When undertaking a major construction project, proper planning is essential for success. One important planning task is determining how many copies of blueprints you will need and ordering them ahead of time. Having ample copies of blueprints on hand ensures that all stakeholders – from architects to builders to inspectors – have the information they need. In this post, we’ll explore blueprint copying best practices so you can plan accordingly and avoid delays.

Why You Need Multiple Copies of Blueprints

Blueprints contain vital information required to bring your project to life. They communicate the detailed design, measurements, materials, and construction methods needed to translate your vision into reality. As such, they need to be accessible to everyone involved in the build. Relying on a single copy is risky. If it gets lost, damaged, or is unavailable when someone needs it, major inefficiencies can result. Having multiple copies prevents these problems and streamlines communication across your project team.

It also ensures those overseeing and approving the project, like municipal inspectors, have convenient access to blueprints when they need to conduct reviews. You don’t want an inspector showing up and having to wait around while someone tracks down a copy. The more reference copies you have handy, the smoother the inspections will go.

Determining How Many Copies You Need

The number of blueprint copies needed depends on the size of your project and how many people will be relying on them. Here is a breakdown of how many copies you should have on hand:

For the Design Team

– Architect – The lead architect will need their own reference set of blueprints along with each person on the architectural team. Plan on 1-2 copies per architect/designer.

– Engineers – Structural, electrical, and other engineers should each have their own set. Budget 1-2 copies per engineering discipline.

– Specialty Design Consultants – Interior designers, landscape architects, security consultants etc should each get 1-2 copies.

For the Construction Team

– General Contractor – They will need at least 2-3 copies: 1 for the office, 1 for the construction trailer, and extras for project managers. 

– Subcontractors – Major subcontractors like the framing, plumbing, electrical contractors should get their own set of prints.

– Foremen – The foremen/lead men for each crew should have quick access to blueprints on site so they can reference as needed. Have a copy at each major work area.

For Inspectors and Officials 

– Building Department – Call ahead and ask how many copies they require you to submit for approval. This can range from 1-3 sets.

– Inspectors – If inspectors will need blueprints on-site during visits, have individual copies ready for them. Most will bring their approved set, but having extras can speed up the process.

– Fire Department – Check if they need any copies for fire safety reviews.

For Your Own Records

– Onsite – You and any clerks/assistants should have 1-2 copies in the construction trailer.

– Offsite – Keep 1-2 copies in your personal records in case you need to reference while away from the site.

– Master file – Retain a high quality master copy as your archival record. This copy should be protected from marking/damage.

Ordering Blueprints from a Printing Service

Once you’ve established your copy needs, order official prints from a professional blueprint printing company. They can print on the large 24″ x 36″ sheets typically used for architectural blueprints. Here are some tips for ordering:

– Check lead time – Order prints well in advance, up to 2 weeks for major projects. Make your copies a priority early in the process.

– Provide digital files – The printer will need your blueprints in DWG, PDF, or other accepted format. Make sure you have clean versions ready to submit.

– Confirm paper and ink – Ask for high quality bond paper and inks that resist fading. Archival quality is ideal for your master file.

– Request mounting – Mounted bond sheets are sturdier for frequent handling. Request mounting for key copies.

– Organize sheet orders – Provide a sheet index and make sure multiple copy sets are collated properly.

– Proof carefully – Check proofs thoroughly before final printing for accuracy. Blueprints are expensive to redo.

Order an extra 10-20% more copies than you think you’ll need. Having some spares ensures no one is left without a copy.

Making Additional Copies Yourself

For any additional copies needed beyond the initial printing order, make photocopies yourself. This can be done at your local print shop or using large format blueprint copy machines. Make sure to request:

– Bond paper – Regular paper tears too easily. Use sturdy bond sheets.

– Accurate scaling – Ensure the copier does not scale down prints. Check dimensions.

– Full sheet copies – Copy full sheets rather than tiling small segments together.

– Clean image quality – Some detail can be lost in copying. Request darker/sharper print settings.

– Collate sets – Have print shop collate and organize multiple sets.

– Mounting – Get mounting for frequently used copies to prevent tears.

While copying blueprints is more affordable, image quality degrades each generation away from the originals. Use copies judiciously for subordinate purposes.

Storing and Organizing Blueprints

Once printed, blueprints need proper storage and organization:  

– Sheet organization – Maintain a sheet index and number sheets. Keep sets collated.

– Protective tubes – Store rolled sets in protective blueprint tubes to prevent crushing/bending.

– Flat file cabinets – For working sets, use wide and shallow flat files designed for blueprints.

– Clipboard sets – For inspector convenience, keep sets clipped on a board and ready for transport.

– Wall racks – Post sets in racks on job site trailer walls for easy access.

– Moisture protection – Keep copies dry. Wet blueprints stain and degrade.

– Limited handling – Touch prints as little as possible and don’t allow writing/marks.

Proper storage and minimal handling keeps copies crisp and clean over the construction process.

Digital Blueprints as an Alternative 

Physical blueprints were once the only option available. But digital blueprints are now gaining popularity as an alternative:

– Electronic file formats – Blueprints are stored as PDFs, CAD files, BIM models or other digital assets.

– Tablet access – Files can be accessed on tablets, laptops and other devices onsite.

– Easy distribution – Digital copies can be quickly shared via email or cloud access.

– Markups – Digital files allow digital redlining and collaboration on changes.

– Cost savings – No printing/delivery costs. Updated versions are free to distribute.

– Environmental benefits – Far less paper waste compared to physical prints.

– Security risks – Digital files raise concerns about unauthorized copying and alterations. 

Both options have pros and cons. Consult with your team before committing fully to digital. Physical backups are still recommended.

Tips for Planning Ahead with Blueprints

To ensure blueprint plans run smoothly:

– Audit who needs prints and how they’ll use them. More sets often help rather than hurt.

– Build in extra time for complex printing orders. Rushing adds risk of errors.

– Store master copies securely to prevent damage. These can be reprinted if necessary.  

– Keep copies organized and indexed for easy lookup. Proper organization saves vast time.

– Have a scanning/copying contingency plan in case more prints are needed mid-project.

– Brief team members on blueprint care and proper storage. Preserve print quality.

– Consider supplementing with digital copies for certain stakeholders if appropriate.

– Budget for extra copies, storage materials, and any scanning services needed.

Planning ahead for blueprints takes work but pays off hugely in maintaining smooth workflows across the building process.

Conclusion

Blueprints are a cornerstone of construction projects, providing vital direction to all involved. To leverage their benefits fully, an adequate number of copies must be prepared and well managed. This prevents the serious delays and confusion that arise when blueprint information can’t be accessed. By auditing copy needs across your design team, construction crew, inspectors, and other partners, you can determine the appropriate number of original prints and photocopies required. Store and organize these meticulously to enable fast look-up and crisp legibility. With ample blueprint copies at the ready, you’ll keep stakeholders informed, aligned, and equipped to bring your vision to life on schedule.