What’s In a Set? (Construction Document Set)

Construction documents (CDs) are essential to the architectural design process, acting as a guide from the Architectural Designer to the Contractor. They outline how the Contractor will turn the building design into a physical structure through drawings and specifications. These documents serve two main purposes: securing a building permit and facilitating the construction of the design. Typically, they are issued in two sets: a permit set and a construction set. Both sets must be highly detailed, but the permit set is usually submitted first to address any issues identified during the permitting process before construction begins. For a building to obtain its final certificate of occupancy from the local authority, it must closely adhere to the construction documents in the permit set. 

The primary aim of construction documents is to ensure the building design is executed accurately. These binding documents specify how the building design should be constructed, detailing methods, materials, building systems, and components. They provide an in-depth description of every element of the building design, giving the Contractor a clear understanding of the Architectural Designer’s vision.