Kapital Drafting & Design ^L.C.

A drafter, draughtsman or draftsman can all be used interchangeably. A drafter is technically not the correct use of the word but it is used in the industry. A draftsman is someone whose job it is to make drawings that will be used to make things such as buildings, machines, etc. (taken from Merriam-Webster, not verbatim). A draughtsman is the British English form of the American English, draftsman. In many cases, engineers or architects may have a team of draftsmen and draftswomen that they utilize to complete their projects. Draftsmen usually have a working knowledge of the discipline they choose to draft in.

Architects and draftsmen both contribute to building design but in different ways. Architects handle the overall design, aesthetics, and functionality of buildings, requiring formal education and licensing. Draftsmen, on the other hand, specialize in creating detailed technical drawings and can develop a complete set of construction plans from start to finish. While architects focus on the conceptual and creative aspects, draftsmen ensure these ideas are accurately translated into precise, workable plans. At Kapital, our expertise allows us to independently produce comprehensive plan sets, ensuring your project is ready for construction.

A common misconception is that you "must" hire an architect or engineer to get a set of house plans drawn. While they can be helpful, they are not always necessary. Architects undergo extensive education and testing and have added responsibilities to protect public interests. However, draftsmen can often provide the same detailed and precise construction plans, especially for residential projects or simpler designs. The choice depends on your project's scope: for complex, large-scale projects, an architect may be beneficial. For straightforward residential builds, a draftsman can efficiently create a comprehensive plan set from start to finish, often at a lower cost.

For projects involving complex configurations or those that exceed the provisions of the IRC, an engineer may be required. However, we recommend that clients do not hire an engineer prior to planning and designing. At Kapital, we assess the need for an engineer as we progress through the design process. If we determine that engineering input is necessary, we will inform you and handle the communication with any engineers or engineering firms. We work with various different engineers throughout the central Maryland and lower Pennsylvania regions. This approach ensures that you only engage an engineer when it’s truly needed, saving you time and resources.

The IRC, or International Residential Code, is a comprehensive guide for residential construction, encompassing over 1,000 pages of codes and standards. It covers various aspects of building, including structural requirements, safety measures, and standard engineering practices. At Kapital, we adhere to the latest edition of the IRC to ensure our projects meet current regulations. While the IRC provides guidelines for when a design engineer is needed, most residential projects fall within its scope, allowing us to create complete and compliant plans without requiring additional engineering input. International Code Council website

Defining your project budget is essential for ensuring a successful and efficient design process. Homeowners may assume that their entire budget can be spent solely on living space, but it's important to account for all costs, including design, permits, and contingencies. At Kapital, we assist clients in keeping their projects within budget by aligning the design with their financial limits from the start. We help you understand the true scope of your budget, preventing costly surprises and ensuring that the design remains realistic and achievable. However, please note that we do not provide pricing for the constructed finalized project; we only provide design pricing for our services. Total project costs should be estimated by a contractor or estimator using a complete set of construction documents. International Code Council website

A building permit is a formal approval from a local government authority that allows you to begin construction on an existing or new residence. Building permits are a crucial step in the construction process, ensuring that all work complies with local codes and standards. Obtaining permits can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the process. While contractors often handle the permit applications, homeowners can also apply for permits themselves. There are various types of permits involved in residential construction. Typically, the process begins with a building permit application, which is considered the primary permit for single-lot residential construction. Once the building permit is approved, additional permits for electrical, plumbing, and grading work are "attached" to it. These permits collectively ensure that all aspects of the construction project meet safety and quality standards, with inspections conducted at different stages to enforce compliance.

The requirements for a building permit vary based on the project size, scope, and complexity. For most residential new home and addition projects, you will need a set of construction documents and a building permit application, usually available on county websites. Once the application is completed and submitted to the county along with the construction documentation, the county will conduct a review process. This typically includes an intake review, zoning review, plan review, and a health department review (for properties with private wells and septic systems) before approving the building permit.

Regarding who should apply for a building permit, both homeowners and contractors can do so. However, we recommend that homeowners let the contractor handle the permit application. Homeowners who live in the residence can apply for a building permit in their name, but this approach comes with significant responsibilities and potential liabilities. Homeowners who apply for the permit essentially take on the role of the general contractor, responsible for interacting with subcontractors, scheduling inspections, dealing with county officials, and managing other tasks typically handled by a professional contractor. This can be overwhelming and risky without proper experience.

If a general contractor suggests that the homeowner apply for the permit to offer a lower bid, the homeowner should be cautious. While this may seem like a cost-saving measure, it can lead to significant issues and unexpected costs. We have seen firsthand how costly this can be despite the contractor offering a lower bid.

Kapital recommends that the general contractor apply for the permit in their company's name using their company's MHIC (Maryland Home Improvement Commission) or builder's license number. This ensures that the project is properly insured and that the contractor is liable for any issues that arise, providing peace of mind and protection for the homeowner.

The cost of a building permit varies widely depending on the size and location of the project. Factors influencing the cost include the type of construction, local regulations, and specific requirements such as impact fees for new construction or area-specific taxes like school excise taxes, for projects located in certain school districts. In general, permit costs can range from as low as $100 for minor projects to several thousand dollars for larger or more complex developments. It's important to check with your local permitting office to get an accurate estimate based on your specific project and location.

In our experience, the cost of the permit for either new or existing construction is related to the size and location of the project. Some permits can be as low as $100 or as high as 000's +.

A drafter, draughtsman or draftsman can all be used interchangeably. A drafter is technically not the correct use of the word but it is used in the industry. A draftsman is someone whose job it is to make drawings that will be used to make things such as buildings, machines, etc. (taken from Merriam-Webster, not verbatim). A draughtsman is the British English form of the American English, draftsman. In many cases, engineers or architects may have a team of draftsmen and draftswomen that they utilize to complete their projects. Draftsmen usually have a working knowledge of the discipline they choose to draft in.