Construction Sets

Full Construction Sets

Building a house in the Philippines takes careful planning, especially when working with architects. The right professional help makes a big difference in turning your dream home into reality.

The search for an architect doesn’t need to be complicated. Social media groups offer many options:

• Facebook groups like “Architects Philippines” list professionals with rates from 10% of total construction cost (Holy Molly!).
• Some architects charge 400-500 PHP per square meter (2024 prices)
• Lower rates exist but check credentials carefully
• Reddit’s phinvest community shares experiences and recommendations

Take into account that you might do revisions in your plans, ask how many revisions are included in the fees, and visits to the construction to supervise that it is matching the plan.

1. Details Included in a Complete Construction Set

A. Architectural Drawings

• Cover Sheet
  • Project title, location, and identification
  • List of drawings (Sheet Index)
  • Key project data (e.g., floor area, building height)
  • Professional seals and signatures
• Site Plan
  • Property boundaries and legal descriptions
  • Existing and proposed structures
  • Topography and grading information
  • Utility connections (water, sewer, electrical)
  • Landscaping and external works
  • Access points, driveways, and parking layout
• Floor Plans
  • Detailed layouts of each floor
  • Room dimensions and names
  • Door and window locations
  • Wall types and thicknesses
  • Built-in fixtures and furniture
• Elevations
  • Exterior views of all building sides
  • Materials and finishes
  • Vertical dimensions and floor levels
  • Roof slopes and parapets
• Sections
  • Cut-through views showing internal construction
  • Floor-to-floor heights
  • Foundation and roof details
  • Staircases and elevators
• Details
  • Enlarged drawings of complex areas
  • Wall sections, window and door details
  • Connection details (e.g., beams to columns)
  • Waterproofing and insulation details
• Schedules
  • Door and Window Schedules: Sizes, types, materials, hardware
  • Finish Schedules: Floor, wall, and ceiling finishes per room
  • Room Schedules: Functions and areas of each room
• Reflected Ceiling Plans
  • Ceiling layouts
  • Lighting fixtures and HVAC diffusers
  • Soffits and ceiling heights
• Roof Plan
  • Roof layout and slopes
  • Drainage systems
  • Roofing materials

B. Structural Drawings

• Foundation Plans

  • Footings and slab details
  • Pile locations (if applicable)
  • Reinforcement details

• Framing Plans

  • Layout of structural elements (beams, columns)
  • Floor framing for each level
  • Roof framing plan

• Structural Details

  • Connection details
  • Reinforcement bar (rebar) schedules
  • Structural sections and notes

  Note: If you have more than 2 stories, or roof deck, you might need a soil test, prepare it in advance.

C. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Drawings

• Mechanical (HVAC) Plans
  • Equipment locations
  • Ductwork layouts
  • Ventilation systems
  • Air conditioning units
• Electrical Plans
  • Lighting layouts
  • Power outlet locations
  • Single-line diagrams
  • Load calculations
  • Panel schedules
• Plumbing Plans
  • Water supply lines
  • Drainage and vent systems
  • Fixture locations
  • Isometric diagrams
• Fire Protection Plans
  • Sprinkler systems
  • Fire alarm systems
  • Emergency lighting
  • Exit signage

D. Other Specialized Drawings

• Landscape Plans
  • Planting schemes
  • Hardscape elements
  • Irrigation systems
• Interior Design Plans
  • Furniture layouts
  • Material selections
  • Specialty finishes
• Civil Works
  • Site grading and drainage
  • Roadways and sidewalks
  • Retaining walls
• Environmental and Sustainability Plans
  • Energy conservation measures
  • Waste management systems
  • Green building features

E. Specifications

• Written documents that describe:
  • Material types and quality
  • Workmanship standards
  • Installation methods
  • Testing and inspection requirements

F. Bill of Quantities (BOQ)

• Detailed list of materials, labor, and equipment
• Quantities and cost estimates for budgeting and bidding

G. Professional Seals and Certifications

• Signed and sealed by licensed professionals
• Compliance certificates and endorsements

H. BIM Execution Plan (BEP)

• Outline of BIM implementation throughout the project
• BIM goals and uses
• Level of Development (LOD) for model elements
• Collaboration procedures and file exchange protocols

I. Clash Detection and Coordination Reports

• Results of interdisciplinary clash detection
• Resolved conflicts and coordination solutions
• Remaining issues to be addressed

2. Common Tools Used to Create Construction Sets

A. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software

• AutoCAD (by Autodesk)
  • Widely used for 2D drafting and detailing
  • Standard in many architectural and engineering firms
• MicroStation (by Bentley Systems)
  • Used in infrastructure and civil projects
  • Supports both 2D and 3D modeling

B. Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software

• Revit (by Autodesk)
  • Integrates architectural, structural, and MEP designs
  • Facilitates collaboration among disciplines
  • Supports clash detection and coordination
• ArchiCAD (by Graphisoft)
  • Popular among architects for integrated BIM workflows
  • Strong in architectural modeling and documentation
• Navisworks (by Autodesk)
  • Used for model review and clash detection
  • Integrates models from various disciplines

