What Are the Different Kinds of Building Plans?

A building is an intricate composition of various mechanical systems, structural members and finishes. To transform the ideas of an architect into a building, a proper set of different building plans is necessary for builders. Organisations responsible for issuing building permits also need suitable plans, and therefore building drawing plans in UK are legal and practical requirements. The different types of building plans are as follows:

Floor & Foundation Plans

A typical floor plan consists of the building's overhead view with the upper floors and roof excluded. It displays the position of major elements of the construction such as the interior and exterior walls, staircase, windows, doors, major appliances and plumbing fixtures, names of rooms and their dimensions. A foundation plan is almost the same as a floor plan, except for the fact that it shows specifics of the building’s foundation.

Framing Plans

Framing plans also provide an aerial view of the construction, but exhibit details of structural members of buildings like trusses, roof rafters, floor and ceiling joists, headers and support beams. These kind of building plans are beneficial for builders to comprehend and design complicated structures of floors and roof.

Mechanical Plans

Just like framing and floor plans, mechanical plans are also drawn from an aerial viewpoint of the building. But in general, it shows the position and specs of the mechanical systems of the construction. A mechanical plan typically shows location of smoke detectors, relevant appliances, and other perpetual fixtures. Some mechanical plans may also depict location of plumbing, air conditioning and heating system, ductwork, electrical wiring, and gas lines.

Cross Sections and Elevations

Both elevations and cross sections provide side-on perspectives of the construction, as if someone is looking at the building while standing beside it. Elevations depict the exterior part of a building and offer details about the exterior finishes, windows, doors and roofing. Sometimes they can also encompass details pertaining to the slope of ground around the foundation. Cross sections present cutaway views, drawn to offer an interior view of the building. These plans help builders to understand the location of interior foundation and framing of the building, and also allow them to include upright structural members which are generally inconspicuous in aerial views.

Site Plan

A site plan provides aerial view of the whole site and encompasses information about utility services, sewers, septic systems, boundaries, dimensions, drainage systems, pavement, landscaping and elevation and grade alterations.