By Engr. A.A Olayiwola (Reg. COREN)
Nigeria’s construction industry plays a vital role in national development and economic growth. Detailed drawings are essential for the successful delivery of construction projects, serving as tools for clear communication, coordination, and accurate execution of designs.
Land Surveying Drawings
Land surveying drawings determine the exact location, boundaries, and topographical features of a construction site. In Nigeria, where urbanization and land disputes are common, accurate land surveys are crucial for compliance with local regulations and avoiding costly delays. These drawings show contour lines, property boundaries, and existing infrastructure, enabling engineers and architects to plan site layouts effectively.
Architectural Drawings
Architectural drawings translate conceptual designs into detailed plans, guiding the construction process. They include floor plans, elevations, sections, and material specifications. In Nigeria’s rapidly urbanizing environment, these drawings must consider local needs, climate, and cultural preferences. Accurate architectural drawings prevent contractors from misinterpreting designs, leading to costly errors or modifications.
Structural Drawings
Structural drawings ensure the safety and integrity of buildings by detailing how elements like beams, columns, and foundations should be constructed. Given Nigeria’s history of building collapses due to poor practices or substandard materials, these drawings are critical for ensuring structures can withstand environmental forces like wind and earthquakes. Structural drawings also prevent unnecessary material overuse, reducing costs without sacrificing safety.
Mechanical Drawings
Mechanical drawings cover the layout of systems such as plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), and other utilities. In Nigeria, particularly in cities like Lagos and Abuja, these drawings are essential for ensuring energy efficiency and sustainability in projects with multiple users, such as schools, hospitals, and hotels.
Importance of Regulatory Approval
Each type of drawing requires approval from certified professionals registered with regulatory bodies like the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). Proper approvals ensure designs meet safety standards, and working without them violates the law and jeopardizes public safety.
Personal Experience
I have encountered situations where clients attempted to cut corners by avoiding proper drawings and approvals. In one case, I declined a job offer to construct a five-bedroom duplex due to the lack of approved drawings. Such practices are dangerous and unprofessional, and I believe in upholding standards that ensure safety and compliance with codes and ethics of engineering practices.
Conclusion
In summary, detailed drawings are not just technical documents but essential tools for ensuring the success of construction projects. They enable accurate cost estimation, realistic timelines, and effective resource allocation while promoting safety and quality. By adhering to these standards, professionals can deliver projects that meet regulatory requirements, prevent costly errors, and contribute to a safer and more resilient built environment.
Notably, the costs associated with these drawings are relatively minimal compared to the overall project cost.
For instance:
– Land surveying costs approximately ₦100,000 – ₦120,000 per plot,
– Architectural drawings range from ₦100,000 to ₦250,000 and above, depending on the nature of the drawing,
– Structural drawings vary between ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 and above, subject to discretion.
These investments pale in comparison to the potential risks and costs associated with neglecting proper drawings and approvals.
