This might be interesting.

How about sharing some information about your vocation that most of the rest of us wouldn't know, one that gets that 'Well, I'll be darned' type of reaction.

I'm an architectural draftsman. Most people are pretty shocked at the cost of a set of drawings, some practically leave skid marks leaving the building. The cost for drawing up building plans can vary from 4% to 8% of the total cost of a project. Most of that cost stems from learning experiences of earlier work done by the architect. By that, I mean that the learning experiences from previous jobs comes into play. A good idea on paper doesn't necessarily turn out so great in reality. And in attempting to conceal architectural mistakes, an architect can only advise to plant hedges; doctors bury their mistakes.

A set of drawings are building instructions for a model, in this case, a life size model. They are merely instructions telling a person (the contractor) what the model is shaped like, how it is supposed to look, what materials are used in construction and how they are to be assembled. That, in a nutshell, is what construction drawings are.

That this job is a constant learning process, in that as soon as you learn most of the ins and outs of a process, another manufacturer will make something that makes that product / method of construction obsolete.

That the proliferation of computer aided drafting design (CAD) provided by software manufactures has made a much more design savvy client. If you think that designing your own home is difficult, you are wrong. Just think of what is important in your life. Don't cook; small kitchen saves money. You are handy with your hands; a crafts room or shop will cost some money but be well worth the effort.

At the same time, eliminate the cost of extra rooms if needed for storage. The typical bedroom adds about $15,000 to the cost of a home. Sell your excess or give it away, no need for that room.

Typical cost for a new home is about $35 per sq. ft. for starter homes, $40 for the average home, $45 - $50 for custom homes with fancy finishes / materials. This is just a rough idea, for those who are about to build their homes.

Who's next?

-- j.r. guerra in s. tx. (jrguerra@boultinghousesimpson.com), March 15, 2002

Answers

OK. Wholesale sales rep, manufacturers rep or as my boss has taken to calling me account mgr. or territory mgr. That is just what she calls me when she wants me to do more work and not have to pay me more. We manufacture trees, shrubs, evergreens, fruit, flowers. About 5000 acres in 4 states, and 40 acres under greenhouse. We are propagators and strickly growers. We sprout the seed for rootstock or to grow straight up as well as all the asexual production of clones, anything from tissue culture to sticking a hardwood cutting. If you live in the northewrn two thirds of North America you have probably planted a plant that we grew. If you live in the midwest or New England you definately have. I'm talking literally millions of trees or shrubs or whatever yearly. Largest climate controlled warehouse in the western hemisphere or at least thats what they like to say. It's pretty big. I could go on. Been their 15 years. John in Mn.

-- John in Mn. (nospam@mywork.com), March 15, 2002.

The cost of building a house is about $10 to $15 per SF more up here in North Texas. I have seen some homes in N. Dallas and Plano costing $90 to $100/SF to build. I call that conspicuous consumption. But my 2nd home in the country cost me all of $10/SF (not including land of course). Bought a used 14x70 mobile from a friend, moved it, fixed it up. Good investment since it helps me keep my sanity. My job - I am a real estate appraiser and consultant. My specialty - value enhancement studies for municipalities. How's that sound for boring? That's why I lurk here on this board...hope to learn something from the good folks who are happy living a simpler but fuller life. Ahhh.......goats, chickens, tractor stuff and a garden. And maybe a little golf on the side.

-- SteveD(TX) (smdann@swbell.net), March 16, 2002.

Okay, I'm game.

I am working for a micro electronics corp. We design and build components for cable TV, medical, military and automotive industries. In the 15 years that I've been there, I've watched the company go from 20 employees to almost 200.

I started at minimum wage and have worked up & up, holding positions in electronic circuit testing, quality control inspector, assembly trainer, and currently Document Controller. Never, never refuse to learn a new task!

Document Controller consists of organizing and distributing documents such as, but not limited to, drawings, bill of materials, quotes, CAD files, and component specifications. Documents for building a product are like tools. A construction worker needs a hammer, but also needs the blueprints showing what boards to hammer together. It's my responsiblity to provide all employees with what they need to build a correct product.

As j.r. stated, people are surprised when it comes to the design aspect of a job. Some designs are years in the making, approving and building of prototypes, before they are released. These behind-the- scenes jobs are required but seldom are they aware to Joe Q. Public.

This started as a temporary job for me, but 15 years later, here I am. Plans change and so do people. I am thankful to work for a caring company. Compromises are plentiful. They are understanding when I need to run home and check on my pregnant goats. This works both ways.

-- Charleen in WNY (harperhillfarm@yahoo.com), March 17, 2002.