Floor Plans are only 3% of the Documents is an explanation that the Floor Plans are not much of the Architect’s documents.
This declaration is made because so many people believe that if they scribble what they deem to be a “plan” on the back of an envelope, or steal the copyrighted floor plan from someone else from the Internet, that they can “give” this “plan” to the Architect and believe that this should erase most of the Architect’s fee.
NO. This is NOT the case.
First of all, there is A COPYRIGHT LAW. It’s been in effect for hundreds of years. Originally 1790 in the USA. The latest update to this was 1976. You cannot steal the floor plans or other drawings from any entity whether the copyright is declared or not. Yes, if you copy something like a floor plan and then “give” it to someone else, THAT IS THEFT. That is ILLEGAL Commonlaw Copyright protects EVERY created image, photo, document, floor plans, and other created documents. And if you think you can direct someone like an Architect, or Builder or anyone to “just change a few small things.” NO YOU CANNOT. That is called a DERIVATIVE WORK.
And before you get all worked up about this legal fact, know that a finished floor plan only amounts to about 3% of a set of completed construction documents that an Architect creates for a custom house. Let’s say that again: A FINISHED FLOOR PLAN ONLY AMOUNTS TO ABOUT 3% OF COMPLETED DOCUMENTS THAT AN ARCHITECT CREATES FOR A CUSTOM HOUSE. In other words, at least 97% of the Architect’s work remains after he creates your floor plan. So if you were thinking that you could save a bunch of money by appropriating a floor plan from somewhere else, or by creating your own, no you will not. And what you would provide would be substantially less (less than worthless) than a completed floor plan. Why “less than worthless?” Because the Architect will have to waste time talking you out of the bad arrangements in any such plan you might provide. Sort of like you providing a written legal argument to your Attorney when you are on trial for your life. Or directing your heart surgeon how to conduct your upcoming cardiac surgery. Ridiculous. Do you imagine your Attorney or Doctor would appreciate such attempts from you? Well: the same thing from your Architect.
And anything you personally create will not be anywhere close to a good floor plan that your Architect can create for you, based on the Architect’s Programming, which is part of his early phase work on your behalf. Let your Architect do his/her job. They’ve earned Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Architecture from accredited Universities, requiring 5 to 8 years worth of University work. They’ve spent about a decade interning under the strict guidance of other experienced licensed Architects, much the way medical doctors do. They’ve had to pass grueling, multi-day exams under the stewardship of licensing board personnel. They have to apply for and receive their license in architecture from the state(s) in which they wish to practice. Don’t accept anything less than a real, licensed Architect. Let them do their job. Don’t try to cut corners. And don’t imagine that you can do any part of their job.
And most people who hire Architects do not understand that it is the Architect who is solely responsible for the documents they create. Held responsible by the state in which they are licensed where the project is to be constructed. Let’s say that again: THE ARCHITECT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DOCUMENTS THEY CREATE. In other words, any sort of drawings, sketches, or stolen plans from others means nothing. Your Architect is the one who will legally be held responsible for the documents they create. So if you think something you sketch, draw, draft or take and give to your Architect means anything, no it doesn’t. Your Architect has to create everything, because they are responsible for it. And they will have to fight with you to correct illegal and improper circumstances you have shown so that what the Architect has submitted to the permitting authorities will be approved and so you will have a proper house in which to live, despite your naive scribbles. So: don’t do that. Let your Architect do his job. He/she will base their design on your land and on the programming of your lifestyle. That’s where you get to discuss your desires. Your Architect will take many detailed notes and make sure all your wishes are included in their plans and other documents.
Why are you seeing this online article-post now? Because every other possible client, in one way or another tries to do this. Please do not. Let the Architect do his job. Otherwise, the Architect may very likely refuse to do work for you.