CAD drawing windows - LBC

[paulb33]

Hi All,

I probably need to make some drawings of the windows for Listed Building Consent and Building Regs. I'm reluctant to instruct an architect for such a mundane task. The windows really are very crude.

Has anyone tried to make these drawings themselves? Any free software on t'internet? Tips and guidance very welcome.

Regards,

Paul

 

[plasticpigeon]

I hate CAD, for something simple like a window, where there is a certain art to getting the proportions correct, isn't it better to do it by hand??

 

[Owain]

most areas have someone who 'draws plans' and most Building Control officers will know someone if you ask them nicely and unofficially.

 

[Flyfisher]

Mrs FF has become very adept at using Google Sketchup and has created a very detailed 3D model of our house, which was very useful during our last LBC application. Not so much for creating drawings for formal submission but definitely for visualising ideas and viewing them from various angles and elevations. When the final decisions were made we used an architect to make the formal drawings. But, like most capable software, there is quite a learning curve involved and Mrs FF has burned a lot of midnight oil climbing that curve.

As far as windows are concerned, I've used drawings from our window suppliers for one LBC application and also our own drawings for our last submission. I don't think they have to be particularly artistic but they do need to be detailed enough for someone to actually manufacture them. The same drawings used to describe them to a manufacturer should be sufficient for an LBC application, or vice versa.

It can be frustrating having to pay for drawings and plans, and DIY can save a lot of money, but they are an essential part of any significant works, not just for the bureacracy involved but also (and mainly) for one's own satisfaction that the works are properly described and specified. Without such documentation, how can anyone be instructed to do the required work and, even if the work itself is DIY, how can it be shown that the consent has been adhered to?

 

[timinder]

I'd like to chip in here and add that Sketchup is a very capable program, (relatively) easy to get to grips with and can output professional results.

I use the Pro version at work and it comes with an additional program called LayOut which allows you to create technical drawings with as much detail as anyone could ask for.
Lots of architects and design professionals use this software now, and there's a great forum http://sketchucation.com/forums for support.

I think it's still possible to download a time limited trial of the pro version, so it might be worth getting the free Sketchup, making your model and then downloading the pro version to use Layout...

 

[JohnB]

No use for details like windows, but I'm using Sweet Home 3D for the floor plan I'm doing at the moment. It's pretty good for getting wall dimensions accurate, and finding where the house isn't square! Details like doors and windows come a from a library that doesn't have anything quite like I want, but is good enough for what I'm doing. When I've drawn the alterations I've done, I'll be e-mailing the results to an architect, so will see if he thinks it's good enough to keep any bureaucrats I need to contact happy.
http://www.sweethome3d.com

 

[paulb33]

I'd like to chip in here and add that Sketchup is a very capable program, (relatively) easy to get to grips with and can output professional results.

I use the Pro version at work and it comes with an additional program called LayOut which allows you to create technical drawings with as much detail as anyone could ask for.
Lots of architects and design professionals use this software now, and there's a great forum http://sketchucation.com/forums for support.

I think it's still possible to download a time limited trial of the pro version, so it might be worth getting the free Sketchup, making your model and then downloading the pro version to use Layout...

That's great! Thank you.

Fortunately, one of the joiners I'm talking to has offered to do the drawings. Now THAT'S service. Why are the trades/architects/etc so reluctant to help with a restoration project? No wonder Britain is going to the dogs.. :evil:

I may use this software for some of the other jobs I'm tackling.

 

[Penners]

Keep in mind that there are very few architectural details that you can't draw in 2D with a simple selection of shape tools such as rectangles, ellipses, lines and curves. A window, for example, is simply a series of rectangles.

I'm a big fan of Serif software. It's reasonably priced and very capable. I have done all of my drawings with it for various LBCs, Planning consents, and so on. It's saved me a packet!

You can get a free "Starter" version of their DrawPlus package. You might find it worthwhile to try it out for future such jobs:

http://www.serif.com/FreeDownloads/?mc=SERPPCFDBrand&gclid=CMS99oHGkboCFU_HtAodDxcAXw

PS: I have no association with Serif, so this is not thinly disguised advertising!