FIRST ARCHITECTURAL ESTIMATE 


Congratulations!



PROJECT DESCRIPTION

    Repair fire damage to second floor of existing 4-plex apartment building
    and remodel interior — located at 3778 Shasta St., San Diego, CA




PROJECT ADDRESS

    3778 Shasta St., San Diego, CA



PROPOSED USE

    4-Unit Apartment Building (No Change)
    The existing use is staying the same—no new units, no use change.



 PROPOSED SQUARE FOOTAGE

    3,006 SF
    (No change)
    You're not adding square footage—just repairing/remodeling.



ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER (APN)

    424-553-22



 ENVELOPE/FOOTPRINT

    No change to non-conforming envelope
    So, even if the building doesn't fully comply with current setbacks or codes, they're not increasing volume, so it's allowed to remain as is.


 LEGAL DESCRIPTION

    Lots 41 & 42 in Block 36 of Fortuna Park Addition, Map 894
    Filed 1-22-03


ZONING

    R-1500 Coastal Zone
    (This likely refers to a multi-family residential zone with a density of 1 unit per 1,500 sq. ft.)


OCCUPANCY

    R-1 (Standard residential occupancy type)



SHEET INDEX (Drawing Set Overview)

Sheet	Description
1	Site Plan, Project Summary
2	Floor Plans
3	Exterior Elevations (East & West)
4	Exterior Elevations (North & South)
5	Demolition Plan
6	Foundation Plan, Roof Plan
7	Second Floor Framing, Roof Framing
8	Building Sections
9	Door and Finish Schedules
10	Window Schedule, Interior Elevations
11	Electrical Floor Plan
12	General Notes and Specifications
13	Construction Details

Task:

• Redraw or clean up this site plan professionally

• Based on this layout and dimensions

• Likely recreate it in CAD or similar format

• Deliver it cleanly for city permitting or as part of a construction document set
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Notes: 


The sketch gives you layout, but not reliable, scaled dimensions of structures, walls, openings, elevations, or anything detailed enough for city approval.






Option 1: They Provide Original Plans or As-Builts

    If the owner or city has original as-built drawings or older plans (e.g., from construction or previous permits), they might be able to give those to you.

    You could redraw from that into a clean, city-ready plan.

    Ask for this first.


Option 2: You Do a Site Visit and Measure

    If no original plans exist or they're too outdated, you'll need to do a field measure of the structure.

    That means measuring building walls, windows, doors, unit layouts, site boundaries (if unclear), and distances from property lines (setbacks).

    You’ll likely need to bring a laser measurer, tape, and sketch pad or tablet.

Most likely:

• There was significant fire damage to the second floor.

• The city requires updated drawings to approve repair work.

• Even if the building isn’t expanding or changing, they still need:

  • A clean site plan

  • Floor plans showing the rebuild

  • Possibly elevations, framing, and sections

  • All in permit-ready format, meeting current code and documentation standards

This is standard procedure when dealing with structural repairs, especially fire damage.




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1. Project Scope Summary

    Task: Redraw/clean up site plans and construction documents for fire-damaged 2nd floor of a 4-plex (3,006 SF).

    Deliverables: 13-sheet set (site plan, floor plans, elevations, framing, schedules, etc.).

    Key Constraints: No change to footprint/use, but permit-ready drawings required for repairs.

2. Estimated Timeline
Phase    Duration    Notes
1. Existing Conditions    1–3 weeks    - If original as-builts are available: 1 week to digitize/update.
- If field measurement needed: 2–3 weeks (site visit + verification).
2. Redraw/CAD Drafting    2–4 weeks    - Clean up floor plans, elevations, and site plan in CAD.
- Structural/framing details may require engineer coordination.
3. Demolition Plans    1 week    - Outline fire-damaged areas to be removed (Sheet 5).
4. Code Compliance Review    1–2 weeks    - Verify compliance with current San Diego codes (e.g., fire separation, egress).
5. Permit-Ready Set    1–2 weeks    - Finalize sheets, notes, and specifications (Sheets 1–13).
Total (Optimistic)    6–8 weeks    If as-builts exist and minimal revisions.
Total (Field Measure)    8–12 weeks    If site visit + measurements required.
3. Critical Factors Affecting Timeline

    As-Built Availability: Fastest if original plans are provided (saves 2–3 weeks).

