50 Types of Construction Drawings

Blueprints for Success: 50 Types of Construction Drawings You Need to Know!

As with any complex project, proper planning is essential to ensure the success of a construction project. Among the many important tools used in construction planning are the various types of construction drawings. These detailed technical / building drawings provide critical information to contractors, builders, architects, and engineers about how a building or structure should be built, from the overall site plan to the smallest details of the electrical and plumbing systems. In this blog, we will explore 50 types of construction drawings/building drawings and their importance in the construction process. From floor plans to drainage plans, and landscaping plans to life safety drawings, we will delve into the intricacies of each type of drawing and explain how they contribute to the successful completion of a construction project.

Electrical Drawings

Electrical drawings, also known as wiring diagrams, are technical drawings that provide information about power, lighting, and communication for any project. They consist of lines, symbols, dimensions, and notations to accurately convey an engineering design to workers who install and repair the electrical system on site. Electrical drafters prepare wiring and layout diagrams used by workers who erect, install, and repair electrical equipment and wiring in communication centres, power plants, electrical distribution systems, and buildings.

Plumbing drawings

Plumbing drawings in building construction are a set of technical drawings that depict the layout of pipe systems and piping arrangements used for conveying fresh water into the building and safely disposing of wastewater. They are an essential component of building design and are used by plumbers, builders, and architects to ensure that the plumbing system is installed correctly and functions properly. The drawings that are included in plumbing drawings are:

• Water Supply System Drawings
• Irrigation System Drawings
• Storm-water System Drawings
• Drainage System Drawings

HVAC Construction Drawings

In building construction, HVAC drawings are technical illustrations that convey information about the heating and cooling of space. The fundamental purpose of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is to maintain good indoor air quality by providing adequate ventilation with filtration and ensuring thermal comfort. HVAC systems are utilized in various types of buildings, such as commercial, residential, or industrial, and their primary function is to regulate the temperature automatically based on external environmental conditions. The system takes in air from the outside, heats or cools it down, and then distributes it to all the areas within the building. An HVAC system is divided into two parts:

• DRY System
• WET System

Firefighting Drawings

The purpose of the Fire Fighting (FF) drawings is to provide a detailed layout of the fire extinguishing systems in the building. These drawings are essential in identifying the necessary systems for a building, as outlined in the BP approval, and in providing precise location, layout, and details of the system components. Below are some of the key features of FF drawings:

• Type and location of the Portable Fire Extinguishers
• Location of the Fire Hose Reel
• Location of Breeching inlet, fire pump room, and water tank, Hard-standing in the site plan
• Design criteria of the sprinkler system
• Pump and Fire Water Tank specifications and details
• Sprinkler piping layout and sprinkler location
• Details of clean agent extinguishing systems within the building
• Location of dry or wet Landing Valves

General Arrangement Drawings (GAs)

General arrangement drawings (GA) provide a comprehensive overview of an object, such as a building, illustrating its overall composition. These drawings contrast with more detailed drawings like component or assembly drawings, which may only present a particular aspect or part of the object. General arrangement drawings reveal how the different components come together to create the whole object. They typically contain various projections, such as plans, sections, and elevations, with complete information spread across several drawings, depending on the complexity of the object. They may also be referred to as 'location drawings' as they display the location of various components and assemblies within the overall design. However, it's essential to note that location drawings indicating the geographical location of the building may cause confusion with general arrangement drawings.

Spool Drawings

A pipe spool is a pre-fabricated assembly of pipes and accompanying components that can be shipped to a construction site for installation. These spools are divided into multiple sections that connect at various junctions within a structure. To aid in this process, pipe spool drawings are created as a visual guide for fabricators and installers. The drawings contain all the necessary information for accurate spool assembly, providing a comprehensive overview of all welded parts within the spool.

Trimble Point Drawings

Trimble FieldPoints is a software solution that caters to the requirements of building construction contractors and engineers who need to create 2D and 3D field layout points within their preferred design files. With Trimble FieldPoints, users can generate positioning points automatically, which can be utilized with Trimble's high-quality construction layout and data collection software, Trimble Field Link. This makes it easier to stake out in the field using the Trimble RTS-series total stations or the Trimble Rapid Positioning System.

Isometric Piping Drawings

Isometric drawings visually represent a 3D piping system, clearly showing the straight lengths of all the pipe runs and indicating the line numbers for each run. These line numbers convey important information such as the fluid service, piping class and material, and insulation details. The environment, including the operating and process conditions, such as temperature and pressure, should also be conveyed in the drawing. All piping system components, including flanges, valves, elbows, and other fittings, must be accurately depicted. For complex piping systems, separate isometric diagrams may be used to represent individual pipe runs.

