Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

The long expanding list of AI tools for building planning, design, construction and management

2026-11-07T07:52:28Z

Ali Ismailov: Added Horezmi (scan, PDF or photo of a floor plan to DWG) to design tools

[[File:AI_long_list_1000.jpg|link=File:AI_long_list_1000.jpg]]

= Introduction =

This list was written at the end of 2024.. many more tools have appeared since help us by adding to the list...

= Text to image architecture visualisation tools =

== XKool / Look X (XKool) ==

LookX AI is an emerging company that focusses on artificial intelligence and architectural design. Leveraging proprietary architect models, it provides the LookX.ai product to professionals in the architectural design industry. Cutting-edge technologies, understanding the architectural design industry, and extensive research in human-computer interaction to facilitate the implementation of AI.

[https://www.lookx.ai/about.html https://www.lookx.ai/about.html]

== Visoid ==

Visoid is AI powered visualisation software for architects and industry professionals.

[https://www.visoid.com/ https://www.visoid.com/]

== [https://tech.architizer.com/listing/arkoai.html ArkoAI] ==

[https://tech.architizer.com/listing/arkoai.html ArkoAI] high quality AI rendering.

[https://arko.ai/ https://arko.ai/]

== MyArchitectAI ==

MyArchitectAI is an AI rendering software that turns CAD models into photorealistic images in under 10 seconds.

[https://www.myarchitectai.com/ https://www.myarchitectai.com/]

= Text to image general generation tools =

== Chat GPT ==

[https://chat.openai.com/auth/login https://chat.openai.com/auth/login]

== Dall.E 1 / 2 and 3 ==

When prompted with an idea, ChatGPT will automatically generate tailored, detailed prompts for DALL·E 3 that bring your idea to life. If you like a particular image, but it’s not quite right, you can ask ChatGPT to make tweaks with just a few words. DALL·E 3 will be available to ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise customers in early October. As with DALL·E 2, the images you create with DALL·E 3 are yours to use and you don't need our permission to reprint, sell or merchandise them.

[https://openai.com/dall-e-3 https://openai.com/dall-e-3]

== Muse AI Midjourney ==

Provides an opportunity to generate 20 Midjourney images for free. Input your imagination on the right side, then click the mouse, and you can experience the AI art image generator within 1-2 minutes.

[https://www.midjourneyai.ai/ https://www.midjourneyai.ai/]

== Stability AI; Stable Diffusion XL and SDXL Turbo ==

SDXL Turbo Generates image-based results as fast as typing, developed by our research team and based on SDXL. Stable Diffusion XL offers enhanced image composition and face generation, stunning visuals and realistic aesthetics.

[https://stability.ai/ https://stability.ai/]

== Adobe Firefly ==

Adobe Firefly text to image and generative fill from sketch

[https://www.adobe.com/products/firefly.html https://www.adobe.com/products/firefly.html]

== Jasper Art ==

Jasper Art can write copy for ads, blog, websites, and social media along with images to match.

[https://www.jasper.ai/art https://www.jasper.ai/art]

== Draw3D ==

Transform your sketch into a photorealistic image. Upload a drawing and our tool will automatically convert the drawing to a photorealistic image.

[https://draw3d.online/ https://draw3d.online/]

== Jibyte ==

All-in-one platform to generate AI content and start making money in minutes.

[https://www.jibyte.com/ https://www.jibyte.com/]

== Canva AI ==

[https://www.canva.com/ai-image-generator/ https://www.canva.com/ai-image-generator/]

== NightCafe ==

[https://creator.nightcafe.studio/ https://creator.nightcafe.studio/]

== Deep AI ==

[https://deepai.org/ https://deepai.org/]

== Runway AI ==

[https://runwayml.com/ https://runwayml.com/]

== Bing image creator ==

[https://www.bing.com/images/create https://www.bing.com/images/create]

== Starry AI ==

[https://starryai.com/ https://starryai.com/]

== Wombo Dream ==

[https://www.w.ai/ https://www.w.ai/]

[[File:AI_city_1000.jpg|link=File:AI_city_1000.jpg]]

= Building drawing, design and planning tools =

== Fusion 360 ==

AI-driven generative design capabilities enable automatic iteration and optimisation of designs, leading to innovative and efficient solutions for complex construction challenges.

