Construction Document

Construction documents typically consist of several types of sheets, each serving a specific purpose in conveying detailed information about the project. These sheets are organized into a set of documents that communicate the scope, design, materials, and construction methods. Here’s an overview of the common types of sheets inside a typical construction document set:

1. Cover Sheet

  • Purpose: Provides project summary information, including project name, location, owner, architect, and contact details.
  • Typical Content: Site map, project description, legal information, list of drawing sheets, and general notes.

2. Title Sheet

  • Purpose: Often combined with the cover sheet in smaller projects, it identifies the set of documents and includes key project details.
  • Typical Content: Project name, title, date, drawing index, and information about the project’s team (architects, engineers, contractors).

3. Site Plan Sheets

  • Purpose: Shows the layout of the project site, including the building, utility connections, parking, landscaping, and grading.
  • Typical Content: Property lines, setbacks, roads, sidewalks, utilities, and topographical features.

4. Architectural Sheets

  • Purpose: Contain detailed drawings of the building’s design and layout.
  • Typical Content:
    • Floor Plans: Detailed layouts for each floor of the building.
    • Elevations: Views of each side of the building, showing the exterior appearance.
    • Sections: Cross-sectional views that show how different parts of the building are constructed and related to each other.
    • Details: Close-up drawings of specific construction components (e.g., window details, door schedules).

5. Structural Sheets

  • Purpose: Provide details about the structural elements of the building.
  • Typical Content:
    • Foundation Plans: Show the layout and details of the foundation system.
    • Framing Plans: Layouts for structural framing systems (e.g., beams, columns, floor systems).
    • Structural Details: Specific connections, reinforcement, and other structural components.

6. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Sheets

  • Purpose: Provide details on the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems within the building.
  • Typical Content:
    • Mechanical Plans: HVAC systems, ductwork layouts, air distribution, and equipment locations.
    • Electrical Plans: Lighting, power distribution, outlets, switches, and other electrical systems.
    • Plumbing Plans: Water supply, drainage, and vent systems, pipe layouts, and fixtures.

7. Civil Engineering Sheets

  • Purpose: Address aspects of site development and infrastructure outside the building.
  • Typical Content:
    • Grading Plans: Topography, slope, and grading details for stormwater management and drainage.
    • Utility Plans: Water, sewer, gas, and electrical utility connections.
    • Paving Plans: Details about roadways, driveways, and parking areas.

8. Landscape Architecture Sheets

  • Purpose: Provide details on the landscaping elements of the project.
  • Typical Content: Planting plans, hardscape design (e.g., patios, walkways), irrigation systems, and other landscape elements.

9. Interior Design Sheets

  • Purpose: Focus on the interior elements and finishes of the building.
  • Typical Content: Room layouts, finish schedules (materials and colors), furniture plans, and details of interior construction elements (e.g., walls, ceilings).

10. Specifications (Specs)

  • Purpose: Accompany drawings to provide detailed information about materials, products, and workmanship standards.
  • Typical Content: A written description of the materials, quality standards, and installation methods for every element in the project.

11. Details Sheets

  • Purpose: Provide enlarged and specific drawings for complex construction details.
  • Typical Content: Enlarged views of connections or components (e.g., roof details, wall intersections, window installation).

12. Code Compliance and Regulatory Sheets

  • Purpose: Ensure that the project complies with local building codes, zoning laws, and regulations.
  • Typical Content: Code compliance summaries, fire protection plans, accessibility requirements (ADA compliance), energy compliance, and other regulatory details.

13. Schedules

  • Purpose: Provide a tabular representation of specific project data.
  • Typical Content: Door schedules, window schedules, finish schedules, equipment schedules, and room finishes.

14. General Notes & Instructions

  • Purpose: Provide overarching guidance on the execution of the work.
  • Typical Content: Construction methods, safety requirements, quality standards, and other notes that apply to the entire project.

15. Addenda and Revisions

  • Purpose: Incorporate changes or clarifications after the initial issuance of the documents.
  • Typical Content: Drawings or notes indicating revisions or changes to the original design.

16. Contractor’s Submittals

  • Purpose: Sometimes included in a set of construction documents, these are the contractor’s own documentation that outlines specific products, materials, or methods they intend to use.
  • Typical Content: Product data sheets, shop drawings, and material specifications.

Each sheet type serves a critical role in the overall understanding of the project, and they are all interconnected. Contractors, engineers, and architects use the combination of these sheets to understand the full scope and details of a construction project.