Riser Drawings

A riser diagram is a vertical, two-dimensional drawing that displays the primary components of a building's services. It provides a floor-by-floor representation of the feeders and major equipment used. Riser diagrams commonly show the connections of systems, such as fire alarms, ducts, and pipes, that connect multiple devices across different building floors. For instance, a plumbing riser diagram will illustrate the installation of water, drain, and vent lines, including clean-outs for the sanitary system. The diagram should indicate all pipe sizes to ensure accurate installation.

RCP Drawings

The Reflected Ceiling Plan, also known as RCP, is a type of architectural drawing that presents a view of the ceiling as if it were reflected onto a mirror on the floor. While a Floor Plan shows the space layout from above, the RCP provides an overhead view of the ceiling layout. The RCP is used to display important information, such as the location and type of ceiling elements, including light fixtures, vents, and sprinklers, as well as the position of beams, moldings, and other features that affect the ceiling design. It is a helpful tool for architects and designers in planning and coordinating the placement of these elements and for contractors in understanding the scope of work needed to install or modify the ceiling components.

Process Flow Diagram(PFD)

Process flow diagrams (PFDs)/Process & instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) are used to outline or explain the complex flows, equipment, instrumentation, erection, elevation, and foundation that exist in the processing unit. “A PFD is a simple illustration of a flow diagram that describes the primary flow path through a processing unit.” It is a block representation of the basic flow from the raw material to the end product and shows basic flow with a schematic arrangement of instruments and control

Process & Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID)

Process flow diagrams (PFDs) and Process and Instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) are essential tools for illustrating complex process flows, equipment arrangements, and instrumentation in a processing unit. PFDs depict the primary flow path through a processing unit, using block representations to show the flow of raw materials to the end product, along with a schematic arrangement of instruments and controls. These diagrams provide an easy-to-understand overview of the process, making it easier to identify potential issues and optimize the overall process.

Sleeve Drawings

Pipe sleeves are commonly used in construction to protect pipe holes or gaps between pipes and surfaces. They act as a barrier to prevent contact between the pipe and other materials. Coordinated Sleeve Drawings illustrate all the penetrations of ducts and pipes through slabs and walls. These drawings include details about each penetration, such as the size of the pipe or duct, the size of the opening required, and whether insulation is necessary.

Schematic Drawings

Schematic drawings are technical illustrations that offer a simplified representation or overview of a system or process. These drawings are usually used during the preliminary design stages to convey fundamental concepts and ideas.

Design Development Drawings

Design development drawings provide a higher level of detail about the design of a project than schematic drawings. They are created to refine and develop the design concept and communicate design intent to contractors and other project team members. These drawings typically contain more specific information about materials, finishes, and construction methods and may also include details on building systems such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. Design development drawings are an important step in the design process, helping to ensure that the project is executed according to the intended design.

Construction Drawings

Construction drawings serve as essential technical blueprints for a building or structure, detailing in-depth information on the construction process. These drawings are vital for contractors, builders, and other construction professionals to understand the design intent and execute the project efficiently. Unlike design development drawings, construction drawings provide detailed information on dimensions, materials, finishes, and construction details, along with specifications and notes that enhance project understanding.

Site Plan Drawings

A site plan displays the property boundaries and the positioning of the building on the site, alongside other site features such as landscaping, parking areas, and sidewalks. It is an important document used by architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that the building and site elements are properly integrated into the surrounding environment.

Floor Plans Drawings

A floor plan comprehensively illustrates a building's interior layout, including the positioning of rooms, walls, doors, and windows. It is crucial to ensure that the design of a building is practical and accommodates the requirements of its occupants.

Demolition Drawings

A demolition plan is a technical drawing providing information on how a building or structure will be demolished. A demolition plan ensures the demolition process is carried out safely and efficiently. It provides a detailed plan of action for the demolition team and helps to minimize the risks of accidents or damage to surrounding structures or utilities.

Elevation Drawings

An elevation drawing displays the exterior façade of a building from a specific viewpoint, showcasing the height and overall proportions of the structure. This technical drawing also depicts features such as windows, doors, and other exterior details.

Section Construction Drawings

In architecture, a section drawing provides a cutaway view of a building or structure, revealing interior details, including walls, floors, ceilings, and structural components. It helps architects and builders understand the relationship between different building parts, such as how the foundation relates to the walls or how the roof connects to the walls.

Cross-section Drawings

Cross-section drawings provide a comprehensive view of a building's interior structure by showing a cutaway view of its walls, floors, and ceilings. These drawings play a crucial role in illustrating the detailed construction of a building and how its various components fit together.

