Whether you are trying to plan a new build, loft conversion, or house extension, you always need to start out with architectural floor plans first.
Having a great set of drawings, like those created by FloorplansUsketch, will allow you to visualise your project much better long before you make the final decision of whether or not you want to build it. A basic concept package, in fact, is definitely worth investing in ahead of purchasing a new property since it can help you better understand what you could potentially do with your investment later on.
If you already know that you would like to build something within three years, then you will need to have planning designs so you can apply for either a lawful development certificate or planning permission.
For a majority of projects, you are going to need the following sets of construction drawings in order to apply for a lawful development certificate or planning permission.
Current Floor Plans
This refers to accurate drawings of how the building looks right now. Your architect might want to have someone perform a measured survey of the property. However, sometimes these plans can be put together using drawings that already exist.
Design Floor Plans
These are your plans for your new proposed design that takes into account your personal preferences, future needs, as well as your local area’s planning regulations. There are certain kinds of house extensions that fall within permitted development rights. However, you should still apply for the lawful development certificate to give you proof that this was the situation when you are ready to sell the property.
Elevations
These vertical plans show the layout of the interior or exterior walls, including kitchen cabinets and/or windows.
After planning permission has been secured, the building regulation drawings are the most important kind of construction plans. They can be commissioned from your architect. These plans offer a more in-depth plan that shows where each of the specific elements needs to be placed along with the specific materials that will be used. They can be used by the construction crew as the main guide as they are creating unique drawings of their own, which may include the following:
Structural Drawings
Before building, you should have a structural engineer review your proposed plans and existing property. That will help to inform the structural drawings, including details on the place and size of any reinforcements and details regarding the building materials.
Electrical Drawings
These drawings show all of the wiring, which includes any inbuilt lights and placement of the plug sockets. Be sure that you and your electrician agree to this during the early phase of your project. Although these are small details, having to change them if they are not right can become expensive and complicated.
Sanitary and Plumbing Drawings
These drawings are a layout of all of the bathroom fixtures, sanitation, and pipes. They should account for any findings from the CCTV survey (conducted before your project begins).
Finally, at some point in the planning stage (although the earlier it is the better) you might want to consider investing in 3D renders.
They are not actual construction drawings, but they can be especially useful if you are designing plans to help sell your house since they can help bring your finished project to life.