Construction details
In very general terms, details convey accurate information of a very specific nature. Details can be superfluous if a general overview is required, but are essential to gain a fuller, more precise understanding.
In construction, details provide a complete description of a specific part of an object such as a building, bridge, tunnel, machine, component and so on. Details tend to be communicated on large-scale drawings that show comprehensive information about parts that may be described in less detail on general arrangement drawings.
For more information see: Detail drawing.
Suppliers may provide standard details for the components they provide, and clients or design companies may have standard details that can be adopted across different projects. The approved documents include details that describe common ways of satisfying the buildings regulations, and a series of Accredited Construction Details (ACDs) have been developed to help achieve the performance standards required by Part L of the Building Regulations.
For more information see: Accredited Construction Details.
Detailed design is the process of taking on and developing a concept design, to make it dimensionally correct and co-ordinated, describing all the main components of the building and how they fit together.
For more information see: Detail design.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.



























