The Real Cost to Design + BIM + Build My Home Addition (The North Wing Project Update) - Replay

 

Ever wondered what it actually costs to design, BIM, and build a home addition? In this episode of BIM After Dark Live, I pull back the curtain on The North Wing Project, my own home addition that I designed, modeled in Revit, and built myself.

I’ll walk through:

-  A discussion about funding options for projects like this and what it means for architects and contractors. 

- A full cost breakdown of every trade and line item 💰

- The stories behind each scope of work with Revit visuals and site photos

- What I’d do differently next time

If you’re an architect, builder, or homeowner who’s curious about the real numbers behind a design-build project, this one’s for you.  

Click here to watch the episode now... 

Roof Framing and Sheathing | Day 27 – North Wing Modern Home Addition

 

In the final days of getting "water tight" we are framing and sheathing the roof!  Did we get it watertight within the 28 day goal I set...?  Tune in to find out!

Click here to view the video now...

Day 8: So... Much... Blocking (North Wing Pt 14)

 

On this episode of The North Wing we add floor joists, blocking, joist hangers, and MORE joist hangers.  I also refer to the Autodesk Revit model and talk a bit about what a "rim board header" is and how we resolved the floor around our existing fireplace... 

Click here to view the episode now... 

Click here to view ALL of the episodes from the project... 

28 Days to Water Tight?! Framing Begins! (North Wing Pt 13)

On this episode of The North Wing, I'm finally strapping on the tool belt and diving headfirst into framing! But there's a major catch—I have only 28 days to reach water tight.

To tackle this huge challenge, I've paused ALL my other work and commitments for 4 intense weeks dedicated solely to framing. The clock is ticking, and the pressure is on. Can we get the North Wing sealed and water tight before time runs out?

Follow along to see the process unfold, and find out if this ambitious goal is achievable for an amateur carpenter like myself...

Click here to view Part 13 of The North Wing design, BIM, build project... 

Concrete Slab and Waterproofing (North Wing Pt 12)

 

On this episode of The North Wing project we finally pour our slab!! Additionally, I do some waterproofing, show some backfilling, and talk about how to access your Revit model out in the field (for FREE!) and track your schedule with Revit & Notion... 

Click here to view episode 12 now... 

Foundation Walls Complete and Anchor Bolts in Revit! (North Wing Pt 11)

 

On this episode of The North Wing project we have footings and foundation walls poured and complete!  I also talk a little bit about some design changes, how I approached moving the building in Revit, and how I use Revit to coordinate the anchor bolts!

Click here to view the video now... 

Catch up on all 11 episodes to date... 

Download the Sample Files:

Become a member of the BIM After Dark Community and gain access to ALL of the sample files from this project... That includes the Revit model, estimating spreadsheets, schedules, and more!!

Click here to join the community today... 

Excavation Begins… And We Hit Ledge! (North Wing Part 10)

 

Construction is officially underway on The North Wing—but we’ve already run into a classic New England challenge: ledge! In this episode, I walk you through the unique design and BIM-driven approach behind this project, while tackling the obstacles of excavating a rocky site. 

Plus, I’ll share some Revit tips and tricks for efficiently pulling together wood framing material orders and quantities—a must-know for anyone managing BIM workflows in residential construction.

 Don’t miss it—hit subscribe and join the build! 🔨🚧

Click here to watch Part 10 of the North Wing project now...

Architect as Builder: Yes, You Can Do It Too! (The North Wing - PT 9) - Replay

 

In this episode, we continued The North Wing project by discussing what it meant to be both an architect and a general contractor (builder) for a project. We explored the exciting world of architect-led construction and how individuals could take charge of their residential projects by becoming their own general contractor.

Whether listeners were considering taking the leap or just curious about the process, we broke down:

✅ The benefits of architects stepping into the builder role (and how natural and rewarding it could be).

✅ The challenges they might face—and how to overcome them.

✅ Practical steps, tools, and processes to get started on their first project as an architect-builder.

✅ How using BIM tools, like Autodesk Revit, could help reduce the anxiety and risk of designing and building.

Click here to view the replay right now...

PS - As I mentioned in the video... all of the files I share on this project (Revit, Excel, Schedule) are available to download for all members of the BIM After Dark Community....  

If you are interested in checking out the files, click here to join the community today... 

When an Architect Designs and Builds His Home Office - Replay

 

On last night's episode of BIM After Dark Live I ran through the tools, processes, and lessons learned from my experience as both the Architect and General Contractor while designing and building the BIM After Dark studio home office.  If you're using Autodesk Revit as a residential architect or wondering how this "BIM thing" could actually help as a small scale residential contractor this episode is for you!  Plus, the story contains an interesting storyline with an unexpected deadline.

I covered:

- Revit Model and Permit Drawing Setup

- Estimating and Financing the Build

- Scheduling Tool I used

- Walked through each stage of construction and pointed out lessons learned and areas where Revit came in handy throughout.

- Whether I did or did not meet the looming deadline....

Click here to watch the episode now...