Construction Documents

Construction documents are plans and specifications drawn up by an architect that give detailed requirements for the construction of a building. Typical construction documents for a project include building plans showing the layout and dimensions of the new building, placement of openings and the location of electrical and plumbing outlets. Specific drawings detail runs for HVAC, electricity and plumbing; others show foundation requirements and roof construction details. Another critical document is the specification book, which outlines materials and specific instructions on aspects of the project. Any written changes made during construction complete the set of construction documents. Property owners can use construction documents to obtain bids from builders for the project. Local agencies in charge of permits require full sets of documents for review and inspection purposes. They show what the property owner plans to build and offer a way to ensure the actual construction proceeds according to the plan.