A building plan is a visual representation of the looks of a building will look like after the construction of it is complete. Plans are used by contractors and builders and can be useful when and estimation of how much a project can cost and preparing a budget for the project.
Plans begin when an owner or developer makes an approach to an architect with an idea for a new building. An architect will issue a proposal for this service around the type of building projects and the description given to him from the owner. Building plans typically cost from around 3-5% of the total cost of the project. Once a contract can be signed between the owner and an Architect the design phase can start.
On bigger projects the process goes through more specific stages. It will begin with a schematic phase where the architect will take simple information on the project and make simple floor plans which are based around this information. After a review from the owner these drawings can be taken and be used to create a more detailed set, this is called the design development stage.
Once the plans have been created they can be put out for a bid. During the bidding stages contractors and subcontractors review plans and work out how much it would cost to build the project. Is most common that the job is given to the lowest bidder but this is not always the case. Owners will look at schedule, relationships, and experience into account when awarding a project.
A plan can consist of a single drawing or lots of drawings. In the US Larger more complicated projects use drawings that are often arranged in a specific order based on a system made by the CSI (Construction Specifications Institute). The CSI system says that a set of building plans start with a title page which lists all of the drawings and a symbol legend. This will be followed by a page of site or civil plans, architectural drawings, mechanical and electric plans and any specialized information such as fire safety systems, special equipment and furnishings.