C. Structural Analysis and Design Software

• STAAD.Pro (by Bentley Systems)
  • Structural analysis and design
  • Supports various international codes
• ETABS (by Computers and Structures, Inc.)
  • Specialized for building systems
  • Used for structural analysis and design

D. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Software

• AutoCAD MEP
  • Specialized tools for MEP drafting
  • Integrates with AutoCAD and Revit
• Revit MEP
  • BIM solution for MEP engineering
  • Allows for coordination with architectural and structural models

E. Other Tools

• SketchUp (by Trimble)
  • 3D modeling tool for conceptual designs
  • Often used for visualization and presentations
• Adobe Creative Suite
  • Photoshop and Illustrator for rendering and graphic presentations
• Bluebeam Revu
  • PDF creation and markup tool
  • Useful for digital collaboration and reviewing

F. Cloud-based Collaboration Tools

• Autodesk BIM 360
  • Project management and collaboration platform
  • Supports document sharing, versioning, and markup
• PlanGrid
  • Construction productivity software
  • Field-focused tool for drawing management and issue tracking
• Procore
  • Construction management software
  • Integrates project management, quality, and safety

If you have CAD plans, you might be able to visualize them in Virtual Reality.

3. Standards to Follow

A. National Standards (Philippines)

• National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP)
  • Presidential Decree No. 1096
  • Sets minimum requirements for building design and construction
  • Includes provisions on structural integrity, fire safety, sanitation, and accessibility
• Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)
  • Provides detailed guidelines for the NBCP
  • Must be adhered to in all building projects
• Philippine Electrical Code (PEC)
  • Standards for electrical design and installation
  • Ensures safety and reliability of electrical systems
• Philippine Mechanical Code
  • Guidelines for mechanical systems, including HVAC
• National Plumbing Code of the Philippines
  • Standards for plumbing design and installation
• Fire Code of the Philippines
  • Republic Act No. 9514
  • Requirements for fire prevention and safety measures
• Accessibility Law
  • Batas Pambansa Bilang 344
  • Mandates accessibility features for persons with disabilities
• Green Building Codes
  • Philippine Green Building Code
  • Encourages sustainable design and construction practices
• Structural Codes
  • National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP)
  • Standards for structural design to withstand earthquakes, typhoons, and other loads

B. International Standards (as applicable)

• American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
  • Material specifications and testing methods
• International Building Code (IBC)
  • May be referenced for additional guidelines
• American Concrete Institute (ACI) Codes
  • Standards for concrete design and construction
• American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
  • Standards for steel design and construction
• ASHRAE Standards
  • Guidelines for HVAC systems

C. Local Government Regulations

• Local Zoning Ordinances
  • Specific regulations on land use, building height, setbacks, and density
• Environmental Regulations
  • Compliance with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) requirements
• Heritage Conservation
  • Guidelines from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) if applicable

D. Professional Practice Standards

• United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Documents
  • Standards of Professional Practice
  • Code of Ethical Conduct
• Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Standards
• Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Guidelines
  • Requirements for signing and sealing documents
  • Continuing professional development

4. Document Management and Control

A. Version Control

• Implement a clear version numbering system
• Maintain a log of all revisions and updates
• Use cloud-based version control systems for real-time collaboration

B. Document Security

• Implement access controls and user permissions
• Use digital rights management (DRM) for sensitive documents
• Regular backups and secure storage of all project files

C. Revision Process

• Establish a clear revision workflow
• Use revision clouds and tags to highlight changes
• Maintain an up-to-date revision history for all documents

D. Digital Signatures and Professional Seals

• Use digital signatures for electronic documents
• Ensure compliance with PRC guidelines for digital seals
• Implement secure methods for applying and verifying digital signatures

5. Quality Control and Assurance

A. Internal Review Process

• Implement peer review procedures for all disciplines
• Conduct regular quality control checks throughout the design process
• Use checklists and standardized review forms

B. Interdisciplinary Coordination

• Regular coordination meetings between all design disciplines
• Use BIM coordination tools for clash detection and resolution
• Document all coordination decisions and resolutions

C. Code Compliance Checks

• Regular reviews against applicable codes and standards
• Use of code checking software where applicable
• Engagement with local authorities for pre-submission reviews

D. Final Document Review

• Comprehensive review of all documents before submission
• Check for consistency across all drawings and specifications
• Verify all required professional seals and signatures are in place

6. Submission and Approval Process

A. Document Compilation

• Assemble all required documents as per local authority requirements
• Ensure all documents are properly formatted and organized

B. Submission to Authorities

• Submit to appropriate local government units and agencies
• Track submission status and follow up as needed

C. Addressing Comments and Revisions

• Promptly address any comments or required revisions from authorities
• Document all changes made in response to official feedback

D. Final Approval and Permits

• Obtain all necessary approvals and permits
• Securely store all approval documents and permits

Remember to regularly review any changes in local regulations, industry standards, or best practices in the construction industry.