There is a saying “people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan” and whoever originally penned it must have had experience in the home and cottage building and renovation business because it certainly applies. Whether you are building a house, cottage, boathouse or Bunkie there are a lot of details to be addressed and missed details can prove costly.
New house or cottage construction normally requires a detailed set of plans referred to as blueprints that give drawings and specifications for the building envelope, foundation, interior layout, services and finishes. Material lists can be prepared from these detailed plans and construction techniques finalized so that a budget can be struck and work begun. Zoning bylaw compliance, building permits and utility hook ups can also be coordinated from a proper set of blueprint drawings that may cost thousands of dollars to have an architectural firm produce.
Smaller projects don’t require such elaborate drawings but you still need a detailed plan to prepare material lists, costs and to request quotes from contractors. Even simple DIY projects such as fences and decks need drawings and plans to avoid repeated trips back to the building supply store for that overlooked item.
If you don’t have the experience or the time required to conceptualize a good working drawing of your project, calculate all the necessary material needed and recognize when building permits are required, then it is time to call a professional contractor. If you only need a little help and advice then the knowledgeable trained staff at a good building center should be able to meet your needs and provide you with some basic drawings.
Always have a plan before you begin your project and in the Parry Sound, Mactier and Georgian Bay area visit Mactier TIM-BR Mart at www.doidgetimbrmarts.ca for expert and helpful advice plus a wide selection of building supplies and tools to meet your needs.