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Construction drawing QA/QC checklist

A comprehensive checklist for reviewing construction documents before they reach the field.

Quality control on construction drawings is one of the highest-ROI activities in project management. Every issue caught during plan review is an RFI avoided, a change order prevented, and a schedule delay eliminated. This checklist covers the critical categories that cause the most problems in the field.

1. Cross-Discipline Coordination

Cross-discipline coordination is the most common source of field issues. See our guide on finding clashes in 2D drawings for detailed techniques.

Structural grid lines match architectural grid lines
Column locations consistent across all disciplines
Floor elevations match between architectural and structural
MEP clearances verified against structural elements
Ceiling heights accommodate ductwork and piping
Door swings clear of obstructions
Equipment locations coordinated with structural supports

2. Dimensions and Measurements

All rooms dimensioned
Dimension strings add up correctly
No conflicting dimensions between plans and details
Scale noted on all drawings
Critical clearances explicitly dimensioned
Finish floor elevations noted
Ceiling heights specified

3. Code Compliance

Code compliance items are often the costliest to fix after construction. Refer to our egress basics and fire rating guide for deeper dives.

Egress widths meet code requirements
Exit signage locations shown
Fire-rated assemblies clearly noted
Accessible routes identified and compliant
Plumbing fixture counts adequate for occupancy
Handrail and guardrail heights specified
Fire separation distances verified

4. Specifications and Notes

Material specifications complete
Finish schedules match plan notations
Hardware schedules complete
Detail references valid and present
Specification sections referenced correctly
No conflicting notes on same drawing
Legend symbols used consistently

5. Structural

Foundation plan matches architectural footprint
Beam sizes and locations noted
Column schedules complete
Load-bearing walls identified
Penetrations through structure coordinated
Expansion joints located and detailed
Connection details provided

6. MEP Systems

Electrical panel locations shown
Plumbing fixture locations match architectural
HVAC equipment sized appropriately
Duct routing doesn't conflict with structure
Fire sprinkler coverage adequate
Utility connections located
Equipment access and service clearances provided
Automate it

Automate 80% of This Checklist

Manual QA/QC review is thorough but time-consuming. Helonic's AI can automatically check your drawings against most items on this checklist, identifying issues with exact locations on your PDFs in minutes instead of hours.

Focus your team's expertise on judgment calls while AI handles the systematic checking.

Keep exploring

Related references for drawing review, coordination, and code compliance.

Finding Clashes in 2D Drawings

Practical techniques for spotting coordination conflicts.

Egress Basics

Code-compliant egress widths, paths, and exits.

Fire Rating Guide

Fire-rated assemblies and separation requirements.

Construction Defect Types

How drawing issues turn into design and construction defects.

See Helonic on your drawings

Helonic's AI runs this checklist across your PDF set and points you to the exact pages and locations to review. Book a demo and we'll walk through it on your project.