    Field Measurement Complexity: Irregular layouts or fire damage may prolong measurements.

    City Feedback: San Diego’s permit review can add 4–12 weeks post-submission.

    Engineer Coordination: Framing/structural details may need additional time.

4. Recommendations to Expedite

    Request as-builts from the owner/city (Option 1) to avoid field measurements.

    Use laser scanning (if budget allows) for accurate damaged-area documentation.

    Parallel workflows: Start drafting unaffected areas while awaiting structural inputs.

    Pre-submission meeting with San Diego Development Services to clarify requirements.

5. Permitting Note

Even with no footprint changes, San Diego may require:

    Fire damage inspection reports.

    Energy compliance (Title 24) for remodeled interiors.

    Coastal Zone approvals (if applicable).

Let me know if you need a detailed workflow or vendor recommendations (e.g., surveyors, engineers).




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For an entry-level drafter working in Revit on this 4-plex repair/remodel project, here’s a realistic time estimate for completing the 13 sheets, focusing only on layout and plan design (excluding structural/engineering coordination, permitting, or major revisions):
Estimated Time Breakdown (Revit Drafting Only)
Sheet    Task    Time Estimate
Sheet 1: Site Plan    Base map setup, property lines, annotations    4–6 hours
Sheet 2: Floor Plans    Existing + proposed layouts (2 floors)    8–12 hours
Sheet 3–4: Elevations    East/West/North/South (cleanup + detailing)    6–8 hours
Sheet 5: Demolition Plan    Highlight fire-damaged areas    3–5 hours
Sheet 6: Foundation/Roof    Basic roof plan + foundation outline    4–6 hours
Sheet 7: Framing Plans    Simplified 2nd floor + roof framing    6–8 hours
Sheet 8: Building Sections    2–3 typical sections    4–6 hours
Sheet 9: Door/Finish Schedules    Populate schedules    3–5 hours
Sheet 10: Window Schedules/Int. Elev.    Window tags + cabinet elevations    5–7 hours
Sheet 11: Electrical Plan    Outlets, switches, lighting (basic)    4–6 hours
Sheet 12: General Notes    Import boilerplate text + edits    2–3 hours
Sheet 13: Details    Standard wall/roof details (from library)    3–5 hours
TOTAL        55–80 hours
Key Assumptions

    Entry-Level Speed:

        Familiar with Revit but may need time for troubleshooting.

        Uses preloaded families/templates (no custom modeling).

    Input Clarity:

        Existing drawings or field measurements are provided and clear.

        No major design changes during drafting.

    Exclusions:

        Not responsible for structural/engineering details (e.g., beam calcs).

        No permit revisions (only base drafting).

Workflow Tips to Save Time

    Use Revit Templates: Pre-set layers, title blocks, and schedules.

    Batch Processes: Generate schedules/elevations with Revit’s automation.

    Focus on Critical Sheets: Prioritize floor plans/elevations (Sheets 2–4) first.

Realistic Completion Timeline

    Full-time (40 hrs/week): 1.5–2 weeks (with review/edits).

    Part-time (20 hrs/week): 3–4 weeks.


