Depending on the extent of your renovations, you may need to put what you want down on paper so that someone has a blueprint to follow. However, for smaller and less complicated jobs, you may not want to hire a licensed architect, in an effort to save yourself money. In these cases, it is probably in your best interest to hire a draftsperson.
What Is a Draftsperson?
A draftsperson is related to an architect, but he or she does not have the same licensing or credentials. This person is, however, trained in the art of sketching blueprints. Included in these blueprints are the dimensions, materials, and processes for building your desired structure.
Most modern drafting is performed on Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) software. These programs take a high level of training and experience to operate, but provide an interactive and three-dimensional view of the structure.
Draftsperson vs. Architect
Architects are legally responsible for the structural integrity of the things they build. They are also going to be more adept in design and concept. Building a house, for instance, should involve an architect. Smaller-scale constructions can be serviced by a draftsperson. If you're hiring professional builders or a contractor, they ought to be able to tell you what you need.
TIP: As a result of their education and certifications, architects are familiar with building and zoning codes. If these codes are going to be involved in whatever you are doing, you'll probably need an architect.
How to Hire a Draftsperson
If you need some blueprints drawn up and want to hire a draftsperson to do it, here are a few tips:
- Contractors in your area can give you the skinny on reliable draftspersons and reputable architectural firms.
- Get quotes from a number of different firms or individuals before choosing one for hire so you can compare and save.
- Ask for references, read reviews, and talk to former clients to get an idea of the quality of their work
If you're trying to plan a large project yourself and have little-to-no experience with construction or home improvement, you'll want some professional help. A draftsperson can draw up the plans to make your dreams reality.