What is in a set of House Plans
A set of Plans involve Architectural sheets, Utility sheets and Structural sheets and other documents. Depending on the size and scope of a project the plans may vary.
Architectural sheets
These identify the layout and design aesthetics of the proposed project residential according to the California Residential code (CRC) and the California Building Code (CBC). These include the following:
• Site Plan • Floor plans • Elevations • Sections and details • Material schedules
Utility sheets consist of three parts, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing.
Mechanical sheets are not typically required for residential projects depending on the size. But if required these plans identify the mechanical layout and equipment to be installed per the California Mechanical Code, CMC . These plans include the following information:
• Heating & Cooling equipment • Duct layouts • Exhaust or whole house fans • Mechanical notes
Electrical plans identify electrical components per the California Electrical Code, CEC. Electrical These plans include the following:
• Lights • Switches • Outlets • Fixtures • Electrical notes • May include electrical calculations and panel schedules but not typically required.
Plumbing sheets are not typically required for residential projects, but plumbing notes are. When required these required but when there are identify water, waste, and gas piping plans. These plans include the following:
• Plumbing notes • Water, waste & gas layout plans • Water, waste & gas isometrics
Structural sheets are required for most any residential project per the California Building Code (CBC). These are produced by a Structural Engineer and coordinated by the Architect or designer drawing designing and drawing the Architectural plans. These plans review the overall structural engineering of a building related to seismic information for plan reviewers to evaluate:
• Lateral shear requirements • Connections and anchorage • Beams, columns, and slabs • Floor, ceiling, and wall components • Structural calculations (support documents for the drawings)
ENERGY COMPLIANCE
The state of California has the highest standards in the country. Special approved applications are used to determine a house's compliance with the state standards. The approved calculations establish the required efficiency of the heating and air units, water heater, insulation and windows
SOILS REPORT
All new construction on vacant property requires soils testing be completed by a licensed soils engineering firm. The test and repot identify the property soils conditions and gives recommendations.
TRUSS CALCULATIONS
The roof structure of the majority of housing is pre-fabricated manufactured trusses. The manufacturer supples the truss calculations according to the design of the home.
CIVIL PLAN SETS
Civil plan sets are often required for new construction or lot modifications when more than 100 CU FT of dirt is moved. These are produced by a licensed Civil Engineer hired separately from the Architect or Building Design . These plan drawings are specific to the grading of the intended property. They are typically examined by the public works department. Civil plans include the following information:
• Grading • Landscaping • Water Retention • Drainage • Utilities • Erosion Control
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