Vent: I went with manual drafting for a whole house plan and people said I was crazy

Had to pick between using our office's new CAD software or my old drafting table for a big 2,500 sq ft project last fall. Everyone said the software was faster, but I chose the board and paper. It took me three full weeks, not the one week they promised with the computer. But the client loved the feel of the hand-drawn elevations and said it showed care. The contractor even said fewer mistakes showed up on site. Has anyone else stuck with manual for a full set lately, or am I the last one?

3 comments

3 Comments

wade_lewis2mo ago

Was the extra time really worth it for a feeling? Most clients just need a correct, buildable plan fast, and software does that. You can still put care into a digital drawing without losing two weeks.

garcia.wade2mo ago

Used to agree with @wade_lewis, but holding the final hand-drawn plans changed how I see the whole job.

emery3562mo ago

So what exactly are we saving those two weeks for? If the client gets a correct plan either way, but one method leaves them actually feeling connected to the work, isn't that the better product? Speed just gives you more time to chase the next thing.