There are many types of plans and drawings used in construction. One website I found listed 46 types, another 42 types, and others kept to briefer lists of between 5 and 12. In any case, the point is clear: There are many types of drawings, and they have an essential role in construction.
Summary List of Construction Plans
- Site plan
- Architectural drawings
- Floor plans
- Elevations
- Sections
- Detail drawings
- Presentation drawings & renderings
- Excavation drawings
- Foundation plan
- Structural drawings
- Framing plans
- MEP drawings
- Mechanical (HVAC) drawings
- Electrical drawings
- Plumbing drawings
- Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP)
- Fire Protection Plan
- Landscape Plan
- Roof Plan
- Interior Design Plan
Construction Plans
Here is a table listing each of the types of construction-related plan noted above together with a brief description, importance, and example use case:
| Plan Type | Description | Importance | Example Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site Plan | Detailed drawing showing the entire construction site, including building locations, landscaping, driveways, and utilities. | Provides an overall view of the project site, ensuring proper placement of structures and compliance with zoning regulations. | Used by architects and planners to design the layout of a new commercial complex. |
| Architectural Drawings | Includes floor plans, elevations, sections, and detail drawings depicting the design and layout of the building as follows. | Communicates the design intent and aesthetic details of the project. | |
| – Floor Plans | Horizontal cut-through view of a building, showing the arrangement of rooms, walls, doors, and windows for each floor. | Essential for understanding the layout and flow of spaces within the building. | Used by interior designers to plan furniture placement and by contractors to understand the spatial organization. |
| – Elevations | Drawings that show the exterior faces of a building from different angles (front, back, sides). | Helps visualize the external appearance and design details. | Used by architects to communicate the design aesthetics and by builders to construct the building’s exterior features. |
| – Sections | Vertical cut-through views of a building, illustrating the internal structure and components. | Reveals the relationship between different levels and internal construction details. | Used by structural engineers to design and verify the integrity of load-bearing elements like walls and floors. |
| – Detail Drawings | Enlarged views of specific parts of a construction project, showing intricate details and construction methods. | Provides clear guidance on complex construction elements to ensure accuracy. | Used by contractors to accurately build detailed features like staircases, windows, and joinery. |
| – Assembly Drawings | Show how various components fit together to form an assembly. Include detailed views, part numbers, and assembly instructions. | Ensure correct assembly of complex parts, preventing errors and ensuring proper fit and function. | Used by construction teams to assemble prefabricated wall panels or modular building sections. |
| – Component Drawings | Detailed drawings of individual components, showing dimensions, materials, and other specifications. | Provide all necessary information to manufacture or fabricate each component accurately. | Used by manufacturers to produce custom windows, doors, or other building elements. |
| – Presentation Drawings | High-quality visual representations of the architectural design, including artistic sketches, color elevations, perspective views, and digital 3D models. | Helps stakeholders visualize the final appearance of the project, making it easier to communicate design intentions and gain approvals. | Used by architects to present the design of a new residential complex to potential buyers and investors. |
| Excavation Drawing | Plans showing the areas to be excavated, including depths, dimensions, and locations of trenches and foundations. | Ensures proper site preparation and foundation work. | Used by site engineers to direct excavation crews during the groundwork phase of a high-rise building project. |
| Foundation Plan | Drawings detailing the design and layout of the building’s foundation, including footings, slabs, and reinforcements. | Ensures the foundation is constructed to support the building safely and effectively. | Used by structural engineers to design the foundation of a residential house. |
| Structural Drawings | Detailed plans of the structural components, including beams, columns, trusses, and framing. | Ensures the building’s structural integrity and safety. | Used by engineers to design and verify the structural framework of a bridge. |
| Framing Plans | Drawings showing the layout and construction of the building’s framework, including walls, floors, and roof structures. | Guides the construction of the building’s skeleton. | Used by carpenters to construct the wooden framework of a residential home. |
| MEP Drawings | Encompasses mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system designs as follows. | ||
| – Mechanical (HVAC) Drawings | Detail the design and layout of mechanical systems, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). | Ensures proper climate control and air quality. | Used by HVAC technicians to install and configure the HVAC system in a commercial office building. |
| – Electrical Drawings | Show the layout of electrical systems, including wiring, outlets, switches, and fixtures. | Guides the installation and maintenance of electrical systems. | Used by electricians to wire a new office building. |
| – Plumbing Drawings | Illustrate the plumbing system, including pipes, fixtures, and water supply and drainage routes. | Ensures the proper installation of plumbing systems. | Used by plumbers to install the water supply and drainage systems in an apartment complex. |
| Reflected Ceiling Plan | Drawings showing the layout of the ceiling, including lights, HVAC vents, and other fixtures as they would be seen from below. | Ensures accurate placement of ceiling elements and coordination with other systems. | Used by interior designers and electricians to install ceiling lights and fixtures in a conference hall. |
| Fire Protection Plan | Plans showing the layout of fire protection systems, including sprinklers, alarms, and escape routes. | Ensures the building meets safety standards and regulations for fire protection. | Used by fire safety engineers to design the fire sprinkler system for a hotel. |
| Landscape Plan | Drawings showing the design and layout of outdoor spaces, including plants, trees, walkways, and lighting. | Guides the landscaping and outdoor improvements for aesthetic and functional purposes. | Used by landscape architects to design the gardens and outdoor areas of a corporate campus. |
| Roof Plan | Detailed drawings of the roof design, including slopes, materials, and drainage systems. | Ensures proper construction and waterproofing of the roof. | Used by roofing contractors to install the roof of a commercial building. |
| Interior Design Plan | Plans detailing the interior layout and design elements, including furniture, finishes, and fixtures. | Guides the interior design and decor of the building. | Used by interior designers to furnish and decorate the interior of a luxury apartment. |
Volanti Plan Review Tables & Displays
Volanti offers a full range of plan review tables and displays supporting Windows software to provide an ergonomic, high-resolution touchscreen display for construction and related plans…
