CAD Smith anyone?

[3MPH Toy]

I've been designing the ideal garage in my mind for years but then I came across this CAD smith site. http://www.cadsmith.com/ I found a design that I'm particularly fond of and was wondering if anyone here had any previous experiences, feeling, or thoughts of this outfit?

This is the particular design that I'm interested in and believe this would suit me well. http://www.cadsmith.com/garage_plans/rv_garages/rv-3242.htm

Thanks!

 

[PAToyota]

I've never seen them specifically, but there are quite a few operations like that.

The two main issues are codes and whether you require sealed drawings in your location. PA uses IBC and they list CABO and BOCA - older codes and there are some differences. If you need sealed drawings, you would have to have a local engineer or architect review the plans and seal them for you.

 

[raffaelli]

your better off with http://www.virtualdraftingsolutions.com

 

[PAToyota]

your better off with http://www.virtualdraftingsolutions.com

Actually, you're in the same position with them as far as codes and sealing the drawings. Plus, you then have to go through the design process with them.

 

[3MPH Toy]

I've never seen them specifically, but there are quite a few operations like that.

The two main issues are codes and whether you require sealed drawings in your location. PA uses IBC and they list CABO and BOCA - older codes and there are some differences. If you need sealed drawings, you would have to have a local engineer or architect review the plans and seal them for you.

Thanks for the info, I did a quick search on both CABO and BOCA, it looks like I'm going to have study them both more. However in my search I did see on the PA labor and Industry site that some municipalities in Pennsylvania have adopted the Uniform Construction Code or UCC. Now I'm unclear if that is the same as CABO or BOCA or a modified version of either. This will surely be more bed side reading material.

Thanks again for you help.

Oh yeah, PA Toyota huh? I take it you're a Toyota fan too or should I say addict??

 

[PAToyota]

UCC is based on the International Construction Code - I wouldn't say "totally different" than CABO or BOCA, but enough different that I wouldn't call it a modified version of either of them either.

The first automotive bulletin boards I was on about fifteen years ago were Toyota related for my truck and the name sort of stuck.

 

[3MPH Toy]

I understand. Looks like I'll have to find me a copy of both of them then. I don't mind doing the research. besides I have at least two years before I even start my project.

Construction is an area that I've never really experienced yet but, I always find my interests drawn towards it.

I appreciat all the help/advice. If you ever need any help with your truck again, let me know I'd gladly be of service.

 

[PAToyota]

I wouldn't bother going to the trouble of checking out BOCA and CABO - unless you need to cure insomnia. I've got sets of ICC code books sitting on the shelf behind me, residential, commercial, existing buildings, fire code, energy conservation code, etc plus copies of BOCA and CABO and I haven't bothered to try to figure out all the differences between them unless something specific comes up to cross reference. Just make sure that you design to the UCC.

Recently the shop projects have taken a backseat to other things in life. But I'm really hoping to get back to spending time on the truck. Shoot me a PM if you are heading down this way for any of the Carlisle shows or anything like that.

 

[buening]

Hopefully all of those building codes will combine into one easy-to-use code

Go down to the adoption by regulation section here Due to the #2 provision, I would venture to guess that you are governed by the ICC (specifically the International Residential Code). It appears there are sections of the IBC (International Building Code) that govern as well as stated in the Applicability of Certain Buildings section. Now all that is left is to incorporate some Uniform Building Code provisions and you have the major codes covered

I'm glad I'm a bridge structural engineer, although AASHTO isn't much easier (over 2000 pages).

 

[PAToyota]

Well, the adopting the UBC was supposed to simplify things and make it just ONE code to follow. We used to do three projects less than ten miles apart and one was BOCA and the other was CABO and the third had adopted all sorts of crazy regulations specific to that one municipality. Unfortunately, there is still an awful lot of "interpretation" from one municipality to the next - or from one inspector to the next for that matter...

 

[raffaelli]

Actually, you're in the same position with them as far as codes and sealing the drawings. Plus, you then have to go through the design process with them.

Not really. Give them a call.

 

[raffaelli]

There are rather significant differences between BOCA - UBC - IBC.

PA is an interesting state with the L&I submissions.

<-----------does this stuff all day every day.

 

[PAToyota]

Not really. Give them a call.

They are a drafting service - so you'd still have the issue of needing a local engineer or architect to seal the drawings. Plus, if they are starting from scratch with the drawings you'd go through the design process with them - might as well just have a local professional do up the drawings for you.

<<< Does this stuff all day long too.

 

[raffaelli]

They are a drafting service - so you'd still have the issue of needing a local engineer or architect to seal the drawings. Plus, if they are starting from scratch with the drawings you'd go through the design process with them - might as well just have a local professional do up the drawings for you.

<<< Does this stuff all day long too.

They have an architect and structural engineer. Plus know the rules about when a stamp is needed and not.

 

[boiler7904]

They are a drafting service - so you'd still have the issue of needing a local engineer or architect to seal the drawings. Plus, if they are starting from scratch with the drawings you'd go through the design process with them - might as well just have a local professional do up the drawings for you.

<<< Does this stuff all day long too.

They have an architect and structural engineer. Plus know the rules about when a stamp is needed and not.

But what he's saying is that a lot of local AHJs won't accept plans from that type of service without a review letter that is signed and sealed by a local architect. Basically, the local architect or engineer reviews the drawings for local code compliance, structural integrity, and that it fits the site, and then puts his professional stamp on them. The stamp means that he is taking professional liability for the design. Architects and engineers don't do it for free because of the cost of error and omission insurance that covers their work.

<<<Does this stuff all day long too.

 

[PAToyota]

They have an architect and structural engineer. Plus know the rules about when a stamp is needed and not.

Yes, but are they licensed in PA? NJ? OH? Or just in NY where they are located? They make no mention of registrations held.

And besides, if I was hiring an architect, I'd go with someone local so that I could do the design process in person instead of trying to convey things over the phone or e-mail.

 

[raffaelli]

Yes, but are they licensed in PA? NJ? OH? Or just in NY where they are located? They make no mention of registrations held.

And besides, if I was hiring an architect, I'd go with someone local so that I could do the design process in person instead of trying to convey things over the phone or e-mail.

38 states

 

[raffaelli]

But what he's saying is that a lot of local AHJs won't accept plans from that type of service without a review letter that is signed and sealed by a local architect. Basically, the local architect or engineer reviews the drawings for local code compliance, structural integrity, and that it fits the site, and then puts his professional stamp on them. The stamp means that he is taking professional liability for the design. Architects and engineers don't do it for free because of the cost of error and omission insurance that covers their work.

<<<Does this stuff all day long too.

Got it covered

 

[PAToyota]

38 states

That gets pretty expensive... Not many places actually do that.

Since they went to that expense, I'd think they'd provide the registration information on the website.