Parametric modelling capabilities enable construction professionals to create and modify design elements with precision and flexibility.

Built-in simulation and analysis tools allow construction professionals to test and validate design ideas, ensuring structural integrity and performance before construction begins.

[https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview?term=1-YEAR&tab=subscription https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview]

== ARCHITEChTURES ==

ARCHITEChTURES is a generative AI-powered building design platform to help design optimal residential developments in minutes. It optimises the feasibility analysis process with regulatory confidence, rapid iterations, and accurate instant insights to download a standardised initial BIM model of the site to continue workflow. Users obtain for each iteration and in real-time, the solution that best suits the geometry, objectives and design criteria entered. Designers have full control over the quantitative aspects of the design to focus on decision-making and improve added value. The user evaluates the geometric and analytical results obtained and repeats this process adapting the design.

[https://architechtures.com/en https://architechtures.com/en]

== Hypar ==

Hypar, Inc. Leading global firms use Hypar to automate conceptual design, estimation, building product configuration, and mechanical & structural engineering.

[https://hypar.io/ https://hypar.io/]

== Arkdesign ==

The first AI platform for creating architectural schematic design. Optimise profitability, density and living standards while meeting all code regulations.

[https://arkdesign.ai/ https://arkdesign.ai/]

== ArchitectGPT and HousePlanGPT ==

ArchitectGPT and HousePlanGPT AI tool linked to chat GBT with functions from image renders to planing layouts and so on.

[https://www.architectgpt.io/ https://www.architectgpt.io/]

== Maket ==

Maket empowers everyone to automate residential floorplans, 3D renders, and explore limitless styles.

[https://www.maket.ai/ https://www.maket.ai/]

== Finch ==

Design optimised, graph technology, and advanced algorithms to optimise and challenge. Generative tech enables rapid iterations, allowing you to explore a wide range of design options. Utilise the power of data to receive instant feedback on performance and guide design decisions. Built in error prevention helps you stay within the right limits.

[https://www.finch3d.com/ https://www.finch3d.com/]

== [https://tech.architizer.com/listing/veras-part-of-evolvelab.html Veras] ==

Veras is an AI-powered visualisation app for SketchUp, Revit, Rhinoceros, and the Web that uses your substrate for creativity and inspiration.

[https://www.evolvelab.io/veras https://www.evolvelab.io/veras]

== BricsCAD ==

Professional CAD with unique AI-driven productivity tools for faster engineering detailing at a lower total cost of ownership.

[https://www.bricsys.com/en-eu https://www.bricsys.com/en-eu]

[[File:Lists_1000.jpg|link=File:Lists_1000.jpg]]

== Horezmi ==

Turns scans, PDFs, phone photos and hand sketches of existing floor plans into editable DWG and DXF files, with walls, doors, windows, rooms with areas and dimensions on separate layers, plus a 3D model and an IFC file. Corrections can be asked for in plain English.

[https://horezmi.com https://horezmi.com]

= Planning, programming and management =

== Procure ==

Products from tendering to close out, covering project management (mobile project management to improves efficiency by connecting site and office for real-time visibility), quality & safety (mitigating risks and make tough decisions using real-time data from the site. Manage site diaries, inspections and incidents all in one place), financial management (real-time insight into the financial health of your projects with cost management that connects project and site teams to accounting.

[https://www.procore.com/en-gb https://www.procore.com/en-gb]

== Hosta A.I. ==

Hosta A.I. is an image-to-estimate property assessment solution.

[https://hosta.ai/ https://hosta.ai/]

== Project Insight ==

Project management software. Centralise your work, tasks, projects, and collaboration in one easy-to-use online platform. Get real-time visibility into your entire portfolio – budgeting, time tracking, issues, approvals, expenses, capacity, development, and more.

[https://projectinsight.com/ https://projectinsight.com/]

== Back boiler ==

Contract review software 'The only patented AI contract software that instantaneously reviews and redlines contracts right in “Track Changes,” just like a human.'

[https://www.blackboiler.com/ https://www.blackboiler.com/]

== GapSense ==

AI agent for the full lifecycle of planning. Can screen sites for planning issues, detect document and planning conflicts and generate draft grounds of appeal based on real LPA planning documentation and decisions.

