Work Explained

What are THEY?

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 CAD 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 (CAD) 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?

CAD can usually measure an average (2,000 sf) house in a day. Larger houses or commercial buildings often require additional time. Before work begins, CAD will let you know how long your specific project will 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.

Are as-built drawings the same as measured drawings?

No, they’re not.