Construction Drawing Checklist

How to use the checklist

• Record the project, drawing issue and date, reviewer, and review date so the team knows which set was reviewed.
• Choose one status per item: Pending, Reviewed, Follow up, or N/A. Reviewed means the item was located and discussed. Confirm applicability with the team before using N/A.
• Record drawing and detail references in the notes. Use the follow-up log to assign questions to a responsible person and track a target date, response, and status.
• Review unresolved items with the responsible design professional and record the next drawing issue or action. Save a dated copy with your drawing set.

Drawing requirements vary by project and local review. This checklist records your review; it does not certify design adequacy or code compliance.

Drawing set and review scope

Confirm what you are reviewing and how the drawings will be used.

• The cover sheet identifies the project, address, drawing issue date, and purpose of issue.
• The sheet index matches the sheets received, with missing sheets or disciplines identified.
• Revision dates and addenda are tracked so everyone reviews the same drawing set.
• The proposed work is distinguished from existing conditions, demolition, and future work.
• Drawing symbols, abbreviations, scales, and keynotes are explained where needed.
• The design team has identified which consultants, specifications, and reports form part of the set.
• Owner selections, allowances, exclusions, and deferred information are listed for follow-up.
• The team has confirmed the intended review stage and the drawings still needed for that stage.

Site and architectural drawings

Review the project layout and confirm that plans, views, and schedules agree.

• The site plan identifies property information, building location, setbacks, and orientation as applicable.
• Site access, parking, walks, exterior steps, and other planned site improvements are shown.
• Existing and proposed grades, drainage intent, and utility connection locations are identified.
• Floor plans identify rooms, dimensions, openings, circulation, and proposed uses.
• Dimensions distinguish important clearances, wall locations, and reference points.
• Elevations show exterior materials, openings, heights, and finished grade relationships.
• Building sections explain floor levels, ceiling heights, stairs, and roof relationships.
• Roof plans show roof geometry, slopes, drainage, penetrations, and referenced details.
• Door and window tags agree with schedules, plans, and elevations.
• Interior elevations and details explain cabinetry, fixtures, wet areas, and selected finishes.
• Stair, guard, handrail, and accessibility information is identified where applicable.
• Life safety, exiting, and other project-specific review information is identified by the design team.

Structure and building enclosure

Locate the details that explain support, connections, and weather protection.

• Foundation plans identify layouts, levels, supports, openings, and referenced details.
• Framing plans identify structural members, bearing locations, openings, and coordination points.
• Structural notes and details identify materials, connections, and required supporting information.
• The structural layout agrees with architectural plans, stairs, doors, and large openings.
• Structural requirements at equipment supports and service penetrations are coordinated.
• Wall sections show how the foundation, wall, floor, and roof assemblies connect.
• Roof edges, valleys, openings, and transitions have applicable construction details.
• Flashing and water drainage details are identified at windows, doors, and material changes.
• Below-grade waterproofing or dampproofing and foundation drainage are addressed as applicable.
• Insulation, air barrier, and vapor control information is identified by the design team.
• Cladding attachment, joints, clearances, and transitions are described where needed.
• Special assemblies and manufacturer requirements are referenced without unresolved conflicts.

Mechanical electrical and plumbing

Check the locations, routes, and responsibilities for building systems.

• Mechanical plans identify equipment, service areas, distribution routes, and control locations.
• Heating, cooling, and ventilation information is coordinated with room uses and layouts.
• Equipment access, maintenance space, condensate, and exhaust discharge locations are addressed.
• Ducts and mechanical penetrations are coordinated with structure and ceiling heights.
• Electrical plans identify lighting, switches, receptacles, and major equipment connections.
• Electrical service, panels, circuits, and equipment schedules are identified where applicable.
• Lighting and power layouts agree with cabinetry, fixtures, furniture intent, and owner needs.
• Plumbing plans identify fixtures, equipment, supply, drainage, and venting information.
• Water heating, shutoffs, cleanouts, and service access are identified as applicable.
• Fixture locations and service routes are coordinated with structure and architectural details.
• Fire protection, alarms, low voltage, or other specialist systems are included or assigned as applicable.
• Utility provider work, owner-supplied equipment, and contractor responsibilities are clarified.

Coordination and issue readiness

Resolve conflicts and document the next drawing issue before pricing or construction.

• Room names, grids, levels, dimensions, and major equipment agree across disciplines.
• Plans, elevations, sections, schedules, details, and written specifications refer to the same scope.
• Referenced details and schedule entries can be located and apply to the proposed work.
• Existing conditions and field measurements that affect the work have a clear verification plan.
• Demolition, temporary protection, phasing, and occupied-area constraints are addressed as applicable.
• Finish, fixture, equipment, and product selections are documented or assigned a decision date.
• Alternates and allowances are defined consistently for contractor pricing.
• Deferred submittals, shop drawings, and specialist design responsibilities are identified.
• Open questions have drawing references, responsible people, and target response dates.
• Written clarifications and revised sheets are included in the next coordinated issue.
• The owner and design team have confirmed what remains before permitting, bidding, or construction.
• The current issue is distributed with an index or revision record and superseded sheets are identified.

Questions and follow up

The final page has four follow-up records for checklist and drawing references, questions, responsible people, target dates, responses, and status. Use additional copies if needed. The review summary records the next action and who reviewed the findings with you.

Before comparing contractor proposals, use the Bid Comparison Worksheet to track scope differences, allowances, and clarifications. For the overall project process, use the Project Planning Checklist.