[https://gapsensehq.com/ https://gapsensehq.com/]

= Interiors drawing, design and planning tools =

== Decor AI ==

Decor AI 'Sketch to Real-life 3D Interior Ideas in Seconds'

[https://decorai.io/ https://decorai.io/]

== Coohom ==

Coohom interiors AI tool.

[https://www.coohom.com/ https://www.coohom.com/]

= Urban scale drawing, design and planning tools =

== [https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=598588983&cs=1&q=sidewalk+labs&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAEWQy0oDMRiFraS1llYlCFJBGn0AS72ux9rLqIi0o-AFSjrNTMNkJjWJ9bJw59qN-ABdq7jxZcSlqzyAi66MU6Tbk_Cd7_zp0kpi86yAKZLcU9dYEORxgdpXlHVo5KMOkdSPhokFy0aKcybjZyzcLlXEVXI4mW5VDh3bOW29g4QGs5lc0S-WSgET217Y8seJ2mhv3YSXgQZzcMZqlOu2Uyl3neNGpalBGqasxj6ybA1mYLZGlMc4Fz2GIwOAuSbtkGvMAnSA23KMvC357cvwdl2DLMzUuVQYWav2asyw_hVrR44GGZjeJa4x_2swn5s97JIQB0SMdK4UN0sDVOUixBpMw6ldzBhBaxpMwWSVRm53XOtt90ztWj8m7WHZI4YrVLyizHmXhzHBIVJV6Sg-oZLTjgYFuLRjYqOBaKSIoEZpdOLRdQfJnPzfyszWz1R-orr4evG2_JT__vh6mb-_yz7-PA_sh_75L0-9l7K7AQAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwix_LnN2d-DAxW4xAIHHatYBTMQ7fAIegUIABCeAg Sidewalk Labs] ==

[https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=598588983&cs=1&q=sidewalk+labs&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAEWQy0oDMRiFraS1llYlCFJBGn0AS72ux9rLqIi0o-AFSjrNTMNkJjWJ9bJw59qN-ABdq7jxZcSlqzyAi66MU6Tbk_Cd7_zp0kpi86yAKZLcU9dYEORxgdpXlHVo5KMOkdSPhokFy0aKcybjZyzcLlXEVXI4mW5VDh3bOW29g4QGs5lc0S-WSgET217Y8seJ2mhv3YSXgQZzcMZqlOu2Uyl3neNGpalBGqasxj6ybA1mYLZGlMc4Fz2GIwOAuSbtkGvMAnSA23KMvC357cvwdl2DLMzUuVQYWav2asyw_hVrR44GGZjeJa4x_2swn5s97JIQB0SMdK4UN0sDVOUixBpMw6ldzBhBaxpMwWSVRm53XOtt90ztWj8m7WHZI4YrVLyizHmXhzHBIVJV6Sg-oZLTjgYFuLRjYqOBaKSIoEZpdOLRdQfJnPzfyszWz1R-orr4evG2_JT__vh6mb-_yz7-PA_sh_75L0-9l7K7AQAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwix_LnN2d-DAxW4xAIHHatYBTMQ7fAIegUIABCeAg Sidewalk Labs] with Delve for better development planning with generative design and Mesa which deals with building controls that save energy and cost.

[https://www.sidewalklabs.com/ https://www.sidewalklabs.com/]

== Autodesk Forma ==

Autodesk Forma (formerly Spacemaker) helps planning and design teams deliver projects digitally, conceptual design capabilities, predictive analytics, and automations to make solid, sustainable, foundations for projects.

[https://www.autodesk.com/products/forma/overview?term=1-YEAR&tab=subscription https://www.autodesk.com/products/forma/overview?term=1-YEAR&tab=subscription]

== TestFit ==

Maximise site potential and get the right deals done faster with TestFit’s real-time AI for rapid iterations.

[https://www.testfit.io/ https://www.testfit.io/]

= Site management and checks =

== OpenSpace.ai ==

OpenSpace.ai is a tool that facilitates site checks by combining real time video footage and 3D architectural drawings powered by AI.

[https://www.openspace.ai/about/ https://www.openspace.ai/about/]

= Other data related tasks =

== Uizard ==

A web design tool powered by AI.

[https://uizard.io/ https://uizard.io/]

== Thinkers ai ==

Thinkers ai is a market and data analysis tool including automised solutions for online media and beyond, sales intelligence and market & competitive intelligence.

