Jump to content


Photo

Measuring and Drawing Recomendation

Measuring Drawing DWG

  • Please log in to reply
19 replies to this topic

#1 Dave Kemman

Dave Kemman

    Newbie

  • Members
  • Pip
  • 1 posts

Posted 02 October 2018 - 10:02 AM

Looking for recommendations to capture drawings and measurements of basements, room, kitchens.  Currently, when I'm in the field, I pencil draw a basement layout then laser measure and mark the lines with the measurements then take pictures.  When back at the office, start SoftPlan and convert pencil drawings to walls, etc.

 

I have been looking at the Blue Tooth laser measures but would like to know if anyone can recommend an Android app or laser measure solution that I can stick draw walls, Bluetooth measure and have the measurements added to my drawings.  Ideally, it would be great import the drawing into SoftPlan and convert to walls, etc. 

 

Thanks in advance.

Dave



#2 Kevin Rabenaldt

Kevin Rabenaldt

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 391 posts
  • LocationSan Antonio

Posted 02 October 2018 - 05:49 PM

 I guess there could be lots of tricks. Pictures aid me a lot.  Take pictures of walls straight on.  When doing exterior, back away far so perspective is reduced.  With digital you can easily blow up on screen.  If you have enough measurements you can fill in other by reference.  I have used ratios against know distances to get measurements.  I do not use any measuring aids except a sonic measuring device (old one and not that accurate but in a pinch is ok).  Best to have someone help you so one draws and the other measures and reports.  Measure brick or siding to know pattern size and count off how many courses to get pretty good distances.  Same with window of door sizes so you can ratio off from pictures.  I am sure others can think of other techniques and tricks.



#3 Michael Roman

Michael Roman

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 115 posts
  • LocationPeshtigo, WI

Posted 09 October 2018 - 08:58 AM

I used to sketch everything by hand.

I now bring my Microsoft Surface Pro 4 (running Softplan) to the job site and draw everything right in Softplan.

I use a Leica Laser Measuring tool that has Bluetooth.  I draw my walls, put in some temporary dimensions and then use the Bluetooth to transfer measurements I take to the dimensions in Softplan.

It works very well.

I also will document everything with pictures.


  • Brent Hyndman likes this

#4 Sam Morgan

Sam Morgan

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 842 posts

Posted 09 October 2018 - 10:00 AM

I draw as I go using softplan on my surface book in the field.  I bought a tripod stand that has a mouse table built in so its pretty easy to measure everything and draw and then I don't forget anything when I get home.  I take lots of pictures as well


  • Brent Hyndman likes this

#5 Tim Stockton

Tim Stockton

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 312 posts
  • LocationWichita, KS

Posted 06 November 2018 - 01:24 PM

I take my laptop with me in the field and draw right into SP.  I used to draw on paper, but found there were often problems or things I forgot and then had to make additional trips to the field.  Taking the laptop eliminates all of that.


  • Brent Hyndman likes this

#6 Brad Graber

Brad Graber

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 295 posts

Posted 07 November 2018 - 07:02 AM

I have often considered this.  Does this add any considerable amount of time to your field measure.  And also do you setup shop at the clients table, or walk around and input measurements.  Sometimes when I measure a house it can be 10 degrees and blowing wind, so outdoors is not always ideal for me.  I have seen some folks using the microsoft tablets, and it is intriguing for sure.



#7 Tom Rogers

Tom Rogers

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 1,159 posts
  • LocationVilla Rica, Georgia

Posted 07 November 2018 - 10:03 AM

I draw as I go using softplan on my surface book in the field.  I bought a tripod stand that has a mouse table built in so its pretty easy to measure everything and draw and then I don't forget anything when I get home.  I take lots of pictures as well

 

Sam-anything you recommend on the stand?  Durability, balance, level, etc.  Last thing I need is one to tip over. :-)


"remember... what we are building today, should be what we want in the future"​
Version 10 to Version 2024+ and beyond
www.residentialproductions.com

 

 


#8 Brian Berzinskis

Brian Berzinskis

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 470 posts
  • LocationNew Jersey

Posted 04 December 2018 - 07:47 AM

I still use the pencil and paper method. I have a Surface Pro but I found that drawing is too time consuming. I can measure a 4000 square foot house with a pad and laser measure all by myself in under 1 hour. I have found that taking pictures with a GoPro camera is a huge help because it has a wide angle lens. That means that I only take 3 or 4 pictures of each room and capture everything. Sure there is a little distortion, quality is not amazing in low light but these pictures are just for reference not for publication. So that has saved me a bunch of time. Also my laser measure by Leica has bluetooth but I found that it only transfers measurements to their app with no real reference of where the lines are for unless you start drawing it like you would in SoftPlan so I don't even use that feature. But having a nice small laser measure that can hit the side of a piece of window or door trim accurately is a huge time saver for me doing it alone.



#9 Sam Morgan

Sam Morgan

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 842 posts

Posted 04 December 2018 - 12:18 PM

Here's the stand I use.  Ordered on amazon.  Brand is quicklok.  I think it was around a hundred bucks or so.  I modified the mouse tray to handle the huge vertical mouse that I take with me.

Attached Thumbnails

  • 2018-09-11 14.22.02.jpg

  • Tom Rogers and Jon Davis like this

#10 Yvon Gonthier

Yvon Gonthier

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 1,288 posts
  • LocationOttawa

Posted 04 December 2018 - 01:30 PM

Hope that this is a picture before renovations  :D



#11 Sam Morgan

Sam Morgan

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 842 posts

Posted 04 December 2018 - 02:02 PM

Yup...thats out doing field measurements to create an as built for a remodel



#12 Brad Graber

Brad Graber

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 295 posts

Posted 26 December 2018 - 03:56 PM

In the past I have always measured with a pencil, paper and tape.  I have also found a good laser device works quite nicely on interior stuff.  Now for my new thought you put in my mind. 

