
Construction Drawing Information
Plan Set Options | Pricing | Proofs & Revisions | Site Plan Notes
Plan Set Options
Some builders will use only a floor plan and exterior elevations to build a house. In this case, most of the details are determined by the way they typically build a home along with whatever information you provide. If you have a builder in mind, check to see what they need. Here is a Construction Drawing Checklist to use when discussing this subject with a builder.
Additional construction drawings can be used to create your authentic design. The drawing set “sweet spot” is what your builder requires in addition to anything else that you need (or want) to communicate your authentic design to the builder and his tradesmen.
Here’s what I recommend: If you need a set of plans in order to obtain bids from multiple builders (or you are considering contracting the project yourself), start with the following: Floor plan, exterior elevations, typical wall section, electrical plan, millwork/interior elevations, and roof plan. Consider a site plan for the reasons given under “Site Plan” below.
In my experience, two areas that vary greatly from custom project to custom project are the individual’s electrical requirements and their cabinetry. By adding the electrical and millwork/interior elevations, builders and sub-contractors will be able to give you a comparable quote for the job. The roof plan can take some guesswork out of figuring out how all the ridges and valleys come together and call out other items not included on exterior elevations.
I can provide any and all of the construction drawings below and will gladly furnish an estimate, upon request, for the construction drawing set that you require. If you find that you (or your builder) need additional drawings, it’s no problem to add to a plan set. Don’t forget that a 3D model is included at no charge and other 3D modeling is available as described below. Contact me.
The Basics
Floor Plan shows the placement of interior walls and the dimensions for rooms, doors, windows, stairways, etc. of each level of the house. It will contain notes that communicate window and door sizes, ceiling heights, and other general information. I add any specific descriptive information that you, the client, want to communicate to the builder and tradesmen. Though, an additional drawing (electrical plan, interior elevations, etc.) may be the better way to communicate your authentic design. See “Additional Drawings” below for more information.
Exterior Elevations show the front, rear, and sides of the house, call out exterior materials, identify roof pitches, and provide some helpful dimensions.
Typical Wall Section is a section view through the wall from the footing to the roof showing construction methods and materials typically used by local builders.
Other construction drawings that a builder may request
Site plan (may be required by the city) shows existing and proposed structures with distances to property lines , existing and proposed utilities and connection points, property lines, easements and setbacks, name and location of streets, and a legal description of the property. Even if the site plan is not required, it may be useful to you in planning additional or future structures, drives, and outdoor areas.
Roof Plan provides a bird’s eye view of the roof’s valleys, ridges, and dormers (if applicable). It also shows roof pitches on each roof plan and calls out other roof-related information.
Foundation Plan shows the layout of the foundation walls according to the specific type of foundation being used. Applicable foundation notes and details are included with this drawing.
Floor Framing Plan for homes built on crawl spaces (not slabs) show pier and beam locations in addition to the outside foundation walls. Applicable floor framing noes and details are included with this drawing.
Building Cross Sections show details of the house as though it were cut in slices from the roof to the foundation. The cross sections detail the construction of the home and are useful for varied ceiling heights, stairs and stairwells, balconies, and other construction aspects.
Door and Window Schedules in chart form, provide door and window quantities, size, and description.
Notes and Details provide a complete description for a specific construction component (structural specifications, excavating and grading, masonry and concrete work, carpentry and wood specifications, thermal and moisture protection and specifications about drywall, tile, flooring, glazing, caulking and sealants).
Additional drawings used to communicate your authentic design
Electrical Plan shows your preferred location for all electrical devices (switches, receptacles, phone, TV, data, etc.) as well as any special electrical requirements (generators, pool/hot tub circuits, etc.) .
Millwork and Interior Elevations show the details of all cabinets (kitchen, bathroom, laundry, etc.), fireplace wall arrangement, and other special interior features.
Closet Elevations are interior elevations that represent specifically how you want your closet built-ins, shelving, and accessories laid out.
