Site Plan: the site plan shows the legal boundaries; the topographical features, including contours, vegetation, trees, roads, walks, fences and other man-made features; and the buildings. If the grid system is employed, the baseline of the grid, including its true bearing and tie-in dimensions to permanent features, is indicated as well as the level reference datum. Included with the site plan is the location plan, which is a map enabling one to find the property with reference to main roads, towns or natural features.

Floor Plans: the main floor and upper floor plans (if any) are always included. In addition, depending upon the scope of the survey, plans at the following levels may be required: foundation plan, reflected ceiling plans (crawl space, main and upper floors), attic joist plan, rafter plan and roof plan.

Elevations: exterior and interior elevations - some interior elevations will be shown on the cross-sections.

Sections: these are used to show construction and interior elevations. They should be chosen carefully to illustrate the most significant typical situations. Often the stairs can be included in one of the sections. A simple building may require only one section.

Details: these may be split into two categories - structural and architectural. Structural details are best illustrated by sectional, isometric or exploded views, accompanied with complete notes. Larger scale sections and details, of joints are often required. Architectural detail includes stairways doorways, doors and windows, mantels, paneling, moldings and hardware. These are most often shown in larger scale elevations and sections. The construction of such detail, including materials, should be magnet is useful to determine ferrous material.

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