jmyers

On 10/26/2023 at 11:29 AM, RobDesLLC said:

 

In Scenario #1, I do not redraw the plans without first contacting the original architect or designer to acquire their permission to do so. If they will not allow it, I refuse to do the work for the client. I always advise the client that it would be in their legal and financial interest to attempt to work with them on revisions rather than myself.

 

In Scenario #2, I advise the client that I will use the images only as reference material for style or to incorporate particular design elements, but I will not attempt to recreate someone else's design.

 

In Scenario #3, I ask the builder to state that they own the plans as their intellectual property, and I confirm this with the original architect or designer. 

 

I protect my own intellectual property with the following contract clause:

 

 

I mark all conceptual and preliminary plan sets as "NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION" in 1.5", bold, semi-transparent red letters across the entire title block. I also label my plan sets as "CONCEPTUAL SET", "PRELIMINARY SET", "ARB FINAL SET", "PERMIT SET", and, "CONSTRUCTION SET" in the title block, just above the sheet label.

Thank you!!!!  This was a very informative and exceptional response!

This is all outstanding information! I greatly appreciate the responses!

7 minutes ago, mtldesigns said:

I always wondered how does one prove you or I copied a plan? I can see if I sold one set to a builder to build one house, but then a year later I see the same house built multiple times.  That I can prove, but lets say you give me a magazine page because you just love the layout.  I get your layout close, but with different variables so its 95% the same (different kitchen sink location, a little larger footprint or I used brick in lieu of stone).. Is it a copy still?  With a million plus houses out there, even if one hasn't "copied on purpose", there has to be duplicates.  Only so much you can do with a 2000 sq, ranch, right?  So I guess to answer your original question, I don't duplicate any existing plan 100%.  I do something to make it its own unique original.  That should keep me from any litigation, IMO.  

 

Are you being accused or are you just thinking about potential liability?  

Thank you for your thoughts!  I am not being accused, but have just thought about the scenarios and liability. 

Does anyone have any thoughts or policies in place to protect yourself from accusations of copyright violations?  For example, consider these scenarios:

1. A client brings you a set of plans and asks you to redraw them. 
 

2. A client provides you with images of a design and asks you to  create a set of plans. 

3. A builder client asks you to redraw their plan collection. 
 

All of the above scenarios could potentially present the risk of a copyright claim and lawsuit by completing the client requests. 
 

Would anyone care to share their policies/practices or offer advice in order to avoid copyright violations and minimize the risk of copyright accusations?

Thanks to all who reply!

What would be the expected average range of gross earnings for a self employed, one person residential design/drafting office that is competitively priced, has adequate skills, has been in business a few years, and provides quality service in the Midwest (specifically the Indiana area)?

Is there enough residential design/drafting work in the Midwest for a person to have 40-50+ hours of work per week?

Thanks to all who reply!

16 hours ago, lbuttery said:

HD PRO is Premier lite - about 20% of the tools and features

 

what you learn for HD PRO will work for Premier

but Premier has so much more

 

so yes the learning curve is "bigger" and maybe even "harder"

due to the extra features

 

since Hd PRO has many of the same manual tools following the ChiefTalk forum can be of benefit

just understand the limitations of PRO and when posting on Chieftalk be aware that some solutions may not apply to PRO

 

CA does give 100% credit towards upgrade to Premier when you decide you need it

 

Lew

Thanks Lew and Eric!

I have recently purchased HD Pro and have made great strides in learning the software.  Obviously, I have a long way to go, but I have progressed significantly since first purchasing.

For users who have used both Premier and HD Pro, I have a few questions regarding the ease of use between the two.  When comparing the products, it's very to easy to see that Premier has much greater capabilities and options.

With that understanding, how difficult is Premier to learn in comparison to HD Pro?  Is the learning curve much steeper?  Is Premier much more difficult to use, due to the advancements and capabilities?

Thanks to all who respond!

Thanks Gene!. 

I have added a pic of a crawlspace foundation for one of my homes.  Inside the plan are 4 piers that I am referring to in my question.  I can't find anything in any videos or tutorials that show how to create piers such as those that I am referring to.

