crystal building model with landscape for construction and exhibition

Information required to make a scale model
The better the information you are able to give us, the better the architectural model we are able to give you. A full set of plans, sections, elevations and a detailed finishes schedule will enable us to make your model quickly and accurately. This information should be sent to us via email, it is useful to have a set of CAD drawings as well.

Less information is required for a quotation. We will need a site plan showing the area you want to model, plus an indication of any relevant levels; elevations illustrating the architectural character of the building or buildings; and an indication of the external finishes (this can be shown on the elevations or given verbally if necessary). With this basic information we should be able to give you a fairly accurate budget cost if not a firm price.

If you give us the go-ahead on a project, we will then need the full set of information. A typical list might read as follows:
Information required for us to begin work:
1) An accurate site plan showing boundaries of model
2) Plan showing levels across site
3) Plans, elevations, sections of all buildings
4) Landscaping plan (if available)
5) Any aerial or ground level photos of site
Info required for later stages of model(references for colours and finishes):
1) Roads / Parking / Paviours etc. around site
2) Main brick or cladding material
3) Contrast materials
4) Roof finishes
5) Balcony & railing colours / design
6) Window frame colours

References can be in the form of actual samples, pictures (of existing buildings or from catalogues), or as colour refs where appropriate. Alternatively, give details of web sites where relevant images can be viewed. Contact us for further advice.

Main Products

1. How much does a model cost?
There are no definitive answers to this question as every model is a unique project. Prices range from less than a hundred US dollars to many thousands of US dollars. Big complicated models obviously cost more than small simple models but there are no fixed price bands that can be applied to these projects. The only way we can give a realistic estimate for your model is by looking at whatever information you have and getting a feel for how complex the project is - although, if necessary, we can give you a rough ball park figure just from a verbal description.

2. Does it matter if I am not local?
Not at all. We manufacture models for clients all over China and abroad. Information exchange and client liaison is all carried out via email or telephone and regular photographs keep you in touch with progress on your model. We usually find completed models can be signed off from photographs (although you may prefer to come in for a final inspection) and there are various options for delivery.

3. What information is required to supply a quotation?
To provide a fixed price quotation for a model, ideally we require a fairly comprehensive set of drawings but we understand this isn’t always possible. As a basic guideline, for an architectural model we would require a site plan with some indication of levels (unless it’s flat) plus several elevations of the new development. Site photographs are also very useful. For display models or exhibition models we need as many images, drawings or 3D views of the proposed design as possible. But if you are at the very early stages of a project we can supply a rough cost from very minimal information.

4. What format should the information be in?
The information can be emailed as, pdfs, dwgs, jpgs, etc. It would be better if you can provide the drawings directly in CAD format, it will save us both a lot of time.

5. How long is a model quotation valid for?
A quotation is valid for a period of three months. The only part of the quotation that may change is the proposed completion date. Modelmakers has to book projects in on a first come first served basis so if there is a delay in confirming the order, other projects may well put back the date we can complete your model.

6. What information is required to build the model?
The better the information you are able to give us, the better the architectural model we are able to give you. A full set of plans, sections, elevations and a detailed finishes schedule will enable us to make your model quickly and accurately. This information should be sent to us via email or on a disc through the post (ideally as DWGs). It is useful to have a set of printed drawings as well.

If you give us the go-ahead on a project, we will then need the full set of information. A typical list might read as follows:
Information required for us to begin work:
1) An accurate site plan showing boundaries of model
2) Plan showing levels across site
3) Plans, elevations, sections of all buildings
4) Landscaping plan (if available)
5) Any aerial or ground level photos of site
Info required for later stages of model(references for colours and finishes):
1) Roads / Parking / Paviours etc. around site
2) Main brick or cladding material
3) Contrast materials
4) Roof finishes
5) Balcony & railing colours / design
6) Window frame colours

References can be in the form of actual samples, pictures (of existing buildings or from catalogues), or as colour refs where appropriate. Alternatively, give details of web sites where relevant images can be viewed.

7. How long does a model take to build?
Just as there is no fixed price structure for a model nor is there a standard construction time. Each model is different. A simple concept model could take just a few days. A large, complex interactive model could take five or six weeks. Most projects take somewhere in between, typically two to four weeks. However the total turn-around time will depend on our existing commitments at the time of ordering.

8. What’s the best scale for the model?
When planning a model the first and most important step is to establish which scale is most appropriate for the purposes of the model. This decision usually depends on two things; how big an area you need to model and how much detail you need to show. But other factors, such as, the size of your budget, how much room you will have to display the model and whether it has to be easily portable also need to be considered. We will be happy to advise you on the pros and cons of the various scale options that most suit your project.

9. How can I check progress of the model if I am not local?
Please refer to “Does it matter if I’m not local?” above.

10. What materials will the model be made from?
The majority of models are made from various high grade plastics but Modelmakers has experience in working with a variety of different materials so please contact us if you have any special requirements.

11. How late can changes be made?
Design alterations can be incorporated in your model at any point during construction but there may be a charge incurred for any abortive work already carried out. Significant alterations may also affect the completion date. However, as a gesture of good will we usually try to carry out minor changes without any additional cost or delays to the deadline.

12. Do I need to inspect the finished model before delivery?
It is not essential to come in and inspect the finished model before it is delivered although some clients prefer to do this. Other clients are happy to sign the project off using emailed photographs. We will send any views or angles you need as well as detailed close-ups of any query areas.

13. How will the model be delivered?
The options for delivery will vary from model to model. A compact one-piece model can usually be delivered by a dedicated door to door courier which is generally the lowest cost option. Larger more complex projects (such as a display model or exhibition model) will often need to be delivered by our own staff, especially if the project requires careful setting up or an element of demonstration. Models for export will usually require a purpose-built flight case which is a service we provide. We will usually give an indication of the likely delivery arrangements in the quotation process.

14. Does the model need a stand or legs?
This depends on the size of the model and where you are intending to display it. Smaller models can be displayed on any desk or suitably sturdy table. For larger models we can provide either a purpose built plinth or removable legs. We can offer a wide variety of designs and materials.

15. Do you supply Perspex covers for models?
We can supply all models with a sturdy Perspex cover to protect them from dirt and damage in any dimensions you require.

16. Can you supply a flight case (travel case) for the model?
We can provide a custom-built case to any dimensions or specifications you require.

Packing: air standard wooden package

Delivery: 

1. Delivery time: 15~30 days after we get the payment ( basing on actual project )

2. Transportation: by air

Payment terms: T/T, Western Union

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