[https://thinkers.ai/ https://thinkers.ai/]

== Predict HQ ==

[https://www.predicthq.com/ https://www.predicthq.com/]

= 3D modelling tools various =

== Ponzu ==

AI models for developers and designers

[https://www.ponzu.ai/ https://www.ponzu.ai/]

== Spline ==

Collaborative AI design tool

[https://spline.design/ai https://spline.design/ai]

== 3DFY AI ==

Text to 3D models

[https://3dfy.ai/ https://3dfy.ai/]

= 3D animation modelling tools =

== Kaedim 3D ==

Tool for animations, gaming in particular.

[https://www.kaedim3d.com/ https://www.kaedim3d.com/]

== Meshcapade ==

Avatar models

[https://meshcapade.com/ https://meshcapade.com/]

== Masterpiece X ==

[https://www.masterpiecex.com/ https://www.masterpiecex.com/]

== NeROIC ==

Neural rendering of objects from online image collections.

[https://zfkuang.github.io/NeROIC/ https://zfkuang.github.io/NeROIC/]

== DPT Depth ==

3D scene reconstruction in real-time.

[https://github.com/isl-org/DPT https://github.com/isl-org/DPT]

== Sloyd ==

Quick 3D models.

[https://www.sloyd.ai/ https://www.sloyd.ai/]

== DeepMotion ==

Body marker tracking.

[https://www.deepmotion.com/ https://www.deepmotion.com/]

== Rokoko Vision ==

Motion capture

[https://www.rokoko.com/products/vision https://www.rokoko.com/products/vision]

= Team and project management =

== ClickUp ==

Get everyone working in a single platform designed to manage any type of work.

[https://clickup.com/ https://clickup.com/]

== Wrike ==

Wrike streamlines work processes for maximum efficiency, empowering teams across all departments to collaborate, manage projects, drive strategic initiatives, and achieve goals.

[https://www.wrike.com/vah/ https://www.wrike.com/vah/]

== Trello ==

[https://trello.com/ https://trello.com/]

== Asana ==

[https://asana.com/ https://asana.com/]

== Notion ==

A workspace to write, organise, and collaborate.

[https://www.notion.so/product?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAzJOtBhALEiwAtwj8tpAH2AqnAtgIqdYW33zAWoMVEkJbRZSV4sjRZv35yrbUETCsinLBDxoCO-sQAvD_BwE&utm_content=639757272907&utm_term=notion&targetid=kwd-312974742&utm_medium=144233315996&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=19165238591 https://www.notion.so]

== Monday.com ==

A platform built for a new way of working

[https://monday.com/ https://monday.com/]

== Ayanza ==

Easily connect objectives, projects, workflows, and notes to build healthy and successful teams.

[https://ayanza.com/ https://ayanza.com/]

== Hive ==

Project management.

[https://hive.com/ https://hive.com/]

== Awork ==

[https://www.awork.com/hi/projektmanagement https://www.awork.com/hi/projektmanagement]

== ProofHub ==

[https://www.proofhub.com/ https://www.proofhub.com/]

== Todoist ==

[https://todoist.com/ https://todoist.com/]

== Airtable ==

The fastest way to build apps, work faster and more confidently than ever before.

[https://www.airtable.com/ https://www.airtable.com/]

== Clara ==

Automate your startup's legal work and get back to building.

[https://clara.co/ https://clara.co/]

== Clockwise ==

[https://www.getclockwise.com/ https://www.getclockwise.com/]

== Forecast AI ==

Powered platform for boosting financial returns on your resources and projects

[https://www.forecast.app/ https://www.forecast.app/]

== Kronologic ==

Automate timely scheduling of meetings for teams and individuals.

[https://www.kronologic.com/ https://www.kronologic.com/]

== Motion calendar ==

[https://www.usemotion.com/ https://www.usemotion.com/]

== Process Street ==

Process management.

[https://www.process.st/ https://www.process.st/]

== Trevor ==

[https://www.trevorai.com/ https://www.trevorai.com/]

== Basecamp ==

The project management platform that helps small teams move faster and make more progress.

