When do I need a survey, a design project, or a technical report?

When you start thinking about a remodel, it's normal to encounter terms like survey , design project , technical evaluation , or technical documentation . And it's also normal to wonder: Do I really need all that for my project?

The answer is: it depends on what you want to transform .

You don't need a comprehensive technical report to replace a closet, update bedroom furniture, or choose new finishes. But if you want to remove walls, relocate a kitchen, modify installations, or remodel an entire property, the project requires a much more detailed review and documentation.

The key is not in asking for more plans, but in having the appropriate documents for the level of intervention you are going to carry out .

So, do you need a technical file to replace a closet? No.

If you're going to renovate a bedroom by changing the paint, bed, and closet, you'll probably need a basic survey and a design project , but not a comprehensive technical report.

The documentation must correspond to the level of intervention. Requesting the same documentation for a piece of furniture as for a complete renovation would be like requesting a soil analysis to hang a picture.

1. What is an uprising?

It is the record of the current state of the property.

It may include:

• Measures.

• Walls.

• Doors and windows.

• Heights.

• Visible columns.

• Electrical outlets.

• Sanitary appliances.

• Photographs.

• Available facility information.

The survey does not propose a solution nor does it by itself certify the feasibility of modifying the property.

It details precisely what currently exists and is often the starting point for any project.

2. What is a design project?

It graphically presents how the space is proposed to be transformed.

It may include:

• Distribution plant.

• Moodboard.

• Materials.

• Lightning.

• Furniture.

• Elevations.

• Interior cuts.

• Renders.

• Design details.

Its objective is to communicate and develop the aesthetic and functional proposal.

However, a design project does not necessarily include:

• Structural calculation.

• Wall evaluation.

• Electrical diagnostics.

• Health diagnosis.

• Reinforcement plans.

• Engineering reports.

• Verification of the feasibility of each intervention.

It virtually presents what the developed proposal would look like once implemented.

3. What is a feasibility analysis?

It is carried out before developing a technical file when there are relevant interventions.

It helps to determine if it is possible:

• Open or widen openings.

• Remove walls.

• Change the location of bathrooms, or create new ones.

• Add new loads.

• Expand the building.

• Renovate electrical and plumbing installations.

• Implement the proposed design under certain conditions.

It may require visits, document review, testing, or the involvement of specialists.

To determine the feasibility of the structure without compromising its integrity, the safety of the inhabitants, or additional costs.

4. What is a technical file?

It is the coordinated set of documents that allows the intervention to be technically defined and its execution to be guided.

Depending on the scope, it may include:

• Architecture.

• Structures.

• New interventions.

• Electrical installations.

• Sanitary facilities.

• Construction details.

• Technical specifications.

• Memoirs.

• Documents for licensing, where applicable.

  
  

The RNE establishes mandatory technical requirements for the design and execution of buildings, and Law No. 29090 regulates the building permit procedures.

This set of documents explains in detail how to execute the project correctly.

So, what do I need based on my project?

Just change closet, paint and decoration

• Basic survey.

• Design project.

• Furniture details.

Remodeling a kitchen without changing its location

• Lifting.

• Design project.

• Inspection of electrical and sanitary points.

• Execution plans according to the scope.

Move kitchen or bathroom

• Lifting.

• Feasibility analysis.

• Design project.

• Corresponding technical file.

Remove walls or open openings

• Lifting.

• Structural analysis.

• Coordinated project.

• Corresponding technical file.

Completely remodel a home

• Complete survey.

• Feasibility analysis.

• Technical evaluations.

• Design project.

• Coordinated technical file.

• Budget and work planning.

  
  

A rendering can show what a space will look like, but it doesn't prove on its own that it can be built. When the intervention is larger, the design must be compatible with the structure, the existing facilities, and the actual conditions of the building .

Sometimes, simply having a clear understanding of the need is enough. Our job is to help you organize your decisions, identify the necessary professionals and documents, and transform your idea into a viable project.