jmyers

To be more clear, I've considered the following options:

1. Attempt to sub work initially from another fairly local CA user to learn the "business" (CA and drafting). 

2. Purchase the software. Get to where I feel comfortable in marketing my services. Pay a trainer/mentor to review my plans and assist when I have questions. 

3. Purchase the software. Get to where I feel comfortable in marketing my services. Pay another CA user to complete jobs that are to complex for me until I get more experience. 

4. Any other feasible option

Thanks to all who assist with my inquiry!

What is the best way to slowly transition into the residential drafting industry using chief architect?  My ultimate goal would be to be self employed and earn enough to support my family within a couple of years or so. 

Background about me:

* 15+ years in residential construction management
* Been on thousands of residential new construction and remodel projects
* Have designed new homes and remodels for spec and custom projects
* Performed material take offs from hundreds of house plans
* Have years of hands on construction experience in addition to the management 
* Bachelors in Business Administration

I currently have a very good job that pays very well with outstanding benefits. However, I have a very strong interest in using CA to draw plans for other builders and individuals. 

I'm in southern Indiana and plan requirements for permits are not very stringent at this time. Most jurisdictions require a foundation plan, floor plan, and exterior elevations. The plans do not have to be stamped by an engineer or architect. 

I downloaded a trial version of CA and can draw a typical 2016 ranch home without much issue.  However, I know that I am nowhere near where I would need to be with using the software to market myself at this time. 

I feel like I have a very strong background to succeed, but know that there is a ton about the "business" (CA software and residential drafting) that I do not know. 

So, what is the best way to ease into the residential drafting profession using chief architect?

Thanks to all for the advice!

7 hours ago, payettedesigns said:

Do you have SSA? I have only come up with a few things that were not addressed in videos or forums and had to just plow through. What is it that you are struggling with?  There is some awesomely talented guys on here that would help. How long have you been using Chief? Let me know if there is anything I can do.

Cheers.

I haven't purchased CA yet. I have the trial version and it seems fairly easy to learn the basics.  However, I do understand that it takes years to become a very strong user.  

What did/do you do when you are drawing a set of plans for a client and run into an issue (something you don't know how to draw with CA) that you just can't figure out to complete the plan?  You've watched videos, read training manuals, posted to this forum, etc. I don't currently have that issue; just asking as a hypothetical. 

Thanks to all that respond. 

Great. I figured there would be some users in the Indy area.

Joey - Yes. I know him. He has drawn several plans for me in the past. Surely that are at least a few other users in southern and central Indiana.

Joey,

Do you know of any Chief users south of Indy?

I am looking for Chief users in southern and central Indiana for possible future networking.

My question refers mainly to doing onsite measuring and then creating the floor plan drawing for a Realtor to use for marketing purposes. Thanks to all who reply!

Do any of you draw as built floor plans for Realtors for their listings? I am curious if there would be much demand for this type of service.

Do any of you sell stock plans? If so, is it very beneficial to your business?

It seems like a good way to build a portfolio and enter the business.

That is very interesting Lew. I obtained my Indiana real estate license in 2002 and still have an active Indiana RE Managing Broker eligible license at this time. As a Realtor, I was using my license for residential market data, lot purchases, spec home sales, and investment sales; along with a few other client purchases/sales a year.

I have noticed a couple of websites where a residential design or drafting company also offered other services. One company offered new construction energy auditing/consulting and another offered home inspection services.

Do any of you offer any additional related services, other than construction, to complement you drafting or design business? For example, construction cost estimating, material take-offs, real estate brokerage, energy auditing/consulting, etc. for builders? If so, how well does it help your business?

I know this doesn't help the OP much since he is in California, but thought I would share just for interest. In southern Indiana fees for drafting work and design work are approximately $0.50 per SF of heated space or $50 per hour. These fees are for a very basic set of plans (floor plan, elevations, and foundation plan) with very limited details. This doesn't include any engineering, framing plans, mechanical plans, etc.

Griffin -- What is included in the plans in the Michigan area?

I'm in southern Indiana.

Great info here everyone. Thanks!

The encouragement and willingness to share information by those on this forum is incredible.

I already have the IRC code book and study it often. This is all great advice! I sure appreciate it and welcome all of the advice/thoughts anyone is willing to share.

I have designed several homes and remodel projects in which I handed over my designs to a draftsman to draw up for the permit application.

Now, I would like to learn Chief and draw for other builders and remodelers. However, my biggest fear is making a structural mistake.

I'm in the Midwest and plan requirements by the building department for permit application are very basic (foundation plan, floor plan, and elevations). Engineered roof and floor systems do not have to be submitted for permit application. The lumber suppliers have to submit them when the floor and roof packages are delivered to the site.

Not too long ago, I asked "What is the best way to learn Chief?" and the responses were very amazingly helpful.

So, what is the best way for someone to learn single family residential drafting/design without wanting to become an architect?

I have read on this forum where many are self taught draftspersons/designers.

I have 15+ years in residential construction and remodeling management. Therefore, I have a very strong foundation. However, I realize that my knowledge is probably very limited compared to experienced draftspersons/designers.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

With the increase in government regulations and design requirements from the building departments, what does everyone think about the future of the small 1-5 person shop that does residential drafting/design for builders and homeowners? Will we soon see a day where all single family dwelling building plans for permit application will have to be produced by licensed engineers or architects? I'm sure it is getting close to this in some parts of the country. I'm in the Midwest and it isn't there yet, but I wonder if it will be in the future.

I am estimating an initial cost of approximately $15,000 to start a home based drafting business. This is to cover the cost of a computer, additional hardware, printer/scanner/copier combo, CA premier software, additional software, website, marketing materials, insurance, training, LLC formation, etc.

Am I in the ballpark with my cost estimate?

Thanks to all for the feedback!

Thanks to all for all of the advice and information. It is greatly appreciated!

Great info. Thanks to all!

Lew,

Thanks for sharing your personal experience.

I sure appreciate all of the sincere advise. It really helps with future planning!