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How do we begin?
Submit your
drawings to be converted into CAD. You can either send paper copies or email/FTP scans of your drawings. For email or FTP, the sheets should be scanned at 200 dpi and saved as TIF or PDF format. Also,
send a completed Q-CAD Order Form with your drawings. Once we have received your new project, you will receive an email confirmation indicating the date on which you will receive your completed CAD files. See our Send Order page.
What types of sheets can you handle?
We
convert all types of commercial and residential drawings: architectural, engineering, maps, construction documents, utility plans, etc. We will redraw everything on your sheet unless you have noted otherwise. Our default setup is: AIA Layering (American Institute of Architects); Roman S font, and stacked fraction dimensions. If you have your own in-house layering standards, fonts, dimension styles, provide this data for your project.
What is the process?
Your
drawings are precision redrawn by hand as 100% dimensionally accurate, full scale 1:1, layered CAD files. The CAD files will be completed within the turnaround time you have selected. All sheets are
redrawn by hand. We do not scan or vectorize your sheets.
How long does it take?
You
select the turnaround time based on your project schedule requirements. Our turnaround options are: overnight, 3-business days, 5-business days, 10-business days, or 4-6 weeks. You can also specify that
particular sheets be converted using different turnaround schedules. The price per sheet is based on the turnaround time selected.
How much does it cost?
We offer a fixed price per sheet based on the turnaround time you have selected. The price is the same for any sheet content, density, or size: C-size (18 x 24), D-size (24 x 36); E-size (30 x 42) at 1/8" or 1/4" scale. We have size adjusted prices for A-size and B-size drawings.
How do you calculate the price for an oversized or irregular sheet size?
Your
source drawing sizes can range from 8.5 x 11 to an unlimited sheet size. For sheets greater than E-size (30" x 42"), the cost per sheet is proportionally increased. For example, if your source document
measures 36" x 48", the unit cost per sheet would be calculated as:
Base Price ($100) x Oversized percentage (37%) = adjusted unit cost ($137 per sheet)
Can I provide my existing CAD backgrounds, fonts, etc?
Yes, we will use your existing CAD background
files, such as architectural, to overlay mechanical, electrical, or plumbing objects. Make sure you include all xrefs and fonts attached to your CAD background file. Please also indicate how you would
like for Q-CAD to use your background file, such as: 1) overlay the new data onto the existing CAD background,
2) reference CAD background for layers, line styles, fonts only, 3) reference CAD background for dimensions. The AutoCAD "eTransmit" command is recommended to attach all of the necessary xref and font files. The "View Report" button will list all files associated with your existing CAD file.
1. Open your existing CAD background drawing in AutoCAD.
2. From the File Menu, choose eTransmit.
Can we see work at different stages?
To meet your selected turnaround time, we do not provide "reviews" at different stages.
Because we carefully review your project specifications, and call to clarify any questions before proceeding with your project, it is not necessary to provide in-progress reviews. After
we begin, if we encounter dimensional conflicts or unclear information, we will create a RED "read-me" layer in the final CAD file for your review. Any additional redline markups can be
incorporated at a future date for $50/sheet (5-day turnaround).
Can I change the turnaround schedule after the project has started?
Yes and No. You can move a turnaround schedule up, but not down. For example, you can
change a 10-day turnaround to a 3-day turnaround. The new completion date is based on the date on which the schedule change is requested. The price will be adjusted based on the new turnaround option.
Who is the owner of the CAD files?
You are the owner of the CAD files. Q-CAD simply provides CAD drafting services. We redraw
your sheets exactly as shown. We keep backup copies of your CAD files in our archives. If you need replacement files, simply call and we will retrieve your files from our backups.
Does Q-CAD provide design or engineering services?
No, we do not provide design or engineering services. We offer CAD drafting services only.
However, we have licensed architects and engineers on our staff that will monitor your project's development and quality control.
Will my CAD files always be consistent throughout multiple project
submissions?
Yes, we create a "profile" for your company or for each project type. Each time you submit a
new project, we will refer to your profile as related to layering standards, fonts, dimensions, etc. This will ensure consistency throughout your projects.
Do your drafters have experience with my type of project?
Yes, our CAD operators are organized into multiple departments: architectural, electrical,
mechanical, plumbing, utilities, mapping, etc. We review your sheets and assign your project to the appropriate CAD department.
Can you handle redline markups?
Yes, simply provide your plotted redline markup sheets or provide COLOR scans of the redline
sheets. Markup your sheets as follows: RED ink = drawing changes; BLUE ink = notes to our CAD operators. For sheets that have already been redrawn by Q-CAD that require additional
redline changes, the fee is $50/sheet (5-day turnaround). For existing as-built sheets with redline markups, the fee is based on our "ConDocs" pricing.
How are my reference sheets used by your CAD operators?
In cases when your original documents submitted for conversion contain insufficient
information, additional sheets can be referenced (examples: dimensions) to develop a complete CAD document. Reference sheets are not redrawn and used for reference only based
on a $25/reference sheet fee.
Can you create a floorplan using my electrical or mechanical sheets?
Yes, we can create a new floorplan sheet using existing electrical or mechanical sheets.
Typically, we will need to know a grid dimension or overall building dimension. The remaining architectural background dimensions will be scaled during our drafting process. The electrical
or mechanical information will be omitted from the final CAD floorplan.
Can you produce a mirror image of my drawing?
Yes, we can redraw your sheet as a mirror image format. All objects, text, and dimensions
will be reversed. Our "Custom Service" pricing applies for creating a mirror image drawing.
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