What Are Final Construction Drawings?
Final Construction Drawings, also known as Issued For Construction (IFC) Plans, are the fully detailed, build-ready documents that your trades will use to deliver your home on site. They include precise dimensions, construction detailing, material specs, structural inputs, and any plan updates made post-approval.
This task occurs after your DIY tasks are complete — including your design brief, concept approval, selections, and submission of Building Approval Plans. Your Building Designer now leads this stage and coordinates with other consultants (e.g. engineers, truss manufacturers) to finalise everything needed to start construction.
What Does a Building Designer Do?
Your Building Designer will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.
Typically, a Building Designer will:
- Review approved plans and prepare a final construction-ready set
- Integrate all consultant inputs (e.g. structural engineering, stormwater, trusses)
- Finalise sections, setouts, schedules, and elevations
- Address any outstanding RFIs (Requests for Information)
- Label and issue the complete IFC drawing pack for construction and quoting
These documents are now the legal reference for what gets built — they must be complete, coordinated, and consistent.
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 move forward with your Final Construction Drawings, ensure you have:
- Approved Building Approval Plans
- All consultant drawings and reports (e.g. structural, energy, civil)
- Your final selections (e.g. windows, cladding, roof pitch)
- Completed the Build Buddy Construction Drawing Checklist
If you’ve recently changed designers, ensure the new designer reviews and takes ownership of the previous plan set before proceeding.
Tip: If It’s Not in the Plans, It Won’t Get Built
Use your Build Buddy Construction Drawing Checklist to check your IFC set includes dimensions, schedules, and construction details — not just layout.
Make sure your designer has integrated updates from engineers, window suppliers, or truss designers before issuing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are these different from Approval Plans?
Approval Plans focus on meeting DA/CDC requirements. Construction Drawings are far more detailed and include specific information you need for quoting and building.
Do I need to lodge these plans with council or a certifier?
Not usually — that happens at the approval stage. However, your certifier may request a copy of the final IFC set before inspections begin.
Can I make changes after IFC is issued?
Yes, but it’s not ideal. Changes may require re-coordination with engineers or certifiers and can delay construction. Finalise decisions before this point.
Who gets a copy of the IFC plans?
You, your certifier, and any relevant trades (e.g. concreter, frame supplier) will need the plans. Keep a printed set on site and a digital copy backed up.
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.
