Blueprints are a general term used to describe the plans for and drawing of a structure. The term blueprint specifically refers to the ammonia-based reproduction process of an architect’s original drawings that results in copies with white lines on a dark-blue background. Blueprints — whether the original ammonia-based variety or more modern varieties — include a floor plan, exterior elevations, cross sections and details and can also include detailed custom work, site-development design, structural foundations and framing, mechanical systems and plumbing, fire protection, and lighting and power. Regardless of how extensive your building project is, it is important to have blueprints from which to work. Dean Camlin of the Dean Robert Camlin and Associates, Inc. architectural firm in Maryland is familiar with the benefits of working with blueprints when designing a new structure or expanding an existing one.
Blueprints are official documents. A homeowner would not be able to create a set of blueprints for his home without training, and drawings for building a new structure are not official unless created by a licensed architectural professional. Camlin points out that in Maryland, where his firm is located, “… all architectural documents prepared in connection with the addition, alteration, construction, or design of a building, an integral part of a building, or a group of buildings which are intended for public use or residential use shall be signed, sealed, and dated by a licensed architect.”
Benefits of Owning Copies
Having access to the blueprints during the building phase, as well as once the building is completed, can be beneficial for a homeowner. This is because understanding the plan for your building project will help you work with the professionals who are involved in the creation of your home. Quality blueprints help a project stay on budget and set forth a safe, structurally sound plan for the project.
Blueprints are also valuable once the building is completed. Having copies of the blueprints may save you time and money in the future, should you choose to alter your home. Many architects require blueprints of existing buildings before they will make changes to the existing structure. If you have the original plans, there will be no need to create a new set of blueprints.
Even though blueprints are official documents, mistakes occasionally occur. That is why experienced architects are prepared for errors in blueprints and misinterpretation in building plans. According to Camlin, “While we employ checking systems and software that can minimize errors, some may still elude us. One reason we prefer to provide construction administration services is so that we can be involved in arriving at a solution to help resolve any errors quickly, before they become unduly costly. Another reason is that a situation that may look like an error may actually be the result of factors beyond the architect’s control such as a change in codes or a misinterpretation by the builder. A responsible architect will secure professional liability insurance to cover the cost of correcting actual mistakes.” If you are working with an architect, be sure he plans to be part of the building process. Once the planning phase is done, he should still participate in the building phase of the project.
Computerized Blueprints
While traditional blueprints may be adequate, versions of blueprints in a computerized format are often better organized and more thorough, easier to work with, and can incorporate information about the building in one source. Instead of paging through large documents and plans, the information about a structure can all be included in a computer file. This method is beneficial to both residential and commercial building plans. The computerized plans also allow those involved in the project to see virtual pictures of the design. Instead of just looking at technical drawings of the plan, which can be confusing if you are not a trained architect or builder, the computerized plans make it easy to visualize the project during the phases of building.
Computerized plans are also helpful when changes are being made to an existing structure. Accessing the plans is easy when they are stored in a computer file and the plans can be transmitted via email, saving a lot of meeting and planning time which would have been done in person prior to the computerized option.
If a new residential or commercial structure is in your future, insist that you receive a copy of the blueprints when the project is complete. Those who want a structurally sound, well-organized building project should choose to work with an experienced architectural firm like Dean Robert Camlin and Associates, Inc.