[https://basecamp.com/ https://basecamp.com/]

== Jira ==

[https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira]

== Microsoft Project and Project Planner ==

[https://www.projectmanager.com/ https://www.projectmanager.com/]

= Related article on Designing Buildings =

* Artificial intelligence.
* Artificial intelligence and civil engineering.
* Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the project profession.
* Artificial intelligence and real stupidity.
* Artificial intelligence and surveying.
* Artificial intelligence in the construction industry.
* Artificial intelligence in buildings.
* BSRIA Artificial Intelligence in Buildings white paper.
* Construction is an industry ripe for tech disruption.
* Construction project professionals and AI.
* Data Science vs Artificial Intelligence Understanding the Differences and Similarities.
* Edge AI hardware Market.
* Integration of Artificial Intelligence to Prevent Hazards in the Construction Industry.
* Mind the AI gap.
* The impact of digital on civil engineering.
* The impact of artificial intelligence on the built environment.
* Will AI ever be able to design buildings?

[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Dataset]] [[Category:DCN_Organisation]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Software]]

Using existing drawings for a refurbishment

2026-11-06T15:46:40Z

Ali Ismailov: New article: using existing drawings for a refurbishment

Most refurbishment projects start with a set of drawings that someone already has. They may be the original architect's plans, a building control submission from the 1980s, a surveyor's sketch from a previous sale, or a scan of a sheet found in a cupboard. They are cheaper and quicker than a new survey, and they are often the only record of what is hidden behind finishes. They are also often wrong.

This article covers where existing drawings come from, the usual ways they differ from the building, and how to check them before design work relies on them.

== Where existing drawings come from ==

Common sources include:

* the building owner or previous owners, who may have the original planning or building regulations drawings;
* the local planning authority, whose online records usually go back to the late 1990s or early 2000s, with older files held on paper or microfiche;
* building control records, which may include structural calculations as well as plans;
* the original architect or engineer, if the practice still exists;
* local archives and record offices, for older and listed buildings;
* estate agents' floor plans, which are useful for layout but rarely drawn to scale.

Each source tells you what was intended or approved at one point in time. None of them tells you what was actually built, or what has changed since.

== How drawings and buildings drift apart ==

Differences between a drawing and the building usually come from a handful of causes.

Changes during construction. Walls move, openings are resized and stairs are turned on site, and the drawings are not always updated. "As built" drawings are less common than the title block suggests.

Later alterations. Extensions, knocked-through rooms, new partitions and blocked-up windows are often done without drawings, or with drawings that were never added to the file.

Copying errors. A plan that has been photocopied, faxed or scanned several times may be stretched slightly in one direction. A scan of a print at an unknown scale may not be at the scale written on it.

Drawing conventions. Older drawings may use imperial units, show wall thicknesses that include finishes or exclude them, or leave out non-structural partitions entirely. Design sketches may show sizes written in the rooms rather than dimension lines.

== Checking the drawings ==

Before relying on existing drawings, it is worth a short site visit with a tape or laser measure. A practical sequence:

# Check two or three long overall dimensions, at least one in each direction. If they match, the scale is probably right.
# Check the main room sizes against what is written or scaled from the drawing.
# Count doors and windows on each elevation and compare positions.
# Look for walls that have been added or removed, and for changes in floor level.
# Note anything that cannot be seen, such as the direction of floor joists or the position of beams, and treat the drawing as unconfirmed there.

Where the drawings fail these checks badly, a [[Measured_survey|measured survey]] is usually cheaper than designing on a false base.

== Getting paper drawings into CAD ==

Once the drawings are known to be reasonable, they usually need to be in CAD before design work can begin. There are three common routes:

* redrawing by hand over a scanned image, which is slow but lets the drafter interpret unclear areas;
* raster to vector tracing, which is fast on clean line work but copies stains, hatching and handwriting along with the walls;
* AI redrawing tools, such as Horezmi, which recognise walls, openings and rooms and draw them as CAD objects. They save time on readable drawings but still need checking against the original.

Whichever route is used, the resulting CAD drawing is only as good as the paper it came from. The checks above apply to the CAD version too.

== Recording what is assumed ==

A drawing that mixes measured, copied and assumed information should say which is which. A simple note on the drawing, such as "overall dimensions checked on site, internal partitions from 1987 building control drawings, not verified", saves the next person from repeating the same checks or trusting the wrong ones.

