Advanced Planning and Building Design

It goes without saying that the Client, Architect, Structural Engineer, and the Builder all need to have the same expectations of how the building should be designed, fabricated, and delivered to the jobsite. A home’s architectural elements and design intent largely determine the structure’s cost-efficiency.

With this in mind, a systematic and coordinated approach to a building’s architectural and structural design is paramount for a successful build. This is especially true when the process of construction utilizes systems-built components such as wall panels, floor panels, and roof panels.

Regarding these factory or systems-built components, advance planning, and consideration of the following items during the design process will allow for a more cost effective and successful project:

1. Doors and Windows (Actual Units and Rough Opening Sizes)

2. Penetrations for Plumbing Drain, Waste, and Vent piping (Locations and Sizes)

3. Heating and Ventilation Grilles and Vents (Locations and Sizes)

4. Radiant Heat Manifolds and Control Valve access panels.

5. Specialty Niches, Alcoves, and Wall Features

6. Special Framing Conditions, Fireplaces, Ceiling Vaults, Roll-In-Showers, etc.

7. Lateral and Vertical Resistance Hardware (Locations and Sizes)

8. Site Limitations (Access Constraints, Available space for staging of Equipment and Materials)

9. Product Specifications (Lumber, Trusses, Joists, Beams, etc.)

10. Interior and Exterior Finishes and Installation Requirements.

11. Overall Building Performance and Warranty Expectations

12. Availability of Skilled Subcontractor Labor

To obtain more information on how Stillwater Building Systems can aid in evaluating these advance planning considerations for your project, please contact us at info@swbuilt.com