Getting your ducks in line

  Building codes:you can obtain a copy of local building codes from the local building department.  Let the Building Department know where your planning to build, and they can direct you to the proper agency that has jurisdiction over the site and how to get a copy. It is critical that your plan drawing specifically list the proper codes,  your plans will have to be approved by the local governing body before submission and issuing of permits. You may also have a local architect or draftsman check your plans to ensure that they meet all the local requirements for the area.

Alrighty, you'll need to obtain:

  Plot plan:The whole layout of the entire parcel with existing and the proposed structure, meters and bounds in accordance with regulations set as shown. Location to scale with setback dimension to the closets property lines. Dimension to foundation walls, septic tank, location to leach bed etc. In most cases you'll haft to have a certified licensed surveyor to certify a plot plan.

  Floor plan: Your floor plan shows the size of the building from the upper view, living spaces, bedrooms, and the arrangements, the size and location of the windows and doors, the location of the electric, plumbing and heating systems.

  Foundation plan:Shows the location with all the dimensions and sizes of the interior and exterior footings, walls, piers and includes footing height, width,and depth, type of re-bar and re-bar layout, and anchor bolts and spacing.

  Elevation plan:Shows how each side of the house or structure will look. It shows both the finished exterior, the height, width and length dimensions are given. All the exterior openings, siding and trim details, finished grade, the roof and roofing material, style pitch and overhang of the eaves.

  Framing plan: These plans will show the layout of plates, walls, studs, ceiling and floor joist and girders, upper plates, and rafters and rafter layout.

  Cross-section plan:Shows the guts of the foundation, the walls and ceiling, and roof. Most of the time drawn at larger scale to identify with greater detail primary structure elements that are not seen at the smaller scale.

  Signatures: of plan designers and engineers required by code.

And with that you'll need engineer calculations, soil reports and permits from the varies agencies required by code and local officials. / Read on!