Building plans are used by builders and contractors to construct buildings and estimate project costs. The process begins with an architect’s proposal and goes through several stages. Plans are put out to tender, and the job is awarded based on various factors. Plans can consist of a single drawing or hundreds of pages, organized according to a standardized system. A specification book is also provided to ensure materials and methods are used correctly.
Building plans are a graphical representation of what a building will look like after construction. They are used by builders and contractors to construct buildings of all types. Construction plans are also useful when it comes to estimating how much a project will cost and preparing project budgets.
Creating a set of building plans begins when a landlord or developer approaches an architect with an idea for a new building. The architect makes a proposal for his services based on the type of project and the owner’s description. The cost for the plans typically ranges from 3-5% of the total project cost. Once the owner signs a contract with the architect, the planning phase begins.
On larger projects, the design process goes through several distinct stages. It begins with a schematic stage, where the architect captures background information about the project and creates simple floor plans to reflect this information. After the owner has reviewed these drawings, the architect proceeds with a more detailed set, called the “Project Development” phase. This process continues through a 50% drawing phase, a 90% drawing phase, and a final build set. After each set of plans is created, the owner is given a review period and their comments are incorporated into the next stage.
Once construction projects have been finalised, they are put out to tender. During the bidding process, contractors and subcontractors review plans and submit their price to complete the work. Most of the time, the job is awarded to the highest bidder, but this is not always the case. Owners can also consider experience, scheduling and relationships when awarding a project.
Building plans can consist of a single drawing or hundreds of pages. For larger or more complex projects built in the United States, drawings are often arranged in a specific order, based on a system developed by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). According to the CSI system, the series of plans begin with a title page, showing a list of all drawings included and a legend of the symbols. This page is followed by civil or site plans; architectural drawings; mechanical and electrical plans; then any special information, such as irrigation systems, special equipment or furnishings. Other countries may have their own standardized systems for building plans.
Most plans come with a spec book or spec book. This manual is organized according to the CSI codes and contains information on materials and methods to be used to complete the project. It is imperative that the specification book is used in conjunction with project drawings and there may be information in one that is not shown in the other.
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