Planting Plan Drawings

A planting plan is a detailed technical drawing that shows how to landscape an outdoor area, such as a garden, park, or commercial property. It provides essential information to the landscaping team, including the types and placement of plants, trees, and other features, and helps ensure that the final result is aesthetically pleasing, practical, and easy to maintain.

Electrical Plan Drawings

An electrical plan drawing is a technical document that outlines the electrical system's layout for a building or structure, such as lighting fixtures, outlets, switches, and other electrical devices. It provides an accurate and detailed representation of the electrical system and specifies the type of wiring and electrical equipment to be used. The electrical plan drawing also includes information on voltage and amperage requirements for different circuits. The plan ensures that the electrical system is installed safely and efficiently while meeting the project's specific electrical needs.

Plumbing Plan Drawings

A plumbing plan drawing depicts the arrangement of a plumbing system, revealing the placement of pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing components. These plans are essential to ensure that a building's plumbing systems are designed properly and meet safety and functionality standards.

Drainage & Sewer Drawings

A drainage plan drawing is a technical illustration that depicts how water will be controlled and managed on a construction site or property. It is usually created by a civil engineer or designer and is used to guide drainage system construction, which helps prevent water damage or erosion.

Landscape Drawings

These drawings illustrate the site's landscape design, featuring trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. Landscape architects and designers use them to coordinate the various aspects of the landscape design, while contractors and builders refer to them to ensure accurate implementation of the design.

Life Safety Drawings

A life safety drawing is an architectural drawing that depicts the placement of fire protection equipment, systems, and features in a building. The primary objective of a fire protection plan is to promote the safety of the building occupants during a fire and to minimize damage to the property.

Accessibility Plan

An accessibility plan is a technical drawing that shows the layout of a building concerning accessibility standards and requirements. It includes features such as ramps, elevators, and other accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Accessibility plans are designed to meet local building codes and standards, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States. These plans ensure that buildings are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities, and provide a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

Furniture, Fixture, and Equipment (FF&E) Drawings

A Furniture, Fixture, and Equipment (FF&E) drawing is a technical drawing that provides information on the layout and placement of furniture, fixtures, and equipment within a space. These drawings are used to guide the installation and placement of FF&E elements, such as desks, chairs, lighting fixtures, and other equipment. By providing a clear visual representation of the layout and placement of FF & E, these drawings can minimize errors during installation and ensure that the final space is functional and meets the needs of its users.

Ceiling Drawings

A ceiling drawing is a technical illustration that visually represents the ceiling design and layout within a building or interior space. Its purpose is to communicate the specific details of the ceiling design, including decorative features, lighting fixtures, and other relevant elements. Ceiling drawings are used to guide the installation and construction of the ceiling and may be required as part of the design and construction process.

Roof Drawings

A roof drawing is a type of technical drawing that provides detailed information on the design and layout of the roof in a building or structure. These drawings are typically created to comply with local building codes and regulations and are often required as part of the permit application process. A roof drawing may include information such as the type of roofing material, the pitch and slope of the roof, the location and size of roof vents and other features, and the details of any flashing or other waterproofing elements.

Enlarged Drawings

An enlarged drawing is a technical drawing that focuses on a particular area or component of a larger design or drawing. It is often used to provide more detailed information and a closer view of a specific part of the design, such as a building detail, mechanical part, or product feature. Enlarged drawings provide clarity and accuracy in construction or manufacturing processes. They may include dimensions, notes, and other details specific to the area or component being enlarged.

Detail Drawings

Detail drawings provide detailed information about specific parts of a building, such as windows, doors, or staircases. They are used to communicate information about how these parts should be constructed, assembled, or installed. These drawings typically include various information, such as dimensions, material specifications, notes, symbols, and graphical representations of the detailed component.

Masonry Details

A masonry detail drawing is a technical illustration that displays the design and construction specifications for a particular type of masonry, such as brick or stone. These drawings provide information on the size and location of individual masonry units, the type of mortar and joint finish, and the techniques used to tie masonry elements to other parts of the structure.

Millwork Details

A millwork detail drawing is a technical illustration that displays the specific design and construction details of custom woodwork, such as cabinetry, trim, and molding. The drawing provides information on how to construct and install these millwork elements, including the use of particular materials, dimensions, and finishes. Millwork detail drawings ensure that the millwork is fabricated and installed correctly according to the design specifications.