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Possible estimates:

Method	Rate	Calculation	Total Estimate
Hourly Rate	$50–$120/hr (entry-level)	55–80 hours (estimated drafting time)	$2,750–$9,600
Per Sheet	$100–$350/sheet	13 sheets	$1,300–$4,550
Per Square Foot	$0.35–$2.50/SF	3,006 SF	$1,052–$7,515

Service                                         Fee
-------------------------------------------  
Base Fee (13 sheets in Revit)    $3,500–$4,500  
- Includes: Site plan, floor plans, elevations, demolition plan  
- Excludes: Structural engineering, permit submissions  

Optional Add-ons:  
- Field measurements             +$1,000  
- 3D renderings (2 views)       +$800–$1,500 :cite[1]  
- Expedited turnaround (50%)    +$1,000  



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POSSIBLE A

SERVICES
- Redraw 13 architectural sheets in Revit (based on provided as-builts).  
- Focus: Floor plans, elevations, demolition plan, schedules (Sheets 1–13).  

FEE STRUCTURE
- Rate: $45/hour × 45 estimated hours = $2,025 total.  
- Included:  
  - 2 rounds of client revisions.  
  - PDF + Revit file delivery.  

- Excluded
  - Field measurements (if needed: +$750).  
  - Permit submittals or engineer coordination.  

PAYMENT SCHEDULE
- 50% deposit ($1,012.50) to start.  
- 50% upon delivery.  

Note A: 


    Track hours meticulously (use Toggl or Clockify).

    Communicate limits upfront:

        "This quote assumes no major redesigns. If the scope changes, we’ll discuss adjustments."


________________________________________________________________________

Risk:

• If the project runs over 45 hours (e.g., due to unclear as-builts or revisions), your effective rate drops further.

Local firms charge $80–$120/hr for similar work









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Site Assessment & Existing Conditions Verification : 200 usd flat rate









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Proposal Alpha

Site Assessment & Field Work    $100 (flat)
Drafting (13 sheets × 3.5 hrs)    45.5 hrs × $35 = $1,592.50
Total Estimate    $1,692.50
You can round it up slightly for a clean number:
Final Estimate: $1,700




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Proposal Beta 

Scope of Work

Prepare a full 13-sheet architectural set in Revit, based on the provided hand-drawn site plan and limited documentation. Includes:

• Site Plan (Sheet 1)

• Floor Plans

• Elevations (N, S, E, W)

• Demolition Plan

• Foundation & Roof Plan

• Framing Plans

• Building Sections

• Door, Window, and Finish Schedules

• Electrical Plan

• Construction Notes & Details

All drawings will be prepared in permit-ready format (no engineering or MEP stamps included).

---

Fee Structure

Description	Amount
Site Visit & Existing Conditions Review	$100 flat
Drafting (13 sheets × avg. 3.5 hrs @ $50/hr)	$2,250 total
Total Estimate	$2,350

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When to Adjust Your Rate

    If the client balks at $50/hour:

        Offer a per-sheet discount ($175/sheet × 13 = $2,275).

        Or reduce to $45/hour but strictly cap at 45 hours ($2,025).

    If they demand a lower rate:

        “I can do $45/hour if you provide perfectly clear as-builts and limit revisions to 1 round.”


______________________________


Final Proposal Recommendation:
For this 4-plex fire repair drafting project, charge $50/hour × 45 hours ($2,250 total)—a fair rate for your 3rd-year ASU skills in San Diego. Include:

    13 Revit sheets (permit-ready, no engineering).

    2 revision rounds; extra hours at $50/hour.

    $100 flat fee if field measurements are needed.

Why?

    Balances market rates ($50–$75/hr for juniors).

    Protects against scope creep (cap at 45 hours).

    50% deposit ($1,125) secures your time.

Alternative: Offer $200/sheet ($2,600 fixed) if hourly pricing worries the client. Always use a contract.





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Based on the scope, timeline, and your drafting skill level, a $50/hour rate is fair and competitive. The total estimate of $2,350, including site verification and 13 Revit sheets, reflects both your time and the project’s complexity. You’ve outlined clear deliverables, boundaries, and revision limits, which protects you and builds client trust. This proposal presents a professional, transparent foundation for your first freelance architectural project—and positions you for future work with confidence and credibility. You're ready. Send it.