Getting Started

What documents do I send?

To initiate the process, we'll need to set you up in our system and understand your requirements and desired level of detail. To accomplish this, we'll begin with a conversation, and then we'll need the following:

1. A PDF sample of one of your previous projects. This will serve as a visual guide for your drawing preferences, allowing us to determine the style and level of detail you desire.

2. Subsequently, please provide us with a previous project in AutoCAD format. This enables us to create a customized template for your drawings, incorporating elements such as line layers, dimension styles, text fonts, and your company logo. This template ensures that your drawings reflect your established presentation style.

   (If you haven't had shop drawings done before and lack the mentioned documents, we can assist you in developing your own drawing style and detail level to tailor your presentation.)

Once you're integrated into our system, we can proceed to quote a project. For this, we'll require the following documents:

1. Your project scope, outlining the items you've quoted for the project. This should include project details like Project Name, Location, General Contractor's name, and Architect's name. Specify the rooms you're responsible for and the items within those rooms, along with brief descriptions of the materials (e.g., laminate, wood veneer). This document should also highlight what you're not providing, such as cabinets but not stone tops, glass, plumbing, or electrical. This clarity helps us annotate the drawings accurately, ensuring everyone understands both what you're providing and what you're not.

2. All architectural documents relevant to the project, including drawings, addendums, Requests for Information (RFIs), and bulletins

3. Any additional insights you can provide from your understanding of the project, whether through emails, documents, or discussions.

   We will then consolidate this information to provide you with a detailed and easy-to-understand itemized quote. After reviewing the quote and approving it via email, we can proceed with your project.

What is your average turnaround time?

The turnaround time for a project depends on its size and complexity. However, you can specify your required timeline, and we will confirm whether we can meet it. Our project quotes include completion dates, which we have consistently met. Nonetheless, if essential information required for the project isn't promptly provided, the completion date might need adjustment.

Although the first project with us might take a bit longer as we familiarize ourselves with your requirements, for established clients, we typically start working on their projects within a few days of receiving them. Completion times vary, ranging from a day to several months, depending on the project's intricacy.

Project Specs

Are field checks included?

Field checks are not initially covered in the quote and are generally managed by clients themselves. Clients often perform field checks if they're using AutoCAD or make necessary adjustments based on their PDF sets.

Nevertheless, if field checks are necessary, we can assist. It's important to note that, as with most drafting services, we bear no liability for field checks not conducted by us. The provided field check dimensions are assumed to be from finish face to finish face unless explicitly noted otherwise, including the thickness of any absent material.

Field check dimensions are diligently applied and annotated as "collected by client." Clients are responsible for verifying the accurate application of dimensions, confirming the points of origin, termination, and modifications to meet the field check dimensions.

Are red lines included?

The red lines you add to your review set are covered in the original quote. However, red lines introduced by the architect or designer are not included, as these are unpredictable. Minor changes or clarifications (up to 15 minutes) won't incur extra charges. If red lines necessitate substantial adjustments, you might consider passing the additional costs to your client. In such cases, we'll provide a separate quote for the red line changes to help you estimate the cost for your client.

How will I receive my files?

Your review set and final submittal set will be sent to you in PDF format. Upon completion of the project and your request, we can provide the entire AutoCAD file. Additionally, we retain all project files for five years. Should you require them in the future, simply reach out to us.

Payment Details

How much will it cost?

The cost is influenced by controllable and uncontrollable factors:

Factors you control:

1. Desired detail level for your shop drawings.

2. Amount of information and communication you provide

Factors with minimal control:

1. Project size.

2. Quality of architectural documents provided.

3. Deadline date.

A rough estimate for drafting cost is 3% to 5% of your total millwork contract. The complexity of the project relative to the time required determines the range. All projects are quoted upfront, ensuring transparency in cost estimation.

What are your payment terms?

For the first few jobs, a 50% deposit is necessary before we commence your project. Final payment is required before you receive the final drawing set. Once a working relationship is established, you'll be invoiced for the full project amount upon receiving the final drawing set. Payment is expected within 15 days.

Do you accept Credit Cards?

In an effort to keep our costs low we currently do not accept credit cards. Payment by check is accepted.