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How Long Does It Take for an Architect to Draw up Plans?

How Long Does It Take for an Architect to Draw up Plans

One of the steps in the home building or remodeling process should be having an architect draw up plans for the project. If you are in a hurry to see your project completed, you may be wondering how long the plans will take. While you don’t want to rush this process, you also need an idea of time frames to expect. Knowing what goes into drawing up plans will help you better understand the process ahead.

Steps to Draw Plans for a House

To understand how long it takes to draw up house plans, you must first understand the process the architect goes through. Here are the steps:

 

1. Talk to the Client and Sign a Contract

The first step is to talk with the client and create a contract for the project. This typically involves a few meetings to look over portfolios, determine if the architect is a good fit and to start building a good relationship. These meetings are a good time to ask questions. The design process doesn’t begin until a contract between the client and the architect or designer is signed. During these initial meetings, your architect will get an idea for your goals and help point you toward modern, not outdated, design trends.

 

2. Gathering Information

The architect starts to gather information which might include a questionnaire from the architect to help understand the client's goals and desires for the project. It also includes site visits and assessments to determine the condition of the site. Sometimes architects will need to talk to surveyors and geotechnical engineers, and they will need to gather city records to get the zoning codes for the project. Most of the information is gathered within a few weeks.

 

3. Creating Initial Diagrams

The architect will create a diagram of your project. This often involves several meetings with you to review design concepts and ideas. Once you have settled on the design, your architect will create the official plans. This part of the process takes a couple of meetings and can require about two months of time.

 

4. Finalizing the Design and Applying for Permits

Next, your architect will finalize the design and add all of the details needed for it to be a working model. At this point, they will also get the documents necessary to apply for permits. This takes about a month and can require more conversations with the homeowner to make design choices.

 

5. Submit Documentation

The final phase of the process is sending the construction documents and permit applications to the appropriate entities. This indicates the design is complete, and all that is left is for it to be reviewed by the government departments for approval. Sometimes adjustments are necessary, which will add additional weeks or months to the process.

 

Do I Need an Architect to Draw Plans?

It is possible to buy pre-made house plans instead of having them drawn, but this can lead to problems. Pre-made house plans do not take into account the site and its unique features. Having an architect draw plans or at least review the plans you have will help the process go smoothly.

couple establishing a good relationship with their remodeling contractor

 

How Many Hours Does it Take to Draw House Plans?

The answer to this depends on how intricate the designs are. Each architect has a different process they go through during design. However, whether they are drawing house plans by hand or by computer, the process takes several months, not hours. Typically, homeowners should plan about four months for the design process from the initial consultation to the time the construction documents get submitted.

 

How Long Does It Take to Draw Home Addition Plans or Remodeling Plans?

A home addition or home remodel and kitchen remodeling plans may not take quite as long as house plans, because there is less site surveying and fewer permits needed. Still, the process can take several weeks or months to complete because of the amount of time the design process will take. Even a small home remodel can take up to four weeks because of the level of detail necessary for building plans. Be sure to ask the architect how long you can expect for the finished project.

Waiting on architectural plans is sometimes frustrating, but the reality is that you need these plans to be accurate for your building process to be successful. Quality architectural plans are worth the wait because they guide the entire project.

 

Streamline the Design and Build Process with Denny + Gardner

How long does it take to design a house? The answer depends, but with Denny + Gardner you can streamline the process. We have our own architects and designers who work on every one of our projects, so you have less back-and-forth communication between your architect and your building team. This limits delays and gets you into your home as fast as possible. Working with an architect and designer from the same firm also helps you avoid remodeling mistakes and outdated design trends.

To streamline your new home build, reach out to Denny + Gardner for a design consultation and to learn more about our design and build services.

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