If I had customers that wanted a remodel drawn up, maybe I should charge for that initial meeting/draw on site.  Quite likely that might get rid of the tire kickers.  I have had folks have me out, I measure up the house since I don't want to go back and then leave me high and dry so i'm out the meeting and my time.  Maybe I should spend that couple of hours draw the house on site and get paid up front, then begin the design.  Maybe that's how the rest of you do it already, i've just been burnt a couple of times lately.



#13 Kevin Rabenaldt

Kevin Rabenaldt

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 391 posts
  • LocationSan Antonio

Posted 26 December 2018 - 04:30 PM

Hi Brad;

 

You are correct, so many tire kickers because they feel your time is free.  The old free estimate mentality.  When you can visit with them and then if you want to draw up the existing, charge them for it.  It separates real quickly how many are serious.  But you need to educate them that the inital visit is free.  You doing work, costs.

 

Kevin



#14 Brian Berzinskis

Brian Berzinskis

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 470 posts
  • LocationNew Jersey

Posted 02 January 2019 - 12:24 PM

I only discuss the project at my first meeting and never take any measurements. I put together a proposal after that first meeting and if they approve and send the retainer then I go back out to measure. Most of my projects are no further than 1 hour away and it takes me about 1 hour to measure a house.



#15 Tom Rogers

Tom Rogers

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 1,159 posts
  • LocationVilla Rica, Georgia

Posted 03 January 2019 - 11:58 AM

This topic has piqued up my interest again in another aspect of our profession.  We have this forum on SoftPlan to discuss our software and design/drafting procedures, however I am curious on how we work as businesses.  I was wonder if there is any particular forum that anyone uses to discuss business items (pricing, procedures, forms, marketing or business tactics).  Or if not, if people would be interested in creating/joining one (say closed group via Linkedin or Facebook?

 

I apologize for going off topic here but thought this was a good intro area.  


  • Pamela Nacke likes this

"remember... what we are building today, should be what we want in the future"​
Version 10 to Version 2024+ and beyond
www.residentialproductions.com

 

 


#16 Dave Pazyniak

Dave Pazyniak

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 402 posts

Posted 04 January 2019 - 12:33 PM

Great thread.  Thanks for all the info. I am still OLD old school, using a tape measure.  Tried the laser devices when they first came out and had issues (maybe user error).  I think it is time to try it again.  Is there a good device you would recommend for laser measuring?  I am not interested in Bluetooth connectivity at this time, but ease of use and accuracy are most important, with some price constraints!

 

Thanks,

Dave



#17 Brian Berzinskis

Brian Berzinskis

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 470 posts
  • LocationNew Jersey

Posted 04 January 2019 - 02:27 PM

I actually like the Leica Disto E7100i that I have a lot. It is pretty small and pretty simple. I don't use the Bluetooth function that it has personally because I tried it and did not find it that useful. I like that it has a lit screen in case I am measuring somewhere with poor lighting or electric off in the winter when the sun goes down early. I also like that it is narrow so I can basically put it in the corner of a room and hit the side of a piece of window and door trim with accuracy. By doing it that way I am able to take all of the measurements solo and don't even bring someone with me that much anymore. 



#18 Tom Rogers

Tom Rogers

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 1,159 posts
  • LocationVilla Rica, Georgia

Posted 04 January 2019 - 06:50 PM

I have a Tacklife HD series.  I did a bunch of research looking for a similar type like you want Dave (accurate but price conscious).  It has worked real well for me and definitely an advantage to doing as-built.  


"remember... what we are building today, should be what we want in the future"​
Version 10 to Version 2024+ and beyond
www.residentialproductions.com

 

 


#19 David Zawadzki

David Zawadzki

    Boss

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 643 posts
  • LocationBoise, Idaho

Posted 02 September 2019 - 11:10 AM

I have been getting a lot of requests for doing remodels lately and decided to try using one of my laser tools and SoftPlan to do as-builts...

 

Where can I find info with step by step instructions on hooking up my Disto X4, Disto D2 or my Disto i7100 to SoftPlan through the Leica Translator?


Award winning Design+Builder with over 40 years of construction experience. Homes built in Michigan, Utah and Idaho. Construction projects in CA, AZ, NV, ID, UT, NE, MO, NM, FL, GA, NY, and MI.

https://idahocustomhomes.weebly.com/

Twinmotion 2024, Autocad, SoftPlan 2024, Solidbuilder, Chief Architect X15, Sketchup, 3D Home Architect, etc.

CyberPowerPC Syber Forti SFG9EX Gaming Desktop Computer, Intel Core i9-9900K 3.6GHz, 32GB RAM, 3TB HDD + 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 10GB, Windows 10 Pro

.Disclaimer: I'm not saying I'm Superman. All I am saying is no one has seen Superman and me in the same room together.<p><p>

Softplan user since 1989

#20 Jon Davis

Jon Davis

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 541 posts

Posted 03 September 2019 - 06:50 AM

Like other's I've done it both ways. We had a cart similar to above, and took a laptop w/ CAD and just measure and drew as-builts right there on site as we went. Worked great for larger buildings (I use to work for the University of Alabama, and when I started, we had about 25 buildings that had no plans on file)

 

But if it's a smaller job, and there's not much there, I still prefer to just sketch it on paper and come back and put it in SP at the office. 







Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: Measuring, Drawing, DWG

0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users