Architectural/Construction Documentation Process Explained

Building Projects take more than laying bricks and stones. There is a whole process that ensures an efficient delivery. Like other projects, construction also requires a roadmap and an informed process that guides everyone involved. This is where the need for architectural/construction documentation comes in.

What is Construction Documentation?

As the name implies, construction documentation refers to the preparation of documents that guide each level of the construction process. Architects and Engineers are major players in the construction documentation process. They provide documents and drawings that are highly relevant to the demands and nature of a specific structure. Without them, there is no guarantee of a successful project.

Thankfully, we have the help of digital platforms that enable smooth collaboration and development in the documentation process. However, this process also involves developing and printing the relevant construction documents for use on project sites. You can read more about digital platforms and BIM collaboration here.

 

Architectural & Construction Documentation Process

Architectural and construction documents include detailed drawings that indicate the measurements, scales and method of construction. It also includes specifications like the quality and type of materials to be used or approved equals, project site information, and more. A construction project starts with an idea that grows into a concept which is then developed throughout the design documentation process, and rounds up with the implementation phase.

At every stage of the building’s progress, the construction team makes reference to the documents to ensure that they are on track. Also, with construction documents, the project owner has all the information needed for execution and approval from relevant local authorities – although different documentation is used for the approval process.

Must-have Architectural & Construction Documentation Sets

Cover Sheets – This includes the typical set of construction documents (either to obtain a permit or guide construction). They reveal the scope of work and site plans at various scales which state the general condition of the proposed construction site and the location of services or building structures relative to the site boundaries.

Demolition Plans – These plans indicate the present state of the site’s structure and show what needs to be demolished during the construction phase. They typically include red-linework showing demolition outlines.

Floor Plans – These are blueprint sets that provide an aerial view of the building from each level. They indicate interior and exterior walls, building dimensions,  and relevant fixtures.

Elevation Drawings – Elevation sets are architectural drawings that provide a cross-sectional view of the building. They also include details showing, building height with reference to site levels, and sections. They show the interactions between openings, walls and floor to ceiling heights for each building level.

Finish Plans – These plans show the type of materials that will finish (cover-up) the main structure. Finish plans contain reflected ceiling plans, light fixtures, power outlet locations.

Interior Elevations – The interior elevations show wall surfaces and their references to other things, including furniture, finish types, fixtures and light switches.

Schedules – Schedules contain the list and types of materials for specific purposes in the construction process. They indicate the types of doors and windows used in the other sheets including heights, opening types, swing types, specialty equipment among others.

Structural Sets – Structural drawings – they are provided by the structural engineer. These drawings show the structural components of the building. This includes the wall-to-roof connections, structural layout, concrete footings, and other unique components in the building’s framing.

Mechanical Sets – Mechanical drawings – they are produced by the Mechanical Engineer showing the mechanical components and systems in a building, specifically fire-fighting, and the HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning).

Electrical Sets – Electrical drawings – they are provided by the Electrical Engineers showing building circuitry. Switch locations, power supply and control, backup power, low voltage systems etc. They provide detailed information about the building’s entire electrical plan.

Plumbing Sets – Plumbing drawings – they are provided by the plumbing Engineer indicating the structure’s plumbing works such as where the pipes, water tanks, plumbing fixture types, placements and their relationship to supply and waste lines.

What next?

There are a couple more notes for you. You must know that construction documentation facilitates proper coordination between the parties in the project. It ensures compliance with safety standards, accuracy in the details, dimensioning, and meeting up with standard project requirements. Parties with different areas of specialization can create, interpret and deliver their work and with design coordination, early detection and rectification of errors are easily achieved.

What can you do next? Ensure you print your construction documents to uncompromised quality. At PrintMyDrawings we ensure a quick and efficient way to print all construction and architectural drawings/documents for your projects. We can print just about any drawings from Architectural to Electrical, Mechanical, Structural, and even Land Surveys. No software is required. All you need to use PrintMyDrawings is a connection to the internet and a current web browser.

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