Hardware Details

A hardware detail drawing provides detailed information about the design, dimensions, and installation of various hardware components used in a building or structure, such as door handles, locks, hinges, and cabinet pulls. These building drawings are important for ensuring the proper functionality and security of the building and are often used by contractors and builders during the installation process.

Key Plan Drawings

A key plan is a concise visual representation of a larger, more complex plan or drawing, usually displayed on a small scale. It serves as a guide to help orient the viewer to the location and layout of the larger plan and often includes additional information, such as a legend or scale.

Door/window Key Plan

A door/window key plan is a visual diagram that displays the location and identification of all the doors and windows in a building using a unique key or number. This plan provides valuable information for architects, builders, and contractors to locate specific doors and windows within a building easily. Using a standardized numbering or labeling system, the key plan allows for easy communication and coordination between stakeholders involved in the construction or renovation process. A key plan is an essential tool for ensuring that the doors and windows are properly installed and that the building meets safety and accessibility requirements.

ICT Drawings

ICT (Information and Communications Technology) drawings are technical illustrations and diagrams that depict the layout, design, and installation of ICT infrastructure and equipment. These drawings play a crucial role in the planning and implementation of communication and data networks, as well as in ensuring the proper functioning and maintenance of ICT systems. By providing precise visual representations of the equipment, cabling, and connections involved in an ICT system, these drawings help ensure that the system is installed and maintained correctly and operates efficiently and effectively. They are an essential tool for ICT professionals in designing and managing complex communication and data systems.

Interior Design Drawings

Interior design drawings are precise and detailed illustrations that offer both visual and dimensional information regarding the design and arrangement of indoor spaces. They illustrate the interior design of spaces, which includes the positioning of furniture, fixtures, and finishes. These technical drawings are essential in communicating design concepts and plans to clients, contractors, and other members of the design team. Interior design drawings help ensure that the design vision is accurately conveyed and effectively executed during the construction or renovation of a space.

As-Built Drawings

As-built building drawings illustrate the final design of a building or structure, including any modifications made during the construction process. These drawings depict the precise location, dimensions, and relationships between all elements of the completed structure as they were built rather than initially intended. As-built drawings are crucial for documenting the actual construction of the building and serve as a reference for future repairs, renovations, or additions.

Sketch

A sketch is an initial and rough drawing of a concept intended to explore various design possibilities and communicate ideas to clients or other team members. It is frequently employed as a preliminary stage in the design process, enabling quick capture and transmission of ideas. Sketches allow designers to experiment with different design options and generate multiple solutions before selecting a final design.

Perspective Drawings

A perspective drawing is a three-dimensional portrayal of a building or area, displaying its appearance from a specific viewpoint. It is a technique used to depict objects and surroundings as they appear to the human eye, considering the influence of distance, angle, and foreshortening factors. Perspective drawings provide a realistic and immersive representation of a space, allowing viewers to experience the setting visually.

Foundation Plan

A foundation plan typically features particulars such as the size, shape, and position of the footings, foundation walls, and other structural elements that provide support to the building. The foundation plan is essential in ensuring that the building has a robust and stable base to withstand external loads and forces.

Framing Plan

This drawing displays the arrangement and dimensions of the building's framing, which includes walls, floors, and roof. A framing plan typically includes essential specifications, such as the size and intervals of the floor joists, the size, and breaks of the roof rafters, the positioning of any supportive columns or weight-bearing walls, and the connections between the framing components and other structural constituents. The framing plan is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and stability of the building.

Structural Details

Structural details offer in-depth particulars about the linkages and intricacies of structural components, comprising columns, beams, and connections between diverse structural constituents. They provide comprehensive guidance to contractors and builders on the construction of diverse structural elements within a building, ensuring that the structure adheres to local building codes and regulations and is safe and stable.

Reinforcement Details

These drawings reveal the precise placement and intervals of reinforcing steel inside concrete components, such as walls, slabs, and beams. Reinforcement detail drawings comprise essential specifications, such as the diameter and distance between steel bars, the arrangement and direction of bars within the concrete, and any distinctive prerequisites for lap splices or mechanical links connecting the bars. These details are critical to ensure that the concrete structure possesses sufficient strength and durability.

Structural Sections

Structural sections portray the internal composition of diverse structural elements, such as walls, floors, and beams, and furnish particulars concerning their size, materials, and linkages. The drawings of these structural segments are critical in the development and erection of edifices and bridges since they offer essential reinforcement and steadiness to the structure.

Structural Elevations

These building drawings display the structural components' vertical placement, comprising columns and beams, and furnish details regarding their dimensions, elevations, and interconnections. They offer a lucid comprehension of the building's vertical structure and guarantee its ability to endure the loads and forces it may encounter.