset, CMKBD, C.A.P.S., NCIDQ, is a Design Professional with 30 years of experience. Contact Diane by email, or phone (503-632-8801), to talk about your project, and to get honest answers to any questions you may have.
© Copyright 2015 D. P. Design “See the Possibilities. Create a Positive Difference.”