Construction documentation is essentially a set of instructions that converts an architect’s design into a blueprint for constructing a building. It’s similar to a recipe for a construction project, ensuring that everyone involved understands the process.
As it involves gathering all the relevant data and information about the project, this document is a key element of any construction project. These records, which can include drawings, specifications, contracts, permits, and other significant papers, provide an all-inclusive account of the project’s development.
While that provides a brief overview of construction documentation, continue reading to learn more about the topic.
Construction documentation refers to a comprehensive set of documents that define all the requirements of a construction project in detail. The Australian Institute of Architects states that construction documentation can consist of schedules, specifications, and drawings that outline the specific needs for constructing the building and will be used during the building process.
The illustrative part of construction documentation is what they define as drawings. On the other hand, schedules and specifications are formal requirements that list the standards to be fulfilled and the quality of work, finishes, and materials required to be submitted for statutory approval. They also relate to building materials, equipment, and construction systems.
Construction documents can be used for a variety of purposes, some examples of which include calling tenders, negotiating prices with the builder, and submitting an application for building approval.
Before we get into more detail about construction documentation, another critical aspect of construction project management is the monitoring process. Learn more about that by reading our article, “Construction Monitoring: What It Is and Why It’s Important“.
What is Included in Construction Documents?
Construction documents typically include detailed drawings, specifications, schedules, and other relevant information necessary for the successful completion of a construction project. These documents serve as a roadmap for contractors and builders to follow during the construction process, ensuring that the project is completed according to the client’s requirements and industry standards.
While it can include a wide range of materials that provide detailed information about a construction project, Here are some of the main elements that are typically included:
- Bidding Documents: These are used during the procurement process to solicit proposals from potential contractors.
- Architectural Drawings: These are detailed drawings that provide a visual representation of the project.
- Schedules: These outline the timeline for the project, including start and end dates for different phases.
- Work Orders: These are instructions for specific tasks that need to be completed.
- Safety Reports: These detail the safety protocols that must be followed on the construction site.
- Certificates of Insurance: These prove that all parties involved in the construction project are adequately insured.
- Subcontractor Applications: These are forms that subcontractors fill out to apply to work on the project.
- Construction Plan: This is a comprehensive document that outlines the scope of work, budget, schedule, and work breakdown structure of the project.
- Construction Budget: This document outlines all the costs of the project and helps project managers control spending.
The proper implementation of a construction project depends on these documents. They facilitate more efficient project scheduling, planning, and monitoring. Their value extends to securing building permits and guaranteeing compliance to legal requirements. When designing an architectural structure, the third phase usually occurs after design development but before bidding. This is when the documents are created.
5 Types of Construction Documentation
Construction documentation comes in a variety of forms, but some frequently used ones are contracts, specifications, drawings, and change orders. The Avvir blog outlined a number of the most typical construction documents; we selected 5 that were particularly significant:
1. Construction Drawings
Usually, the engineer and architect create the construction drawings. These sketches serve as any project’s foundation. Floor plans, ceiling plans, schedules, and construction details for components like wall assemblies and millwork are frequently included in architectural drawings. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and possibly tel-data/AV/security drawings are among the common types of engineering drawings.
It’s also crucial to keep in mind that submitting an application for a building permit necessitates having a set of drawings. For your town or city to approve a permit, your architect and engineer may need to stamp the drawings, depending on where you are working and the kind of project you are working on.
2. Construction Specifications
Just as important as drawings are, construction specifications are another type of construction documentation. What is allowed on a project, in terms of work and workmanship, is defined by specifications.
During the design process, they are developed by the engineer and architect, occasionally with help from the client or owner. Throughout the course of the project, the specifications are utilised, and they become particularly significant when subcontractors submit RFIs and submittals (more on that later).
Types of construction documentation (Image by BIM Scaler)
3. Building Information Modelling
Nowadays, building projects require the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM). The design team’s set of plans is typically in two dimensions. To build a functional model of your job site, utilise these files. The ability to prefabricate pipe and duct would then enable subcontractors to design new systems and increase efficiency.
BIM allows for a more collaborative approach to construction, as all stakeholders can access and contribute to the model. This technology also helps identify clashes or conflicts in the design before construction begins, saving time and money in the long run.
4. As-Built Drawings
The actual work installed in the field is displayed in as-built drawings or as-built documentation. Generally speaking, as-builts of each trade’s work in progress are needed. As-built drawings are guaranteed to be accurate with point cloud LiDAR scanning, one of the simplest methods for capturing as-builts.
As-builts can be used to monitor billing and schedule progress. But perhaps more importantly, at the end of the project, they have to be given back to the owner and design team. Once they have a certificate of occupancy and the project has been turned over, the end-user’s facilities team will often rely on these documents.
5. Logistics and Safety Plans
Plans for logistics are important because they keep workers safe on the job site by alerting others to planned activities. For example, you might have a site plan that illustrates the escape route through your work site. Additionally, you might have logistical plans for specific tasks, like a crane pick. General contractors frequently work with subcontractors to create logistical plans.
Similar reasons exist for safety plans. They can assist in outlining what should be done in an emergency. In the event that dangerous or risky events—like asbestos abatement—occur on the site, they can also specify shutdown plans.
This concludes our explanation of construction documentation. When doing documentation, a thermal analysis may be required to assess the building material. Find out more about thermal analysis in our article, “Thermal Analysis: What It Is and How It Benefits the Construction Industry“.
Conclusion
Let’s sum up by saying that building documentation is essential to the integrity and success of building projects. Construction documentation helps stakeholders be held accountable, improves project clarity, and complies with regulations by methodically gathering and organising project information.
For project teams to efficiently handle project information and produce quality construction results, they have to understand the value of construction paperwork.
At this point, you might be considering implementing BIM into your construction project. If this is the case, you should consider BIMscaler’s consulting and management services.
BIMscaler consulting and management services provide end-to-end BIM usage for your project, starting with BIM/model management, content management, project start-up, project meetings, and end-user support.
As a leading Australian provider of BIM services, BIM Scaler assures you of a professional and effective BIM implementation for your building project.
