Part 6: Completing Construction Documents

Construction documents are defined as final drawings, prepared by a design professional, and used for the final materials and labor estimating, distribution to the subcontractor trades, obtaining a building permit and sometimes as documentation for banks financing the construction. The construction documents will have all the necessary information, including a detailed floor plan with framing details, foundation plan (for room additions), elevations of the interior cabinetry, exterior elevations of the new structure, lighting and electrical and structural details. You might even see schedules for doors and windows, lighting and plumbing. 

Depending on the scope of the project, construction documents might be created prior to the subcontractor walk-throughs to determine the most accurate pricing. In some instances, you might consider commissioning a full set of construction documents before talking to contractors. Either approach is acceptable and customary. 

Final costs vary slightly, but additional costs incurred and time spent in final construction documentation can be avoided if the budget is in line with previous projections. Expect some minor (and sometimes major) revisions to the original plans as you finalize your construction documents. Design fees range from 5 to 10 percent of the construction cost.