What Are Final Construction Drawings?
Final Construction Drawings (also called For Construction or Issued for Construction (IFC) plans) are the last and most detailed version of your building documentation. These plans include everything you, your engineer and certifier need to physically construct your home.
They incorporate all revisions, compliance checks, consultant markups, and selections — making them the single source of truth for your project.
What Does a Building Designer Do?
Your Building Designer will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.
Typically, a Building Designer will:
- Finalise all plan sets based on approval feedback and consultant reports
- Include all construction details: sections, dimensions, materials, and specifications
- Incorporate BASIX, energy, or engineering amendments
- Issue a clean, complete IFC set for quoting and building
A good building designer must produce documents based on best practices. Click the button to download Build Buddy's Building Design and Documentation Standards.
Before You Begin: What You'll Need Ready
To finalise your Construction Drawings, you’ll need:
- Your approved Building Approval Plans
- Finalised consultant inputs (e.g. stormwater, slab engineering, truss layouts)
- Any final selections or preferences for doors, windows, finishes
- Agreed payment schedule for this phase
Also ensure your Build Buddy Quality Checklist is completed to review your drawings in detail.
Tip: Stay Organised and Communicate Often
Keep a shared folder or email thread with your designer — it helps track progress and decisions.
Set weekly check-ins or agreed communication points to avoid delays and last-minute surprises.
Make notes when reviewing drafts: don’t just react to the overall look — think about room sizes, flow, and storage.
Ask your designer to flag anything that may not comply with CDC or council rules early — this can avoid major redraws later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Approval Plans and Final Construction Drawings?
Approval Plans are designed to meet CDC or DA requirements. Final Construction Drawings are more detailed, showing exact specifications, sections, and buildable layouts.
Do I need Final Drawings before getting a construction quote?
Yes. While concept plans can help with early estimates, accurate quotes require full IFC documentation — especially for fixed-price contracts.
Who gets access to these plans?
You, your certifier, and any subcontractors (e.g. concreter, framer) will need them. You should also keep digital and printed copies on file.
NEED HELP?
Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro
If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.
If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.
