ACT Guide
Construction documents checklist (ACT)
Your “construction document set” is what trades build from, and what your certifier relies on when assessing compliance. If it’s vague or inconsistent, you’ll wear the cost in delays, variations, and rework.
General information only (not legal advice). Your scope may require additional specialist documentation.
Construction documents checklist
Drawings (core set)
- Site plan (setbacks, levels, existing features)
- Floor plans
- Elevations
- Sections
- Details (wet areas, stairs, balustrades, tie-downs, etc.)
Specifications (make it buildable)
- Materials and finishes schedule
- Structural assumptions (where relevant)
- Waterproofing requirements
- Window/door schedule
- Energy-related selections (insulation, glazing)
Engineering (as required)
- Footing/slab design (where required)
- Framing / tie-down details
- Steel / beam designs (where required)
- Stormwater / drainage design (where required)
Compliance inputs (as applicable)
- Energy efficiency evidence
- Glazing calculations / schedules
- Fire safety considerations (project-dependent)
- Any required specialist reports
Practical rule
If a trade could reasonably ask “what exactly do you want here?”, that detail probably belongs in your drawings/specifications.
Ambiguity becomes variations.
Quality tips (to reduce variations)
Keep versions under control
One “Issued for Construction” set. If you update a page, re-issue the whole set and date it.
Make the scope explicit
Trades need to know what’s included (and not included). Include notes about exclusions where useful.
Tie details to inspections
Ask your certifier what must be inspected before it’s covered (waterproofing, framing, etc.).
Document decisions
If you change a product or detail, record it and update drawings/specs so the site stays aligned.
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