Computer aided design (CAD)

Complete Guide to Types of Construction Drawing

There are many different types of construction drawings, and they all serve a unique purpose. Learning the differences between these types of construction drawing options is essential to being able to understand a project while it is being built.


In this comprehensive guide, we're going to look at architectural drawings, mechanical drawings, civil drawings, and more to try to elucidate what makes a construction drawing unique and important on a project.

Building and Constructions Drawing Types: A Comprehensive Guide

Construction drawings are technical drawings that provide a graphic representation of a structure or project that is to be built. These drawings are part of the overall documentation used to guide the construction process. They showcase the required dimensions, instructions, and other defined specifications regarding the proposed building.

What Do Construction Drawings All Have?

All types of construction drawing products have standardised markings or architectural symbols representing various aspects of the project. These symbols make it easier for construction teams and permit agencies to read and understand an architect's construction drawing. Additionally, a building drawing is also drawn to a scale that accurately represents its dimension.

How Many Types of Construction Drawings Are There?

There are many types of construction drawing options that serve different purposes and contain specific information. Here are the common types of drawings in construction projects:


  • Site plan
  • Floor plan
  • Section drawing
  • Structural drawing
  • Foundation plan
  • Plinth beam layout drawings
  • Plumbing and Electrical drawings

What Order Do Construction Drawings Go In?

Construction drawings are organised so that the most general drawings come first, followed by more specific and specialised ones. Therefore, the construction plans that provide the project's overall design come before elevations and sections, which are more specific.

How Are Construction Drawings Made?

Architects prepare construction drawings using Computer Aided Design (CAD) or Building Information Modelling (BIM) software. You'll find a wide range of CAD software, including AutoCAD and Revit, that offer easier control over the visual representation of your designs, among other features.

What Are the Stages of Construction Drawings?

The architectural design process features specific stages, including:


  • Pre-design stage: During this phase, the architect gets together with the client to determine the overall scope, purpose, and functionality of the project. It also involves inspecting the site and assessing the conditions.
  • Schematic design phase: You draft various design options illustrating the basic concepts of the design using CAD drafting services.
  • Design development phase: During this stage, the architect will revise and finalise the design selected by the client with more specificity and detail.
  • Construction documents: At this phase, the designer starts working on construction blueprints, permit applications, technical specifications, and other documentation.
  • Bidding: At this stage, the owner selects the contractor for the project.

- Construction administration: The architect ensures that the contractor is following the working drawings and design specifications. They review the shop drawings, as-built drawings, record drawings, and submissions made by the contractor.

What Are Architectural Construction Drawings?

Architectural construction drawings are the technical illustrations of a building made before the construction process. This type of construction drawing provides a detailed view of the building, including where to place windows and what materials should be used. Therefore, an architectural drawing is critical in the construction process. It provides construction workers with guidelines to ensure the project is successful.

What Are the Six Basic Lines Used in Technical Drawing?

Just like there are different types of construction drawing, there are different lines in those drawings. An architectural construction drawing is created using lines and projections based on a scale. The six basic types of lines in construction drawings include:


  • Visible/object lines: These are continuous lines. They show the outline of a building's structural elements or objects.
  • Hidden lines: These are short dashed lines. They outline a feature or object not visible on the surface or hidden behind others.
  • Centre lines: These are alternately long- and short-dashed lines. Professionals use them to locate the symmetrical centre of objects such as doors, walls, and windows.
  • Dimension and extension lines: These lines represent the dimensions or sizes of a structural element of the building.
  • Break lines: Long and short break lines terminate a feature on the architectural drawing after its clear definition.

- Leader lines: These connect text related to a feature in the drawing.

How Many Sets of Drawings Are Needed in Designing and Building a House?

When designing and building a house, you may need around five to eight sets of design drawings in your construction documentation. However, this depends on the complexity of the house.


Whether in residential or commercial construction, some parties that need the design drawings include you, your contractor, subcontractors, the building department, your mortgage lender, and the building inspector.

How Are Mechanical Drawings Used in Construction Documentation?

When designing and building a house, construction documents are the most crucial part of the architectural process. A construction document is a legally binding contract between the architect, contractor, and owner.


The primary purpose of construction documents is to guide the construction process. It defines the roles, responsibilities, and work requirements in a specific construction project. They help ensure that the design comes to fruition without any delays or complications. The contractor relies on the mechanical drawings in the construction documentation to make the design a built project.


Mechanical drawings provide the layout and technical specifications on how the building's various components will be built. It makes it possible for contractors to turn big design ideas into something buildable and safe to inhabit.


Additionally, construction documents are also essential when acquiring permits to build a house. These documents usually include the drawings and specifications of the project. Therefore, you'll find everything from the construction, electrical, and mechanical drawings to the architectural BIM services used in the project.

How Many Types of Civil Engineering Drawings Are There?

A civil engineering drawing is a drawing that communicates all the technical details required by a site engineer to execute the project. There are four types of civil engineering drawings, which include:



  1. Tender drawings
  2. Contract drawings
  3. Working drawings
  4. Completion drawings

Civil engineers must stay present throughout the construction process of any building. They can explain the details of each building stage. Also, they can utilise civil engineering technology to plan, design, schedule, estimate, survey, and inspect construction projects.


Therefore, structural engineers and architects help ensure the construction project is completed and of high quality. A quality construction project in engineering terms is one that:


  • Meets the customer's demands
  • Complies with local regulations
  • Falls within the stipulated timeframe and allocated budget

Contact Us Today to Discuss Your Printing Needs

All types of construction drawing documents are a critical part of any construction. Architects use them to convey concepts, construction details, and other specifications required during construction. Since they communicate the technical details of a project, it's important to produce quality, detailed drawings.


Clear, quality drawings are easier to read and understand, reducing room for error during construction. This helps contractors arrive at the right estimates and deliver quality projects within the stipulated time and budget. Therefore, after creating your construction document, you'll want the right large format printer to produce top-quality construction prints. When you're ready, you can contact us to discuss your printing needs for any types of construction drawing.

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