How difficult is it to create footing pads and concrete masonry piers on the footing pads inside of a crawlspace foundation to support beams?  I have not purchased the software, but have been practicing with a trial version to see if I would like to purchase.  I've tried to find videos and articles and can't find anything related to concrete masonry piers inside of a crawlspace.  Typically, the piers in my homes are 2 courses of 8x8x16 concrete blocks on a 30x30x12 footing.  Is there any automatic feature to use, draw by cad, etc.?  Thanks to all that respond!

Thanks Richard for the correction and reminder.  Greatly appreciated!

Other than general contracting/homebuilding (Design/Build) what would be a profession or service that would be a great complement to residential design/drafting or where residential design/drafting would be natural, beneficial compliment to it?  In essence, what other professions or services could be provided by one entity that would be valuable to the housing industry and be a natural complement to each other for business growth and sustainability. 

Real estate sales?

Home Inspection?

Etc?

All thoughts and ideas are greatly appreciated!

Is there enough residential new home construction and remodeling work in Indiana/Midwest for a one person residential drafting/design business to earn $80k+ per year after being in business a few years?  The assumption should be made that the individual is good at what they do and is willing to put in the time and effort to be successful.  If not, what could someone expect to earn with these assumptions and the current residential construction industry economy?

I have a very extensive construction management background. Due to some unfortunate unforeseen events, I may need to make a professional change. 

Thanks to all who respond!

Thanks to all who responded. There were some very interesting thoughts about what may be in the future for the residential design/drafting industry!

15 minutes ago, Ridge_Runner said:

To me, one of the biggest changes has been 3D. I sometimes wonder how we (me) developed drawings of the things we did when we used a drafting table and an occasional napkin/pencil. I love the ability to frame a roof in 3D, as a good example, and go inside to check clearances for ceilings and the ever-present valley rafter that creates havoc sometimes on living spaces. Has eliminated many quick "cuts" on paper to try and determine those types of things. I, like most of you, have clients who just can't visualize a 2D plan; 3D brings the entire project to life. I, for one, don't want to go back to "the good old days."

 

3D is the direction and who knows how that will be improved! How about components-parts? How about true BIM from a 3D model? Wouldn't that be a good idea? 

Very thought provoking!

I am from Indiana, but thought it would be interesting to hear from others as to what they think about the future of the residential design industry nationally.  Many CA users have navigated the changes in the industry over the years in a very successful way.  They must have done so by being able to adapt and by also having vision. 

Perry -- I believe you are right. It seems to me that most areas eventually follows California's lead, but it takes a long time to get there. 

Very interesting Lew!

By reading posts on this forum, I have noticed that many of you have witnessed many changes in the residential drafting/design industry over the years. Many of you were in the business when drawings were created by hand. Your success speaks volumes for your ability to adapt and stay ahead of the game.  

Even though I am not an architect, designer, or draftsman, I have spent many years in residential construction and have an interest in residential design. 

Due to the experiences that many of you have had, I thought it would be very interesting to get your thoughts/predictions concerning the short term and long term future of residential drafting/design. 

Some of the topics that may be of interest to all are listed below. 

* Technology advancements
* Client demands 
* Regulatory changes (Building department/code changes)
* Housing market strength 
* Office model (small firms, large firms, design/build)
* Additional services offered
* Design trends

* Designer licensing/training/education requirements
* Other

What do you all envision for the future?

I look forward to the interesting discussion. 

Good info. Thanks guys!

JM

Does anyone have or offer, know of, or have any opinions of another business or additional services that would compliment residential drafting or design?

Home Inspection?

Real Estate sales/brokerage?

Construction Cost Estimating?

Energy Auditing?

etc, etc,?

I do know that many offer general contracting or construction management, but this wouldn't be good if your primary client for design/drafting is other builders. 

All ideas, thoughts, and opinions are greatly appreciated!

How computer/tech savvy does one need to be to be successful using Chief Architect for drafting/design?  Thanks to all who reply!

Thanks to all who responded. I sincerely appreciate the feedback and advice. 

It sounds like many of you are self taught and self employed. From what I've gathered, your success has come from nothing less than hard work and dedication to learning along the way.  The advice and the sharing of your experiences is very inspiring. 

This is great information. I sure appreciate all of the advice!  I will take all that anyone is willing to share.  This forum is incredible!

This is great advice!