Need Building Plans?
A measured drawing for a plan modification provides an accurate record of a structure's existing conditions. This technical documentation details the current state of structural elements, room sizes, and foundation types to facilitate alterations such as wall relocation or material updates.
The plan modification documentation consists of precise dimensions of all structural elements, utilities, and finishes. It identifies the exact physical parameters of the building as it currently exists. The drawing specifies the spatial layout and current specifications of the structure, providing the data necessary for adjusting the foundation, moving walls, or modifying exterior materials. In a plan modifications:
Overall Dimensions: Full exterior perimeter dimensions.
Wall Thicknesses: Precise measurements of all interior and exterior walls.
Interior Room Dimensions: Length and width of all rooms, including overall measurements for complex, non-rectangular spaces.
Structural Elements: Locations, sizes, and orientations of columns, beams, load-bearing walls, floor joists, and roof rafters.
Vertical Measurements: Clear floor-to-ceiling heights, floor-to-joist heights, and window sill/head heights.
Doors and Windows: Precise locations from corners, rough opening widths, jamb widths, and door swing directions.
Built-in Elements: Cabinets, bookshelves, fireplace surrounds, and countertops.
Stair Configurations: Rise and run, width, and headroom for stairs.
Exterior Features: Soffits, eaves, chimneys, columns, decks, and porches.
Electrical: Locations of outlets, switches, panel boxes, and light fixtures (including sconces).
Plumbing: Location of plumbing fixtures (sinks, toilets, tubs, shower drains) and hose bibs.
HVAC: Location of registers, cold air returns, thermostats, and mechanical equipment (furnace, water heater).
Exterior Utilities: Gas meters, exterior electrical panels, and downspout positions.
Site Survey Info: Property lines, setbacks, and building footprint relative to the property.
Site Features: Driveways, walkways, retaining walls, and significant landscaping.
Structural Connection Points: Crucial details where new additions or modifications will connect to the existing building structure.
Distinguish Existing vs. Proposed: Use clear drafting standards to identify what stays, what is removed, and what is new (e.g., solid fill for new, hollow for existing).
Annotations and Photos: Detailed notes on material finishes and photo documentation keyed to the plan for hard-to-measure areas.
Scale and Orientation: A clear north arrow, graphic scale bar, and standard scale (typically 1/4" = 1' or 1/8" = 1' for larger buildings).
Start with the Perimeter: Measure the entire building outline first to ensure the overall dimensions close.
Include "Wall Acne": Document necessary, code-required items like fire alarms, smoke detectors, and exit signs.
Measure Top-Down: In addition to plans, include elevation views of walls to document specific heights, particularly for complex remodels like kitchens or bathrooms.
These revisions range from minor adjustments—like changing window sizes or swapping room positions—to major structural alterations, such as adding rooms, expanding square footage, or redesigning foundations.
Purpose: To personalize a stock plan, making it functional for the owner or adapting it to the specific lot, while often being cheaper and faster than full custom design. Revisions to existing drawing sets for code updates, franchise standards, or design changes.
Types of Changes:
Minor: Changing door/window locations, altering interior walls, or changing finishes.
Medium: Adjustments affecting up to 350 sq. ft., such as extending a room.
Major: Structural changes including, but not limited to, adding a third car garage, changing roof slopes, or altering load-bearing walls.
Process: A professional designer or architect reviews the requested changes and updates the blueprints accordingly.
Common Examples: Reversing the layout (mirror image), increasing ceiling heights, expanding kitchen layouts, or adding covered patios.
Modifying plans helps avoid costly, unexpected change orders during the construction phase.
