Recommendations For A Student

Rusto

It doesn't seem like this section is as busy as the others but lets try. This is my first post on this site but I will be back all the time.
Basically my situation. I am a 21 year old student who will be done school in a couple months from a program with great AutoCAD/ADT/LDD courses. Long story short I am going to be beginning a career in the residential CAD drafting industry in the next couple months, I just can't decide how.
I have experience in residential construction(helping build a house from the ground up) and I have the utmost confidence in my skills from school(drafting, estimating, structural design, basically anything a construction technologist could do.) I've just heard lots of different advice from people, some saying I should jump into starting a business, others saying to get some experience first with a established drafting company. I just feel that right now out of school, I am ready. Is there any reason why I shouldn't start up a one man business. I know I have alot to learn in the real world about the industry but thats half the fun. What do you think an owner/contractor would think about a self employed 21 year old with drawing their plans.
Any input is great, I am trying to learn as much as I can. You can't Edit:Undo in the real world.

Susan Betz

Work for somebody else for a while and cash up. Also, if you're not an engineer/architect, you can't stamp plans. Hard to run a one-man show without that.

__________________
Fences of Distinction, Ocala, FL
http://www.fencesofdistinction.com

Rusto

As part of the standardized process, the Ontario Building Code now requires that all plans being submitted for a building permit be reviewed by qualified & registered Ontario designers. Each designer must have a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) & complete a Schedule 1 form in the building permit application.

I'm sure it depends where you live, but this is what I am talking about.

Susan Betz

Who will your clients be?

__________________
Fences of Distinction, Ocala, FL
http://www.fencesofdistinction.com

HallisseyDesign

Did you get your LC for drafting or the stamp persay from school? If so then work for somebody and figure out if you really want to do the one man show. I have a friend who does it and it is not the easiest of lives he runs. Money in any business is hard when you work and then you run your own books. Try for a couple of years working for somebody and getting your name out there for what you can do then move on to your own company and get 1 or 2 guys like you were and teach them what you know then you can move up and on in life with bringing in a steady income. A one man show is a lot of work.

Kgmz

I was also wondering about the architect or engineers stamp on the plans when I first read this. So I has to go and search.

You can be a designer and draw the house plans and submit them, but for the structural you will need to hire a engineer or architect depending on the local municipality.

Some of the categories for this new designer thing.
House
Small Buildings
HVAC - House
Plumbing - House
Etc.
Etc.


Building - Structural (which requires that you be a licensed Structural Engineer or Architect)


Now most of the people I have known through the years that went to drafting school ended up doing something else. One the money was not there that they tell you before school, Second its a tough gig on your own if you are not a Architect or Engineer. The only person that I now that is still a Draftsmen is my cousin who works at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and of course this is a government funded job which pays fairly well and he's not drafting houses.

When I was young I was going to go to school and become a Architect, but then I thought it would be so boring sitting in a office every day and just drawing every day for the rest of my life. And this was back in the day when you did draw. Instead I became a contractor, and I have normally always drawn my own plans and have a structural engineer that I use to check, do the calculations and stamp the plans.


I would suggest that you start a internship or get a part time job while you are in school, doing drafting. So that you can see if and what fields of drafting you like. And get the real scoop from people that are already in the business in your area.

ddb maine

Interesting. I'm 24, with a bachelors in architectural engineering. I didnt catch your major. I started my own small scale gig. I love every minute of it and I get more respect than alot of the older guys. I'm not about to do drawings for a 2K sf house, but I do the drawings and design work for small additions and remodels. I'm not sure of codes where you live but I can "design" up to 3,500 cubic feet, which is a good sized addition.
In terms of respect it has alot to do with where you are I'm in maine, and there are ALOT of hacks, terrible terrible work. Absolutely horrendous. Its a simple explanation that always goes well. I cost more because I'll be here monday morning, and my phone wont be shut off half way through. When there's a problem a year from now I'll still be here..
Running your own business isnt about being the best at a specific trade. Theres alot to running a business. There are some excellent and insightfull posts on here about the topic.
Can you work completely independent? Can you offer something that isnt already offered? Can you stand out from everyone else? Can you deal with the pressures and pleasures of Running your own business. only you can answer those and good for that I have an estimate to finish.

dream it do it