This post bears special significance for new home builders in Sydney and Wollongong looking for drafting services. Being a builder, when you are all set to design your next project, you are going to need a reliable and professional drafting business that can complete drafting for new homes efficiently and accurately. Builders looking for draftsmen usually have set drafting requirements that demand expert drafting skills and the ability to prepare the documentation that meets all the requirements that the builder is looking for. There are a lot of drafting firms out there and builders often feel overwhelmed to choose the right one for their projects. In this article, we will share the 8 important requirements builders need in a drafting business.

First, it is important to know the job of the draftsman provided by a drafting business.  Draftsman are very cost effective for project style builds which is common for project home and volume building companies. A reliable and professional drafting business provides expert, experienced and certified drafters to a range of building projects.

1. Ability to be able to grow with you

The scalability requirements of the project matter the most. You must have a clear idea of your project needs and wants and a clear line between these and “nice to haves”. Think of the way you can use the space you have, both now and in the future. Make sure the drafting service firm you are hiring matches your needs and potential expansion plans. One way to check if they can grow with you is asking how their past projects went, did they meet the budget, were they working with the council side by side and was there any delay.

2. Good knowledge of your local council and area you build in

So which part of Sydney or the Illawarra you are building your projects in? It is going to affect your decision too. Keep in mind that the draftsmen working on your project will require information about your project, which often includes title certificate, council planning information, and regulations for drainage, sewer, water plans and complying development requirements. You need to check if the drafting service provider you want to hire possesses enough knowledge of your local council and the area you build in to avoid potential rejections and penalties.

3. Clear and detailed plans and documentation

Clarity is another important factor. Once you are interested in a specific drafting business, talk about the finer details of the project as well as your expectations. This may include your visions, ideas, budgets, cost-saving strategies, etc. You also need to finalize the draftsmen’s role in terms of managing design, overseeing budgets, applying for the building approval, playing a role during inspections, overseeing final inspection and project’s completion including amendments in landscaping design.

There is a firm need for proper and complete documentation and the contract is the key document here. Before signing a contract with your chosen drafting service provider, make sure the contract has clear information regarding everything the draftsman will be doing for your project. You need to check if their draftsmen are well acquainted with the Building Code and your budget.

4. Fast turn around time

Meeting the project’s deadline is the key to success for the builders. Discuss the deadlines with a drafting service provider and finalize the number of draftsmen enough to keep your project on track. It is also recommended to keep in writing that the draftsman/draftsmen allocated to your project will remain the same throughout the process; from start till completion. This is important to ensure consistency, avoid confusions and encourage fast turn around time. One way to check if they have a fast turn around time is reading reviews of their past clients. Nevertheless, make deadlines a part of the contract.

5. Happy to work Underneath your branding as a contractor to you

Being a builder, your project is close to your heart. The drafting service provider will not be able to nail it unless the draftsmen they provide understand the importance of your brand and what it needs. It is also to be noted that some experienced and qualified draftsmen can do the same services as a residential contractor and usually offer these services free of cost. In such a case, you can save a huge cost.

6. Accurate plans with a proven quality control system

We have observed that many of the drafting service providers are usually not experts in the quality control of the drafting plans. Such drafting firms may surely be helpful with documentation, but they hardly give valuable input when it comes to maintaining the accuracy, consistency, and quality of the plans. Make sure the drafting firm you are going to hire has a definite quality control system throughout the process and a firm feedback mechanism is in place.

7. A team that uses the latest software and drafting technology

Outdated drafting software or technology is not going to help your buildings to be competitive. The drafting firm you want to hire must have a team with vast drafting capabilities, back on the latest drafting software and technology to meet the latest market trends and to provide quality drafting solutions at least cost.

8. A drafting team who understands new home building and construction

The draftsmen working on your project must be well-familiar with the new home building and construction trends, requirements and regulations to ensure the best project outcome. Your drafting team must know how to take the benefit of technology for the growth and profitability of the project.

Final Thoughts

The draftsmen outsourced from the drafting services firms hold diverse qualifications and different levels of abilities and skills. If you are choosing a drafting firm and its team, based on these important requirements, you have a high chance to have the best team for whatever to build, and how complex the job is.