Types of Drawings in a Typical Set of

Construction Documents
Facilities Check List
Practical, step-by-step guides for the busy FM
https://fmlink.com/articles/types-of-drawings-in-a-typical-set-of-construction-documents/
February 2003
For any major project, you’re going to need construction documents, and there can be plenty
of different documents that make up your set. One given is that no two sets of drawings are
alike. However, certain conventions have become widely accepted. Although many variations
are used, a typical tenant space buildout project of 20,000 to 50,000 square feet usually
includes the following types of drawings. Unless the space is quite small, one plan of each type
is prepared for each floor.
Cover Sheet
The cover sheet lists the project name, drawing index, building permit
information, key plan, and general notes. Names of all consultants and their
contact information should be included, along with the facility manager in
charge.
Second Cover Sheet
The second cover sheet indicates partition types in a given section, the finish
schedule and legend (if a finish plan is not required), door type elevations, door
schedule, and hardware groups.
Demolition Plan
The demolition plan delineates all partitions, doors, and power/communications
outlets to be demolished.
Architectural Partition Plan
This document indicates the placement and type of all new partitions and doors
as well as existing partitions and doors to remain. Critical dimensions
determining partition locations and door numbers referenced back to the door
schedule will also be included on this sheet. These are identified as A-1, A-2, etc.
Power and Communications Plan
This plan indicates the location, height, and orientation of all new power,
telephone, and communications outlets, as well as existing outlets to remain.
Reflected Ceiling Plan
The reflected ceiling plan graphically shows the ceiling treatment, ceiling grid,
and the placement of all new light fixtures and those light fixtures to be removed
and relocated. A light fixture legend and switch locations are also included on this
sheet.
Millwork and Special Construction Sheets
The millwork and special construction sheets document all approved special
architectural construction items. The elevation sheet keys in all sections and
details. The section and detail sheets indicate the special architectural items in
large scale.
Finish Plan
This document graphically indicates the locations of all new wall and floor
finishes. A finish legend is typically included on this drawing to key in all finish
specifications.
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering design and documents are usually fast
tracked with the architectural documents so that both the architectural and engineering
documents are completed at the same time. In this context, mechanical refers to HVAC
systems. Sometimes the term mechanical refers to HVAC, electrical, and plumbing drawings.
Be sure to determine how the term is being used. The engineering documents usually consist
of the following drawings:
Electrical Cover Sheet
The electrical cover sheet indicates all electrical specs, notes, and panel schedules.
This sheet includes the specification of supplemental electrical panels, if required.
Electrical plans are numbered as E-1, E-2, E-3, etc.
Power, Data, and Telephone Plan
This document indicates all outlets and circuiting, the electrical distribution
system, riser location, routing of service, design voltage, amperage, and
transformer size and location.
Electrical/Lighting Plan
This document indicates all lighting fixtures, outlets, switches, and circuiting.
Mechanical Cover Sheet
The mechanical cover sheet indicates all mechanical notes, legends, and details,
including a partial plumbing plan and plumbing riser diagram.
Mechanical Plan
The mechanical plan specifies the design of, or all modifications to, the existing
mechanical system, ductwork layout and dimensions, mechanical equipment
location, damper locations, design air delivery rates, diffuser locations,
thermostat locations, and the specification of supplemental cooling systems, if
required. Mechanical plans are normally identified as M-1, M-2, etc.
Plumbing Plan
Plumbing drawings provide all pertinent information on the design of the
plumbing system for a project, including line sizes, line location, fixture location,
isolation valves, storage tank capacities, hot water heater capacities and
locations, and drain locations and routing.
Other Drawings
The size and complexity of the project will determine the number of drawings
required to effectively convey the scope of the construction contract. In addition
to the drawings noted above, it is not unusual to find other drawings included. If
a building is being constructed from scratch, a series of site and landscaping
plans will be prepared, including general architectural siting of the building,
topography and grading, roadwork, and civil engineering improvements such as
site drainage and environmental protection. A typical site or plot plan will depict
the positioning of the project on the tract of land on which construction is to take
place. Plot plans will also indicate grade elevations (vertical locations of roads,
walks, and the ground, relative to a known benchmark or reference point), and
locations of underground utilities (electrical, telephone, natural gas lines, etc.).
A newly constructed building will also include structural engineering drawings for the
structural frame design, beam sizes, connections, and foundation and footing details. In
concrete structures, the structural drawings will indicate concrete forming details, dimensions
of members, and reinforcing steel requirements. If the structure is steel framed, the size and
type of steel framing will be indicated.
Separate drawings are often prepared for specialties such as food service equipment, systems
furniture installation, computer network cabling, and the like. For large, complex tenant
buildouts involving interior stairwells in tenant space or private elevators, structural drawings
will also be required.