1. Clarity – Are the plans printed clearly and the specifications easy to read. Even though you might not understand the terminology that other people will use unless they are illegible. This document will be submitted to the planning control and used in the construction process by your builder, so they are better read!
2. True Elevations – Are there elevations for all aspects, showing the overall expanded property, in addition to the floor plan? Altitudes that are often drawn well can help sell designs.
3. Scale – Has the plan been withdrawn to an appropriate scale? This must be as follows:
Elevation / layout of the proposed plan 1:50 Sections: 1:25 Block plan: 1: 500 Location plan: 1: 1,250
4. Plan copy size – Has the plan been reproduced on A1 or AO paper? Having to refer to several sheets of A3 or A4 paper as long as the project will not help.
5. Measurement – Are the plans marked with many measurements in the same unit? External dimensions for all outside walls, window and door positions are most important.
6. Specifications – Is the building regulation plan comprehensive and detailed? Are they explained with detailed specifications? In other words, are they worth the cost to produce it?
7. Levels – Does the plan indicate the level of land outside, both existing and proposed? Are reverse levels for proposed drainage indicated? If not, this can be a problem for your contractor.
8. Details – Are separate large-scale separate connection plans or other important areas of construction?
9. Red Herrings – Does the plan capture all statements such as ‘work to comply with building regulations – Approved Documentation’ You don’t need to know what the reference to building regulations is just that you are proposing a plan to abide by them. The Building Control Officer will request that project details be shown in specifications and / or in drawings. Beware of pre-printed standard specifications must also be avoided, all building work is unique and plans and specifications must be spoken.
10. Presentation – Does the picture look like it was carefully and proudly made? Is it clear – have they been drawn in black ink and different sizes of pens? Do they show details and are they worth it? Someone proud of his work is most likely to have done his work diligently.
