Modelling existing building

[Anonymous]

Hi!

I am very new to Revit but have done a few online worked tutorials to get me started.

Our practice does a lot of residential extensions and refurbishments,so was wondering what the workflow is like for modelling an existing building as everything I've found online seems to relate to new buildings.

For example, do I model everything as a generic wall and roof, what do I do about the existing windows and doors etc.

It's a simple building but I thought it's the best way to learn!

See drawings attached

If anyone has any good online tutorials that would be good too 🙂

Thanks

[RDAOU]

@Anonymous 

You use Phasing to define when an element is created (Existing / New) and you use Phase Filters and Phasing Graphic overrides to set how each view will display the phasing

     

[HVAC-Novice]

How detailed you model depends on what the remodel project entails. If you do something to the existing walls, I would model them as they are (studded GWB for example). Also the required accuracy of sizes of walls, doors etc. may or may not matter.

For example, if you deal with egress paths, you need to know the exact door size. I do a fair number of lighting retrofits (in commercial buildings). I make effort to get the wall thickness correct, locations of windows and approximate sizes, doors etc. but if the door is actually 2"higher or wider, doesn't matter for my purpose. I need to know where plumbing fixtures or furniture are, but only approximately. Or if if just use a generic sink, it also works for my lighting design. 

On the other hand, I need accurate ceiling heights and room dimensions should be accurate (1" or better is enough)

I typically use the existing PDF plans to build my model. Then I go on site and verify ceiling heights and if things changed (rooms added, or if actual new construction had changes - I don't always have the as-built plans)

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the answer!

Yes, that makes sense but for instance, what would be the best way to model
existing doors and windows - I'd have to create new families from scratch
or look for existing revit window/door families online that can be modified?

[HVAC-Novice]

You can just use the oob families and adjust sizes. 

You have to decide what parts of the building need to be modelled to what detail. Like in my example of lighting design, I only need to know where doors )for switches, EXIT signs) and windows (locating lighting zones, photosensor) are. For that it doesn't matter if a door is 36" or 34" wide or if a window has a specific feature. if my project was designing egress paths, exact door size would matter. It depends. to be efficient, focus on where accuracy is needed for your design.