Drafting Services FAQs

As-built and existing-condition documentation, LiDAR scanning and drone site capture, 3D modeling and visualization, design drawings and bid sets, and ADU plans and permit-ready construction documents. Most of it starts with documenting what is actually there and ends with a set somebody can build or submit from. We draw and permit basic tenant improvements that don't need an architect. On larger commercial projects we work alongside your architect or engineer.

Yes. Residential remodels, additions and ADUs are the bulk of it, then new custom homes. We draw and permit basic tenant improvements that don't need an architect. On larger commercial projects we work alongside your architect or engineer. Multi-family, industrial and agricultural buildings are outside what we take on.

Yes. We draw and permit basic tenant improvements that don't need an architect. On larger commercial projects we work alongside your architect or engineer. We also scan commercial spaces and produce as-built and existing-condition documentation for them.

Neither. We are draftsmen, and we are clear about that because it sets expectations properly. We do not prepare structural or civil plans. Where a project needs them, they come from the project engineer and we coordinate our drawings to what they specify. The same goes for surveys: boundary and topographic work is a licensed surveyor’s, and we work to their control.

Both, depending on the size of the job. On custom homes and larger projects there is normally a designer or architect leading, and we support them: measured existing conditions, design drawings, bid sets and the production behind a submittal. On small scopes where a separate designer would not be warranted, a simple ADU or a modest interior remodel, we handle the design ourselves. We would rather tell you which of those your project is than blur it.

Permit-ready drawings as PDF and the working CAD file, plus the 3D model where the scope includes one, and photorealistic renderings where visualization is part of it. LiDAR scans and drone imagery come with the capture work, and the raw point cloud is available as an add-on. Everything lands in a client portal, so your team pulls the current version rather than working from whatever was last emailed.

We prepare complete permit-ready drawings and coordinate with licensed professionals or engineers when a professional stamp is required by the jurisdiction or project scope.

Yes, we prepare and organize submittal packages, assist with intake requirements, and support corrections and resubmittals during plan review.

Our drawing sets are tailored to both your needs, and local jurisdiction requirements. We create multiple types of sets including as-builts, design sets, and construction document permit-ready drawings. These can include anything from floor plans, site plans, elevations, roof and ceiling plans, schedules, details, notes, energy reports, cabinetry specs, material and fixtures schedules, etc.

Yes. We regularly pick up projects mid-stream, whether that means completing a partial set, revising drawings from another firm, or redlining and updating an existing permit set. We review the existing documents, verify field conditions where needed, and bring everything into a coordinated, submittal-ready package.

Yes, we can provide any of our services independently from the others, which allow for flexibility on projects with tight budgets, or multiple consultants. We can create space plans for you without needing to provide full CD sets.

Yes, we use the latest and greatest CAD and rendering software to create high-level, coordinated 3D models and photorealistic renderings. Unsure what your plans will really look like? We can turn your construction document set into a 3D model for visualization and space planning.

Yes, if you already have existing plans from when your building was constructed, remodeled, or from an architect, we can use these plans to create a 3D model. Typically, we will come to site at least once to confirm that the plans represent what was actually constructed.

Yes, however, renderings are used for space planning and visualization, though certain jurisdictions and permit types (e.g. Conditional use permit, HOA approval), will require renderings. Our renderings are created based on true geometry and will be a great support in your approval process when needed.

Yes, on almost all permit submittals we will coordinate with at least one outside engineer / consultant, unless the project is limited in scope, or doesn’t otherwise need structural / civil / energy engineering.

We will tell you what we notice. Pulling the zoning and working out what the lot will take is properly the designer's or planner's job, and on larger projects that is who should be doing it. But we are in the records and on the site early, so if something looks likely to cause trouble, a setback that does not work or a height that will not clear, we raise it rather than quietly drawing it.

Yes, we have great relationships with the local building departments and coordinate with them frequently to ensure our plans are held to the highest standards.

Yes, we offer comprehensive ADU services all the way from site planning, to design, to construction documents, and permit submission. We will work with you to determine what type & size ADU will work best for your property given your needs, and local building / planning codes. See ADU plans and permits.

Yes, we pride ourselves in our attention to detail and will create the highest level as-builts your money can buy! We use a high-accuracy, high-density LiDAR scanner and a drone, combined with a full site measurement, to bring the greatest level of accuracy to your project.

Hand sketches and conceptual drawings can be a great starting point for us to understand your project’s scope and begin researching applicable codes. We can also use hand sketches to produce rough 3D models for space planning and visualization purposes.

During design, simple revisions are expected and do not result in any changes to the project quote. If a complete overhaul to your project occurs, this will result in an updated quote. During plan check, our scope includes the typical revisions incurred by the reviewers.

Absolutely, one of Terra’s key features that make us unique is our ability to work behind the scenes for other professionals. We may be assisting a general contractor in permitting a build, aiding in drafting for design professionals, or modeling & rendering for interior designers. See drafting services for design firms.

Yes, we can assist with clarification sketches, field-driven revisions, and support related to the approved plans.