Approving a set of CAD drawings without a proper review is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make on a construction project. Errors caught on paper cost nothing. The same errors caught on site — after concrete has been poured or walls have gone up — can cost lakhs in rework.
Most clients either rubber-stamp drawings because they trust their drafter, or they spend hours scrutinising irrelevant details while missing the things that actually matter. This checklist covers what to look for, in the order that matters.
Before You Open the Drawings
Set expectations first. You should have received:
- A complete drawing set (site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, key details)
- A drawing index listing every sheet and its revision number
- The file in the format you agreed on (DWG, PDF, or both)
If any of these are missing, ask before reviewing. Reviewing an incomplete set wastes everyone's time.
1. Check the Title Block on Every Sheet
Every drawing sheet should have a title block with:
- Project name and address — verify it matches your project
- Drawing title and number — each sheet should be uniquely numbered
- Scale — e.g. 1:100 for floor plans, 1:50 for details
- Revision number and date — you want the latest revision, not an old one
- Drafter's name or firm — useful if you have questions
This sounds basic, but receiving drawings for the wrong project or an old revision happens more often than it should.
2. Verify Overall Dimensions
For residential projects, check:
- Total plot dimensions match your registered documents (sale deed, survey map)
- Built-up area aligns with what was agreed in scope — calculate it manually if needed
- Floor-to-floor height and room heights match your brief (standard is 3m finished floor to ceiling for residential in India)
- Setbacks on all four sides match your local municipal requirements (BBMP, BMC, CMDA, etc. have different norms)
A drafter working from verbal instructions may have used approximate figures. Check against your actual plot documents.
3. Cross-Check Floor Plans Against Each Other
Multi-storey projects are where most coordination errors hide. For each floor plan:
- Columns and structural walls should be in the same position on every floor — look for any that shift
- Staircases should align vertically — the staircase on the ground floor should sit directly below the one on the first floor
- Plumbing shafts and wet areas (bathrooms, kitchens) should stack where possible — dispersed wet areas make plumbing expensive
- Door and window openings on upper floors shouldn't sit directly above load-bearing walls without a lintel called out
4. Check Sections and Elevations Against Floor Plans
Elevations and sections are derived from the plans — they should be consistent:
- Window sill heights and lintel heights on elevations should match what's shown in sections
- The number of windows on an elevation should match the floor plan
- Floor levels and slab thicknesses shown in sections should add up to your total building height
A quick cross-check: pick one window on a floor plan, trace it to the elevation, then confirm it appears in the section. If something doesn't line up, flag it.
5. Look for Standard Symbols and Annotations
Indian CAD drawing sets should follow BIS conventions (SP 46:2018 is the relevant standard for engineering drawing practice). Check for:
- North arrow on site plan and floor plans
- Door swing directions shown correctly — a door swinging into a tight space is a practical problem
- Room labels with dimensions — every room should be named and its internal dimensions called out
- Hatch patterns distinguishing walls, columns, and openings clearly
- Section cut lines on floor plans that correspond to the section drawings provided
Missing annotations are a common shortcut. They create ambiguity on site.
6. Review Dimensions for Practical Buildability
Even if all numbers are present, check whether the spaces actually work:
- Bathrooms — minimum usable size is typically 1.2m × 1.8m; anything smaller is uncomfortable
- Corridors and passageways — minimum 900mm for residential, 1200mm if it's a main circulation path
- Parking — NBC 2016 requires a minimum of 2.5m × 5m per car space; check your local bylaw too
- Kitchen work triangle — the distance between sink, stove, and refrigerator should be practical (ideally under 7m total)
This is where an experienced reviewer earns their fee. Technically correct drawings can still produce spaces that don't work in practice.
7. Check Structural Drawings Separately
Architectural drawings and structural drawings are separate sets. If you've received structural drawings, verify:
- Column grid matches the architectural drawings
- Beam depths are called out and don't clash with door/window heights
- Footing details are appropriate for the soil conditions on your plot (your structural engineer should have a soil test)
If you haven't received structural drawings yet, don't approve the architectural set as "final" — the two sets need to coordinate.
8. Mark Up, Don't Just Comment
When you find issues, don't describe them in a WhatsApp message or email — mark them directly on the drawing:
- Use PDF annotation tools (Adobe Acrobat, Foxit, or even Preview on Mac) to add comments with cloud markers
- Number each comment so revisions can be tracked
- Return the marked-up PDF to your drafter with a written revision request
This creates a paper trail and makes it unambiguous which specific element needs to change.
A Note on Revision Rounds
A standard engagement includes two to three revision rounds. Be strategic about feedback:
- Round 1: Major issues — wrong dimensions, missing elements, coordination errors
- Round 2: Corrections to Round 1, plus any secondary issues
- Round 3 (if needed): Final polish and annotation cleanup
Piecemeal feedback across five or six rounds frustrates drafters and inflates costs. Batch your comments.
If you're working with a drafter you found through DraftRoom, the platform's project workspace keeps all drawing revisions and comments in one place — so nothing gets lost in email threads.
Need a drafter for your next project? Browse verified drafters on DraftRoom →
Or if you're ready to post a project and receive applications from qualified drafters: Post your project →