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...

Framing Skylights & Ceiling Joists | Day 14 – North Wing Modern Home Addition

We’re heading up on Day 14 of the North Wing build! In this episode, I’m framing ceiling joists and cutting in skylight openings that will bring natural light into the new primary bath. You'll also catch a quick behind-the-scenes look at how I used Revit to plan this phase of the project. Whether you're into hands-on building, BIM workflows, or just love seeing a house come together—this one’s for you.

Click here to view the video now... 

Day 12: Framing Single Windows vs. Multi-Unit Windows?? (North Wing Pt 15)

On this episode of The North Wing we are framing and tilting up the final exterior walls!  I talk a bit about the decision to use individual windows over window units and the pros and cons of doing so!

Click here to watch 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... 

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... 

Plumbing the Primary Bath in Revit... in 3D! (The North Wing - PT 7) - Replay

 

Last night on BIM After Dark Live, we talked about modeling plumbing in Revit for residential architects. I showed how to get started modeling pipes, setting up views, and creating dynamic yet informative plumbing drawings for small-scale residential work.

Click here to view the replay now....

 

On this episode, we continued The North Wing by completing some construction documents in Revit... But, what I really wanted to show you was why you should STOP USING TEXT NOTES IN REVIT!!! You heard me... Now, tune in to the replay find out why and how!

Click here to view the replay now... 

Residential Revit - Design Options (The North Wing - PT 5) - Replay

 

On this episode of BIM After Dark Live we looked at the Residential Revit project I am working on ("The North Wing") and I riffed a bit about design options in Revit... a powerful but underutilized function in Autodesk Revit. 

Click here to view the replay now...

Residential Revit - Modeling Structure (The North Wing - PT 4) - Replay

 

On last nights episode of BIM After Dark Live we to look at the Residential Revit project I am working on ("The North Wing") and walked through how I approach modeling wood framed structures in Revit... 

There was tips and tricks on how I approach headers, floor framing, roof framing, framing plans, and more!  

Click here to watch the replay now... 

Door Swing Animation in Twinmotion for Revit Users

 

During last week's episode of BIM After Dark Live, we talked about Twinmotion for interiors (with Lumen) there was a comment about animating the doors while navigating the live scene:

So, I decided to make a short video to show you how to accomplish this... 

It's super fun and just adds so much more life to a live model scene....

Click here to view the video...

Final Week To Register!

As I mention in the video, NicheBIM 2024 is only 1 month away and we are closing registration on FRIDAY!!!

If you are interested in attending the first ever one-day conference for small firm/sole architects using BIM be sure to register now...

Click here to learn more and register today...

(Replay) Residential Revit - Twinmotion Interior Tips (The North Wing - PT 3)

 

On last night's episode of BIM After Dark Live I ran through creating an interior live real-time rendered scene of the primary bathroom of "The North Wing" project...

The key takeaways were adjusting lights coming in from Revit, material tips for realism, adding entourage... and the sun/light settings that really make a scene feel natural...

Click here to view the replay now... 

The North Wing Introduction (Replay) + 25% Off NicheBIM Ends Today!

On last night's episode of BIM After Dark Live I introduced you to a new Residential Revit design/build project of mine: "The North Wing".  This project is early in the design phase and I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the workflows, concepts, tools, and processes I use while exploring design options for a project. 

Some of the topics we covered were:

- Introduction to the project and current design(s)

- Revit to iPad Sketching Workflow with Procreate

- How much to model this early in design...?

- When and when not to use Design Options in Revit?

Click here to view the replay now....

25% NicheBIM 2024 Ends Today!

 As I mentioned on the stream last night... The summer sale of NicheBIM 2024 tickets ends at 9PM tonight!

So, if you are planning on meeting up with us in Hartford in September to have conversations JUST LIKE the one last night today is the day to commit!

Click here to register today using offer code "SUMMER2024" during checkout...