One thing we have come to learn during our build is that the level of detail contained in architectural plans is not the same as what is needed to construct a house. A set of detailed drawings are needed to precisely communicate how the "lego kit" fits together. The key areas to get right are the interfaces eg where the roof meets the guttering, which in turn meets the top of the timber cladding.
In our case there are a number of factors which we think are increasing the need for highly detailed design, including:
- This is a Modern Method of Construction (MMC) build not a traditional build where the trades involved have a body of knowledge, and some wiggle room, on how to construct a house using traditional (sometimes centuries old) methods. Whereas in our case some of the finer details are being worked out for the first time [note - we are extremely happy with our SIP build and its eco credentials and believe MMC is the way forward]
- Precision is important, particularly because we need the house to be air-tight; so, for example, thought and design needs to go into how elements like guttering and balconies are fixed to the super structure to maintain airtightness and the structural integrity of the SIP panels
- Everyone wants to the best job - we are fortunate to have a great team working on our house who want to make sure everything comes together in a way that is structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing and will last for the long-term. No corners are being cut (phew)!
This level of design comes with its pressures and costs, and if detailed design drawings are not ready early enough this can lead to on-site delays.
We are about to move into the next stage of our build, the internal fit out, which is much less specialised for MMC and so will need less detailed design. The normal steps of battening out, first fix electrics and plumbing ... are more standard but still need good communication channels to be in place especially between us, as the end customers, and the builders. For example, we need to be clear where we want the power sockets and light switches, where we are going to hang heavy items such as vanity units and TVs, what finishes we want for floors ... the list goes on!
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