Furniture Plan shows placement of furniture and other decorator items in a room. Once furnishings are placed in a room, you may decide that you want a 360 Panorama so you can get a better feel for the space.
3D Modeling used to communicate your authentic design
3D Model: Lets you “walk through” your home before it is built to visualize spaces. This is not only helpful for you but your builder may also find it useful. The free 3D model that I provide with every plan contains default items like door, cabinet, and trim styles. I can include specific styles and materials at your request and for an additional fee. Here is a link to how the 3D model works.
360 Panorama: This is a quick way of “looking around” a room or area of your home from one spot. I can provide as many 360 Panoramas as you wish for an additional fee; its best to have some furnishings in a room if you want to get a feel for the space. Here is a link to a sample 360 Panorama.
Drawings that typically I don’t provide
HVAC Plan is typically laid out on a copy of the floor plan by an HVAC contractor. They will calculate heating and cooling loads, duct sizes, and locate runs based on their knowledge and expertise.
Plumbing Plan is typically done by the plumbing contractor based on their knowledge and expertise.
Structural Plans are designed by licensed engineers. I typically notify the client and place notes for items that involve engineering. I can coordinate this work with a structural engineer if required.
Pricing
Design Fees: My initial consultation is free. After the consultation, I will provide a detailed estimate based on proposed square footage, estimated design time (if applicable), and the construction drawings that you require.
My definition of “square feet” for design and drafting purposes
Most typical drawings are based on total square feet under roof. This includes porches, patios, bonus rooms, etc.
Proofs & Revisions

Changes are much easier and less costly to make on paper during planning and design than after construction begins. But even on paper, changes can become more complex as the plan is being developed. That is why you will receive proofs as the plan is being drawn.

Proofs – After the initial consultation and formalities (estimate review, agreement signing, and retainer fee payment), I will begin the preliminary design. This is accomplished through a review and approval process. It begins with the floor plan, then repeats with the exterior elevations. Once the preliminary plan and elevation is approved, I can begin work on the construction drawing set and provide you with a 3D model of the design.
Revisions – As described below, a reasonable amount of trivial and minor revisions will be allowed at no additional cost. Two medium or major revisions will be allowed at no charge. A charge will be added for three or more medium to major revisions due to the way these types of changes affect associated design components. If this occurs, I can provide a cost estimate based on the time they will take to make.
TRIVIAL REVISIONS
- Adding notes to communicate design intent with your builder
- Moving/adding/removing windows or doors
- Moving interior non-bearing walls
- Changing exterior materials
MINOR REVISIONS
Minor revisions affecting components but not footprint or house size such as:
- Flipping two rooms around while keeping existing dimensions
- Changing exterior walls from 2×4 to 2×6
- Changing to side entry garage
MEDIUM REVISIONS
Revisions affecting rooms and layouts but not footprint or actual house size such as:
- Enlarging/shrinking existing rooms
- Small garage expansion
- Changing roof pitch
MAJOR REVISIONS
Significant plan revisions such as:
- Changing the house footprint by adding new rooms and/or re-configuring room locations
- Adding or deleting more than 300 square feet
Site Plan Notes
The level of detail on a site plan can vary tremendously. Importing data is fast whereas manually entering lengths and coordinates takes time. Calling out setbacks and drives is fairly easy. While noting existing features and future improvements can be tedious. With 3D CAD technology, site plans can be produced with either minimal or intricate detail. Therefore, site plan pricing varies.
A Basic Site Plan will include utility connection points and the locations of all utilities proposed and existing, legal description, property lines and property corner evidence, right-of-way, easements and setbacks, name and location of streets, all existing and proposed structures, distance to structures from property lines and any other structures, location of drive and walks. More elaborate site plans can include contour lines, existing site features, planned, site features, etc. All of this information must be provided by the customer.
Sample Site Plans


