Avid A Vision In Design

Most people know that architectural home plans are used to design and build new homes.  But did you know these same types of drawings are used in remodeling projects, too?   Many homeowners and professional remodelers skip this important phase in home renovation and end up with projects that cost two or three times more than initially planned.  To stay within your budget and ensure you get the best results from your home remodeling, create a detailed renovation plan before any construction begins.

Most people start a remodeling project with a call to a professional contractor.  The contractor comes to your house and walks around the property while you attempt to describe your vision in detail.  After a few calculations, the contractor presents you with a total project estimate.  This leads to a period of negotiations that eventually ends with some formal agreement.  Then construction begins.  As the first sledge hammer crashes into the interior drywall, you wonder if the contractor envisions the project exactly like you do.   You will soon find out and by then, it may be too late.     

From the initial planning to the final clean up, you and your remodeling contractor should work from the same set of detailed renovation plans created by a qualified renovation designer.  This ensures your contractor understands the scope of work required to meet your needs and desires.  Moreover, it empowers you to make intelligent decisions throughout the project.   You can easily compare quotes from multiple contractors because each company is bidding on the same project with the same material list.  You can make changes to the plan and see how it will affect the final cost.  You can even purchase the materials directly from the supplier and eliminate the hidden markup embedded in every quote.  With this type of power in your hands, the labor and material savings you enjoy will more than make up for the cost of the plans.             

Renovation plans show detailed dimensional layouts of the existing structure, a final rendered depiction of the future structure and the steps needed to complete the construction.  Renovation plans are scaled architectural line drawings printed on large sheets of paper and may include full color computer renderings of the proposed project.   

Many home builders - challenged by the recent economic downturn - are using remodeling projects to subsidize their struggling home building business.  Many of these builders are enjoying the added profit margins, too.  In fact one local home builder stated “I love home remodeling projects.  I quote the job at $30,000 and I end up billing them $90!” 

Renovation plans put the power in your hands.  Whether it is a kitchen remodel, home addition or adding an apartment above a garage, a good plan is the first step to a successful project that stays within your budget.  On your next remodeling job, be sure to empower yourself with a complete renovation plan from a qualified renovation designer.

Tags: design, home building, home construction, home plans, House Plans, new design, new home, new home design, remodeling, renovation

This entry was posted on Monday, July 6th, 2009 at 8:17 am and is filed under House Plans.
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