When do you need an Architect?

An Architect is sometimes specifically required to be used on a project. The reason for this is due to the complexity and liability that is involved in the project. The building code states that any Part 3 project requires to be overseen by an Architect. Part 9 buildings require the oversight of an Architect as recommended by the authority having jurisdiction over it, due to the complexity or scope of the project, or when there are more than five residential units, or there are multiple professionals involved that in itself require a Coordinated Registered Professional. An Architect is also required to confirm the occupancy load for the use in liquor licenses.

 

Who makes all the regulations?

The British Columbia building code is published by the provincial government and is based on the national building code. The city of Vancouver has a federal exception to have their own building code. All the rules are either in the building code or provincially or federally regulated.

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When do you need a Building Permit?

Maintenance does not require a building permit. Renovations do.
The building code recognizes that there is a difference between maintenance and renovations. The building code states that when one replaces one item for exactly the same item it is considered maintenance. However, when the items differ in any way, it is considered a renovation.

 

What is a Part 3 building?

A building with an area of more than 600 SM. Have any occupancy specifically A, B or F1.

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What is a Coordinating Registered Professional or CRP?

A CRP is a professional Engineer or Architect who coordinates the design and the professional sealed documents called schedules.

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When do you need an Engineer?

In Whistler, an Engineer is required by the RMOW whenever a floor or roof is proposed. In part 3 buildings, when the architect determines that the work cannot be done without the input from an engineer, whether it be Electrical, Structural, Mechanical.

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Is a deck also considered a floor and/or roof?

​Yes, a deck is considered both a floor and a roof.

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What can I afford?

The building area is our starting point for understanding what the building costs are going to be. We actually approach this from the budget side. By knowing how much money the clients want to spend and the type of finishes they would like, we can estimate a cost per square foot. We can then form our program around the square foot price and the budget number. For instance, if the clients are looking at spending $500,000 and we have estimated a cost of $250 per square foot,  then we can work towards a total building area of 2000 square feet.
Then comes the big question. What can we get for $250 per square foot? The answer is somewhat ‘grey’. Different contractors can provide different value for money. The best way is to show the client homes they have built for the same price per square foot. That way the client gets a very good idea what this number can get them, maybe they decide to spend more money, are happy with less, or if it is exactly where they want to be.

 

What is Programming and Site Analysis?

The project program and the site analysis give us the first indications of whether the cost estimations and the design quality expectations are feasible.

​The program is a list of rooms and the areas connected to them. It takes the areas of the walls into account and is based on typical room sizes allowing proper furniture layouts.

​The Site Analysis gives us information on construction cost, how the building can relate to the site and starts to give us a feel for light, view and shapes that will work the best for that particular site. Choosing a natural fit is usually a lot less expensive than forcing a shape unto a site.

 

What is the Concept?

​​During concept drawings we begin to review shapes and sizes, and show some stuff on paper. When the concept drawings are finished, we have an idea of the building shape, design style and building area.​​

The building shape derives from aspects like the views on site, the need for different light in different rooms and the approach angles for driveways to mention a few. A restrictive lot size will also have an impact on the shape of the building.

As a rule, DVAD Inc. does not have a design style. We design for what our clients wants and what the building and lot wants to come together as to make a new whole.​​​

The building area is how we start working towards making sure that the construction is going to be on budget. The cost per square foot is the main starting point to accomplish this.​
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What is Design Development?

Design development is when we take an approved conceptual design and develop it by adding detail, while ensuring that the local bylaws and building codes are met. The design development shows the building in 3D anWhat is Design Development?

​The Building Permit is a document issued by the Authority having jurisdiction, also called the local municipality, that allows one to do construction on a building, whether it is building, or demolition work.​

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What are Construction Drawings?

The construction drawings consist of two aspects; the Architectural side and the Interior Design side.​​

The Architectural Construction Drawings are extremely detailed drawings, identifying and allowing quantification of materials. As all materials are identified, the contractor can provide realistic prices to the project as a whole.

The Interior Design Construction Drawings show the design intent of details that are difficult to show in the Architectural drawings by using a Design program instead of an Architectural detailing program. The samples provided clearly show how everything from faucets to tile grout colours have been preselected, ensuring a coherent design while knowing upfront what the construction costs will be.

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What do you do in the Construction Process?

The Construction process is the most stressful part of the project. Without construction drawings, hundreds of decisions will await the owners as the build goes along, and it will become harder to achieve a coherent design.

The foremost reason that drives projects over budget is when changes are made by the owners to the project during the construction phase. It is difficult to properly visualize the conceptual and the design development drawings, and it can be even harder to understand what the finished space will feel and look like based on the experience during site visits on the construction site. Trusting the construction team that has been put together is the biggest money saver once construction has started, and will help many owners achieve what they are working towards.

 

What forms do I need?

A wide variety of permit application forms exist. Many permits have basic requirements that accompany them all. Details can be found on the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) website.