Contract Documents
This is the set of working drawings and specifications for your project; the contractor will build according to this set of documents. Contract documents come in a variety of levels.
The basic permit set is a "bare bones" set, containing only enough information to obtain a building permit. Details will be few. If you intend to work extremely closely with the builder and refine details as the job progresses, this may be the extent of your working drawings. A set with minimal information can mean surprises during the project, both in terms of construction cost and detail. For example, you may have wanted solid core doors, but find that the builder only included enough money for hollow core units because doors were not specified.
The other end of the spectrum is a detailed set, which includes schedules for everything from cabinet hardware to lighting and plumbing fixtures. It may include tile specifications and pattern drawings, millwork design and details, interior elevations – whatever specific and special information your project requires. This type of set is more expensive in terms of architectural fees, but means that the builder will be able to price specific choices and have details to guide the project to completion. This type of set requires the owner and architect to design, detail, and select and specify all the finishes in the project prior to the bidding and negotiation phase.
The basic permit set is a "bare bones" set, containing only enough information to obtain a building permit. Details will be few. If you intend to work extremely closely with the builder and refine details as the job progresses, this may be the extent of your working drawings. A set with minimal information can mean surprises during the project, both in terms of construction cost and detail. For example, you may have wanted solid core doors, but find that the builder only included enough money for hollow core units because doors were not specified.
The other end of the spectrum is a detailed set, which includes schedules for everything from cabinet hardware to lighting and plumbing fixtures. It may include tile specifications and pattern drawings, millwork design and details, interior elevations – whatever specific and special information your project requires. This type of set is more expensive in terms of architectural fees, but means that the builder will be able to price specific choices and have details to guide the project to completion. This type of set requires the owner and architect to design, detail, and select and specify all the finishes in the project prior to the bidding and negotiation phase.
