Everyone knows it’s exciting to see things get started. Who doesn’t love to see the old basement, with cheap paneling and a weird smell, torn back to the studs? Who doesn’t thrill at the thought of that ugly kitchen, with the dated cabinets, ripped out or even the 80’s bathroom with the moldy pink tiled shower gutted? It almost gives one the feeling of retribution. The problem is that if you don’t know exactly what’s replacing your demoed space, it’s inevitable that some detail will be missed and cost you both money and time.

A Well Drawn out Plan Can Help You Save

A good set of thorough, detailed drawings are key to a well-run project, and they are worth every penny. It may seem smart to spend as little as possible on drawing since you’re just going to throw them out at the end of the project, but imagine paying the electrician to move a light that never got centered over the table. You’d then have a ceiling that needs to be patched and a painter who needs to return. Don’t forget the project manager who will need to clear up confusion by meeting with the homeowner to make sure that what has been done is what the homeowner desired. At the end of this scenario (which is not uncommon, by the way) you’ll end up spending more money that you tried to save by forgoing or skimping on drawings.

Another issue with no plans or poorly drawn plans is that it makes it almost impossible to get an accurate price from all the trades involved because it requires the trades to determine for themselves what is going to be involved in the job based off of their preferences. This often leads to extra charges for things that were not included and time wasted trying to decide where things should go.

Defining a “Good” Project Plan

So, what does a good set of drawings look like? Of course the specifics will depend on the project, but at the very least they need to include wall dimensions, fixture placements that are dimensioned, flooring types, door and window dimensions as well as which way the doors swing (which would have prevented the issue in the above picture), materials being used, switches, lights and outlet placement, and cabinet layouts.

Plans are universal. They help people communicate despite their native tongue or schooling. They allow homeowners to cast their vision for their project, and they make it possible for trades to ensure that the picture in the homeowner’s mind gets executed. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a good set of plans is definitely worth the time and money. Make sure that’s not the area where you skimp.