Dracon International – Design & Documentation Methodology for Accurate FOB China

​​

Modular & Traditional Construction Supply Program

To support Gibbons’ pipeline of 200+ townhouses per year, Dracon International has developed a clear, efficient design-documentation workflow that enables us to deliver fast, precise and fully-validated FOB China quotations across all building materials and modular components.

​

Our role is simple: we provide compliant sourcing, price transparency, and manufacturing certainty—but the accuracy of our quoting depends on the clarity of the design information we receive.

​

Below is the design methodology that consistently delivers the best commercial and timeline outcomes for Gibbons-scale developments.

​

1. Architectural Drawings (100% Complete)

To quote accurately, Dracon requires a full architectural drawing package for each townhouse type or repeating cluster. This must include:

• Floor plans, elevations, roof plan, sections

• Door and window schedules

• Wet area layouts (showers, trays, waterproofing zones)

• Kitchen, joinery & wardrobe layouts

• Reflected ceiling plans

• Finishes schedule (paint, tiles, carpets, flooring transitions)

 

Why this matters:
Chinese factories price based on exact dimensions, quantities and finishes. Clear drawings eliminate assumptions and prevent variation-based price changes later.

 

2. BOQ – Bill of Quantities (Preferred)

The BOQ is the most important document for our procurement team.
For each townhouse design, we require a BOQ with:

• Itemised quantities

• Material specifications

• Model numbers (if already chosen)

• Allowed tolerances

• Any NZ-specific brand equivalents

 

Advantages of BOQ for Gibbons:

• Allows apples-to-apples comparison across 3–5 Chinese factories

• Creates strong competitive pricing

• Ensures procurement aligns with local NZ code expectations

• Supports fast tendering for your QS and commercial team

 

3. Specification Manual (Performance-Based or Prescriptive)

This can be short or detailed, but must outline:

• Compliance standards (AS/NZS, NCC, BRANZ, RCM, WELS, etc.)

• Durability and warranty requirements

• Minimum thicknesses, grades, fire ratings, glazing requirements

• Acoustic, thermal and structural performance targets

 

Why:
Chinese factories need to know the performance requirements, not just the product name. This ensures we source the right factory from the start.

 

4. Schedules for Key Trades

To price bathroom pods, joinery packages, and fixtures accurately, the following schedules are critical:

• Electrical schedule (switches, breakers, RCDs, lighting points)

• Plumbing fixture schedule (toilets, vanities, mixers, wastes)

• Cabinetry schedule (kitchen, laundry, robes)

• Appliance list (if required for inclusion or exclusion)

 

5. Repetition & Standardisation Strategy

For 200 units per year, repeating designs reduces cost by 15–25%.
What helps Dracon deliver the best pricing:

• Standardised bathroom pod sizes

• Common kitchen layouts

• One window and door system applied across all unit types

• Standardised SKUs for flooring, carpet, brick, tiles

 

We recommend select 5–7 master SKUs for the bulk of:

• Windows & doors

• Sanitary ware

• Tiles

• Carpet

• Electrical box sets

• Benchtop surfaces

• Joinery cabinet finishes

 

This enables factories to mass-produce at volume, reducing unit cost.

 

6. Deliverables Dracon Provides

Once the above design data is provided, we produce:

• FOB China quotation (3 supplier comparisons)

• Factory compliance files

• Sample packs (if required)

• Production lead-time and shipping schedule

• QA/QC process outline

 

Summary

To quote accurately FOB China and support Gibbons’ 200-unit annual programme, Dracon requires:

1. Full architectural drawings

2. Complete BOQ (preferred)

3. Performance/prescriptive specification manual

4. Detailed trade schedules

5. Standardised SKUs for repetitive efficiencies

 

With this methodology, Dracon can secure the best pricing, shortest lead-times, and highest compliance assurance across all materials sourced from China.