Our Design Process
Collaboration, client-focused, and detail-oriented, we work with you.
Referral Fee up to $1500 for New Clients
Collaboration, client-focused, and detail-oriented, we work with you.
Understanding a company’s process is important for business and project success. We keep our clients involved in every step of the process, communication is clear and projects move forward efficiently and smooth.
Initial Consultation
The first step is to schedule an initial consultation so we can get to know you and understand your project needs. After the consult we will send an estimate and then a proposal, and once we have a signed agreement and received a 25% initial deposit (electronic), we will move to a Design Start.
Design Start
For our Design Start Meeting, we will get more in depth to what you are looking to build and have prepared programmatic sketches. As we meet, we will collaborate through sketches, data and inspirations to gain your feedback and reactions. We will also discuss the permitting process for your local building area and next steps.
First Draft Discussion
Within contract agreed timeline, we will have a first draft to submit which includes floor plans and visualization. We will discuss with you in detail about the plans, and the future changes to implement in the next draft. Then back to work!
50% Draft
After we received your feedback, our team will work to include everything based on the last review, and what is necessary for permitting. We will then coordinate with the project team and go through a quality check.
90% Revision
At 90%, will be very close to completing your permitting set. We will incorporate any requested changes, and ensure we are meeting with our pre-design quality control review before submitting to state and local building codes for the last quality check.
Submission
Once the permit sets are approved by our quality control experts, the final drafts are the sent to you.
STEP 1: Consultation
Communicate
Wants & Needs
What We Will Do
What Can't Be Done
Commit to Job
Create Plan of Action
Scope of Project
Scope of Work
Create Budget
Advise of Consultants
Prepare Estimate
Create a Contract
STEP 2: Agreement
Present Contract
Define Cost of Services
Show Payment Options
Contract Review
Contract Acceptance
Present Signed Contract
Submit Requirements
Down payment
Permits (if needed)
Building Address
Design Documents
Related Drawings
Access to Property
STEP 3: Measurement
Visit site location
Gain Access
Measure Building
Record Measurements
Create Sketch
STEP 4: DRAWING
Site visit #2
Review sketch
Check measurements
Verify accuracy
Refine sketches
Transfer sketch to cad
Edit cad drawing
Review design
Modify (if needed)
Review drawings and notes
Created scaled drawing
STEP 5: REVIEW FINAL
Create final report
Send final invoice
STEP 6: COMPLETE
Receive final payment
Provide client deliverables:
Email pdf drawing file
Pdf file for print only
Take a look at this site for more! Click link above
We provide precise measured drawings CAD documentation for renovations, expansions, and tenant improvements.
We specialize in existing conditions documentation for:
Residential Floor Plans & Extensions
Capture exact layouts for home additions and remodels.
Common examples include:
Detached backyard cottages or granny flats
Garage conversions with kitchen/bathroom
Attached additions like in-law suites over garages
Our measured drawings capture exact property lines, setbacks, and existing utilities—critical for IRC permitting and avoiding code violations during construction.
Commercial Improvements
Document office fit-outs, retail spaces, and restaurant renovations. Detailed as-builts coordinate MEP systems, structural conditions, and code compliance for seamless tenant turnovers.
FAQ?
Planning a home or business renovation? Your architect might have mentioned needing "measured drawings." These aren't the floor plans you got from the previous owner - they're detailed plans created specifically for your renovation project. But who creates these and why are they so important?
What are measured drawings?
Measured drawings are detailed plans created by meticulously recording the dimensions and features of an existing building. Unlike floor plans you might have from a previous owner, measured drawings are crafted on-site to capture the building's current state. They encompass photographs, sketches, and ultimately, scaled drawings showcasing the building's layout (floors, elevations, sections) and finer details.
Do I need measured drawings?
If your project involves a renovation to an existing building, then yes, you need measured drawings. If you're planning a renovation, measured drawings are essential. Your design team needs precise information about the entire building's interior and exterior dimensions. They also need to identify the specific materials, fixtures, and equipment currently present. Without this detailed picture, creating an accurate design plan becomes impossible.
Who does measured drawings?
Our specialty is measured drawings. This typically happens early in the Schematic Design phase. While experienced professionals oversee the process, a team member might be dispatched to your location to take the necessary measurements.
What gets documented?
General documentation usually includes:
Exterior dimensions and locations of all building components including walls, doors, windows, soffits, eaves, chimneys, columns, decks, and stairs.
Locations of exterior utilities including HVAC equipment, gas meters, hose bibs, piping, and electrical equipment.
Types and extent of exterior finishes, including siding, door and window trim, gutters, downspouts, and roofing.
Interior dimensions of all accessible rooms, including ceiling heights.
Locations of all interior doors, cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, HVAC registers, and other built-in features.
Window sill and head height dimensions.
Types and extent of interior finishes.
Locations, sizes, and dimensions of structural framing members including columns, beams, floor joists, and roof rafters.
Structure: Sizes and locations of structural elements like beams and columns.
It's important to note that measurements are based on visible features. In some cases, educated assumptions based on experience might be made about hidden elements within walls or ceilings. These areas will be marked on the drawings for verification by contractors during construction.
What to expect when we comes to do the measured drawings?
The team will arrive and set up a workspace, typically using a central location. Detailed measurements and sketches of exterior is created. Next steps will be to measure each interior space, creating sketches with precise dimensions and notes, incorporating the measurements directly into computer-aided design software at a later date.
We measure everything, because even small details may have an impact on the design. While it might seem excessive, measuring the entire structure, even areas not planned for renovation, ensures a comprehensive picture of the building. This eliminates the need for additional visits to gather missing measurements. Additionally, structural engineers often require information beyond the renovation zone to guarantee the building's stability
We photograph every wall in every space.
The final step involves photographing the entire building, inside and out. These photos capture details like light fixtures and trim styles that might not be specifically measured but are crucial for design decisions.
How should I prepare?
We measure inside every space, so make sure they are accessible.
Do you measure the site as well?
For small, level sites, basic site measurements and any landscaping adjacent to the building will be included. However, for larger or more complex sites, a land surveyor is typically brought in for a more comprehensive evaluation.
How long does it take?
C.A.D. can usually measure an average (2,000 sf) house in a day. Larger houses or commercial buildings often require additional time. Before work begins we will let you know how long your specific project should normally take.
I found the original blueprints of the house. Are those helpful?
Yes! The more permitted documentation you have of your building, the better. We will review it and likely use some of it. However, since built projects are always different from the original documents, we’re still going to come measure and verify.
Are as-built drawings the same as measured drawings?
No, they’re not. For complete definition see here are the differences between the dwgs.