Building Designs

[Jeffery]

So, any burgeoning architects out there wanna help me out with some spec drawings for some buildings??

I am designing what will basically be 1 room efficiency apartments. 3 units per building. Small bathroom and kitchenette. Rooms to be 15' wide and 20' deep.

We're going tp put in three of them to begin with, then add more to the lots (and other lots) later.

What I would really love is a program for knocking out spec plans and material lists.

[Match Strike]

I have a passing interest in architecture and have worked in construction (albeit as a grunt/assistant).

My advice would be to get a real contractor/architect. This is not a complicated job, but it's a lot more than it may seem. In addition, a local contractor will be familiar with local building codes. Nothing sucks worse than to be committed to a certain plan only to find that it won't pass inspection.

But I can give you my ideas for free (just about what they're worth). It would help to know some more details about the site, budget, etc.

It seems what you're looking for is a basic mopdular design that gives you some flexibility to add mooe units later or use varying arrangments.

[Jeffery]

There are no "local building codes" it is in an unzoned area. And with 3 or less units you don't have to pass state inspection either.

Site will be unimportant, as we will be doing this in several locations. Budget is get 'er done cheaply but well.

Units will be 15' wide x 20' deep, with a 6x7 foot bathroom in the rear corner. One door, one front large window, two small rear windows. Baseboard heating, all electric design.
Poor concrete footers and foundation, composite beam floor joists, 2x4 prepped walls.

What I am looking for is a spec builder for getting material costs. Without dropping the $150 for a pro version.

[Jeffery]

There are no "local building codes" it is in an unzoned area. And with 3 or less units you don't have to pass state inspection either.

Site will be unimportant, as we will be doing this in several locations. Budget is get 'er done cheaply but well.

Units will be 15' wide x 20' deep, with a 6x7 foot bathroom in the rear corner. One door, one front large window, two small rear windows. Baseboard heating, all electric design.
Poor concrete footers and foundation, composite beam floor joists, 2x4 prepped walls.

What I am looking for is a spec builder for getting material costs. Without dropping the $150 for a pro version.

[R G]

Jeffery as odd as it may seem you might want to visit the nearest IKEA. They actually do some mockup of small spaces that might give you some ideas.

They are not going to have a building plan for you, but you might want to incorporate some of their ideas on small space living areas.

Good Luck with it!

[Jeffery]

Jeffery as odd as it may seem you might want to visit the nearest IKEA. They actually do some mockup of small spaces that might give you some ideas.

They are not going to have a building plan for you, but you might want to incorporate some of their ideas on small space living areas.

Good Luck with it!
It's a one room efficiency. Table, chairs, bed, counter.

That and IKEAs are overpriced, too fancy and no where near here.

[R G]

Well they do have some mockups of one room efficiency's...but if you don't have one close then I guess that is out of the question.

[Jeffery]

Well they do have some mockups of one room efficiency's...but if you don't have one close then I guess that is out of the question.
I don;t need idea of what to put in it. I need programs for getting the spec sheets and material lists ready.

[Match Strike]

So you don't need an architect, you need someone to give you an estimate. Only for the materials? Are you doing all the work yourself? Then you should know al the materials and thus be able to add it all up. Cost of materials such as wood, depending what you're using, can vary depending on where you are. If a contractor is doing the work have them do the estimate. It's worth it: ~100 dollars is a very small percentage of the total expenditure of this project.

[Jeffery]

So you don't need an architect, you need someone to give you an estimate. Only for the materials? Are you doing all the work yourself? Then you should know al the materials and thus be able to add it all up. Cost of materials such as wood, depending what you're using, can vary depending on where you are. If a contractor is doing the work have them do the estimate. It's worth it: ~100 dollars is a very small percentage of the total expenditure of this project.
Please read the last line of the first post.

You have to have a basic design plan BEFORE you can do an estimate. How else are you going to estimate how much material you will need?

[Match Strike]

I know there are afew programs that will take your plans from AutoCAD and do estimates, I don't know of any in which you can do the plans and the estimates.

[Learz]

It sounds to me that you don't really need an architect: you need an interior designer or carpenter.

Also, are you talking about the bare-bones materials (wood, drywall, glass) or more specifics (kitchen sink, doorknobs, paint, lights)?

[Jeffery]

I am talkign both, although the building materials are foremost the hardest to calculate.

[Learz]

I don't have that much experience in the price department, I generally end up with the materials and build with them, but in my totally unprofessional opinion, I would hazard a guess at between $1000 and $3000 per unit?

Also, you might be able to get free, "rough" estimates from construction/carpenter groups in your area.
Or you could even try the local bar :*ph34r: