When working on any construction project, it is important to understand the different types of drawings. This article is about the IFC drawing, which is one of the most important construction drawings. IFC drawings plays an important role to make sure efficiency and success of the construction project.

What is IFC Drawing

IFC Drawings or Issued for Construction Drawings are the final set of construction drawings. They show the finalized and approved design. Generally, these drawings are issued by the architects. The purpose of IFC drawings is to provide detailed information about the project to the construction team so that the project execution is done properly, in compliance with safety and quality standards.

Architects, engineers, and other construction professionals are responsible for making IFC drawings. Before reaching the final stage, it has to go through multiple reviews.

Components of IFC Drawings:

An IFC drawing set has drawings and documents. All drawings are very important for different construction processes. Some of the important drawings are mentioned below.

Architectural IFC Drawings: These drawings include floor plans, elevation plans, section plans, façade and cladding plans, etc.

Structural IFC Drawings: These drawings include foundation plans, columns, beam plans, etc. The building’s safety and stability depend on these plans.

MEP IFC Drawings: As the name suggests, it stands for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing drawings. This drawing includes electrical schematics, plumbing plans, and HVAC layouts. The main function of these drawings is to provide ease and comfort to inhabitants.

Benefits of IFC Drawings

Facilitates the construction process: With the help of proper IFC drawings construction team can effectively plan the needed material supply. This approach facilitates the process because the team gets to know what is required, when required, and in what quantity.

Resolves discrepancies: IFC drawings help to find out the clashes and resolve them before the drawings are extracted and start the construction process.

Save Time: Teams involved in the project separate the IFC drawings and shop drawings, this will help to make the construction process faster. As they gain better comprehension from the relevant drawings, there is no misunderstanding or wrong interpretation.

Collaboration: It enables the efficient collaboration between various stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and contractors, which promotes better teamwork and better communication.

What is the difference between IFC drawings and shop drawings?

IFC drawings provide an overview of the project, including instructions on how to construct it. They focus on every area of the project and will be used over the project’s life cycle. Shop drawings are the more detailed drawings generally made by contractors and fabricators. These drawings help to ensure the accuracy and that does project follows design specifications.

IFC drawings are used as the guide for the whole construction process, while Shop drawings are used for the individual components.

Architects and engineers create the IFC drawing, and it is done in the design phase. Contractors and fabricators create the shop drawings.

Conclusion:

IFC drawings are the backbone of any construction project, providing a clear, approved roadmap for execution. They enhance coordination, reduce errors, and ensure compliance with design and safety standards. By distinguishing IFC drawings from shop drawings, project teams can streamline workflows and improve collaboration. With detailed guidance for every phase of construction, IFC drawings are essential for delivering projects efficiently, accurately, and with the highest quality, from concept to completion.