Services | CAD drafting

Our CAD drafting process

Our policy is to model all projects to ensure accuracy, economy and efficiency in its design. We model all the necessary elements to facilitate the coordination of all trades: Ductwork, HVAC Piping, Plumbing, Electrical and Fire Protection.

Architecture:

Whenever a project doesn’t have Architectural models available, we generate our own BIM from PDF or CAD files. We create generically our models to include only necessary information. By default they omit doors, windows and other non-essential items for easier interpretation and loading time. We generate partitions for about 7ft tall, to help clearing the point of view and make the navigation easier through the 3D models through Navisworks™. We also generate models for ceilings. When no submittals are available for the light fixtures yet, we display light fixtures about 7″ height, to prevent possible collisions with the mechanical trades and allow for fixture access.

Structure:

Same goes for projects that do not have 3D structural files available: we create our own structure file from our interpretation of the contract drawings and sections. Please note that we do not provide Shop Drawings for structure for the moment.

Trades:

Once the Architectural and Structural layout is done, we start to draft and model the MEP & FP trades. We start all the trades to a different elevation and prioritize to keep all trades as flat as possible. We prioritize the coordination of the main runs to detect potential coordination issues early in the coordination process. This is critical so RFIs (Request For Information) are sent as soon as possible, so Architects and Engineers can review important issues, such as a lack of space to coordinate all trades above ceiling.

Record drawings are included for free at the end of the project!

What’s included

All our drawings include:

  • Units sizes, clearances and pads per approved submittals;
  • Dimensions of pipes, ductwork and conduits to the closest column line or grid for field installation;
  • Floor sleeves and wall sleeves, when requested;
  • Reflected ceiling plans;
  • Light fixtures per submittals, if provided;
  • Structural elevation study and drafting of beams and joists.

Trade specific – Mechanical Coordinated Drawings:

  • Ductwork sizes per contract drawing whenever possible. Ductulated for coordination purpose if insufficient space;
  • Ductwork round elbows whenever possible, to reduce the fabrication cost of the contractor;
  • Diffusers and return grilles identified per schedule information;
  • Volume dampers, fire dampers and mechanical dampers per contract drawings;
  • Ductwork top and bottom elevation text information;
  • Pipes types specified (ex: Condensate Drain, Chilled Water Supply/Return, etc.)
  • Pipe sizes per contract drawings, or riser diagrams;
  • Pipe connections to units per submittals, if requested by BIM level;
  • Pipe elevations (top and invert, or center depending on customer request).

Trade specific – Plumbing Coordination Drawings:

  • Pipe sizes per contract drawings or risers;
  • Identification of pipe types (CW, ST, GAS, etc.)
  • Floor drains and clean-out locations per architectural layout;
  • Slopes calculation for Sanitary, Storm, Vent;
  • Pipe elevations (top and invert, or center depending on customer request).

Trade specific – Fire Protection:

  • Pipe sizes per contract drawings or risers;
  • Slopes per contract drawing indication;
  • Sprinkler heads locations per contract drawings;
  • Pipe elevations (top and invert, or center depending on customer request).

Trade specific – Electrical:

  • Conduit sizes per contract drawings, or diagrams;
  • Conduit locations per contract drawings, or diagrams study.