Update: I think the push for full 3D modeling on every small job is a waste of time

I was working on a simple deck addition in Tacoma last week. The client just wanted a basic permit set. I spent 6 hours building a full 3D model, which the city reviewer didn't even open. They only looked at the 2D plan views and the span tables. For a straightforward job like that, a detailed 2D draft with clear notes got it approved just as fast. I see a lot of people saying you need to model everything now, but for small residential work, it often doesn't add value for the client or the plan check. Has anyone else found that simpler drafting gets the job done faster on certain projects?

4 comments

4 Comments

max_brown2mo ago

Had a garage conversion last month where the city only wanted the floor plan and a window schedule. I sketched it in 2D with clear notes on the existing walls, and it sailed through. The model would have just been for me to look at... total overkill for what they actually check.

faith_hart202mo ago

Seriously, that's a huge waste of time for no reason.

bennett.harper2mo ago

My hobbies are just elaborate ways to avoid doing laundry.

evan_cooper732mo ago

It's like we're all building these perfect, detailed models for tasks that only need a quick sketch. I'll spend an hour making a spreadsheet for a simple grocery list, or organize my books by color when I just need to find one. Bennett.harper is onto something, it's all just fancy procrastination. We add layers of complexity to feel productive while the actual boring work piles up.