== Related articles ==

* [[Converting_paper_and_scanned_drawings_to_CAD|Converting paper and scanned drawings to CAD]]
* [[Measured_survey|Measured survey]]
* [[As-built_drawings|As-built drawings]]
* [[Existing_Conditions_Survey_in_Digital_Construction|Existing Conditions Survey in Digital Construction]]
* [[Refurbishment|Refurbishment]]

[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:BIM]] [[Category:Conservation]]

User:Ali Ismailov

2026-11-05T13:04:26Z

Ali Ismailov:

I'm Ali Ismailov, founder of Horezmi ([https://horezmi.com https://horezmi.com]). Horezmi reads a scan, a PDF or a phone photo of a floor plan, an old blueprint or a hand sketch and draws it again as a DWG for AutoCAD, with walls, doors, rooms and dimensions on their own layers, plus a PDF sheet and a 3D model. I write here about digitizing old drawings and getting paper plans into CAD.

Converting paper and scanned drawings to CAD

2026-11-05T13:03:18Z

Ali Ismailov: Created page with "Many existing buildings only have their drawings on paper: dyeline prints, old tracings, photocopies, or scans of them saved as PDF. Before an extension, a refurbishment or a cha..."

Many existing buildings only have their drawings on paper: dyeline prints, old tracings, photocopies, or scans of them saved as PDF. Before an extension, a refurbishment or a change of use, someone usually needs those drawings in CAD. This article sets out the common ways to do that, and where each one goes wrong.

== Vector PDF or scan? ==

The first question is what kind of file you have. A PDF exported from a CAD program holds lines, arcs and text as vectors. A scanned PDF, or a photo of a drawing, holds only pixels.

The difference matters. Since AutoCAD 2017, the PDFIMPORT command brings the geometry of a vector PDF into a drawing, often with layers and text intact. On a scanned PDF the same command can only place the page as an image, because there are no lines in the file to import. Many people meet this as the message that no objects were imported.

A quick test: zoom in a long way. If lines stay sharp, it is vector. If they break into squares, it is a scan.

== Ways to convert a scanned drawing ==

Redrawing by hand. The scan is inserted as an image, scaled, and traced over in CAD. This gives clean, editable geometry and lets the drafter make sense of faded or unclear areas. It is also slow: a detailed house plan can take a day or more.

Raster to vector tracing. Tracing software turns dark pixels into lines. It is fast and works well on clean line work, such as a simple site outline or a part profile. On architectural drawings it copies everything that is dark, including stains, fold marks, hatching and handwriting, and a wall usually comes out as two ragged outlines rather than one object. The result normally needs heavy cleaning.

AI redrawing tools. A newer group of tools reads the drawing as a plan rather than as pixels: they recognise walls, doors, windows and rooms and draw them again as CAD objects on separate layers, sometimes with a 3D model. Examples include FloorScan and Horezmi. They are quick on clear plans; on dense or damaged sheets they can misread elements, so the output should be checked against the original.

Measured survey. When the paper drawings are known to be out of date, or the building has been altered, converting them only reproduces old errors. A measured survey, by tape, laser or point cloud, gives drawings of what is actually there.

== Getting the scale right ==

A scan has no units. Scale is usually set from a dimension written on the drawing, or from the scale bar, using a command such as SCALE with the reference option. Two checks are worth making:

* set the scale from a long dimension rather than a short one, as small errors grow over distance;
* check a second dimension in the other direction, because scanners and photocopiers can stretch a sheet slightly more one way than the other.

A phone photo taken at an angle also distorts the drawing. It should be straightened before scaling, or retaken square on.

== Checking the result ==

Whichever method is used, compare the CAD drawing with the original before relying on it:

* overall dimensions and the main room sizes;
* door and window positions and counts;
* wall thicknesses, which tracing often gets wrong;
* text and room names, which tracing turns into shapes rather than editable text.

Old drawings themselves are not always right. Where the work depends on exact sizes, key dimensions should be checked on site.

== Related articles on Designing Buildings ==

* [[Types_of_drawings_for_building_design|Types of drawings for building design]]
* [[Existing_Conditions_Survey_in_Digital_Construction|Existing Conditions Survey in Digital Construction]]
* [[PDF_to_BIM_conversion|PDF to BIM conversion]]
* [[Building_archaeology|Building archaeology]]

[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:BIM]]