When Architects Omit Plan Dimensions: A Risk to Everyone Involved

This past week, I was knee-deep in researching several roofing projects for customers. I was tasked with researching potential projects and provide the basic four "W's" (who, what, when and where), a general description, rough square footage and the project status so they could determine if the projects were worth pursuing. Easy enough....until I opened the architectural drawings.

The problem? There were no plan view dimensions. Not a single overall measurement. I thought I might at least pull center-line dimensions from lower floor plans. Again, nothing.

To make matters worse, there was a scale noted (1/8” = 10’-0”), but it was accompanied by the disclaimer: “DO NOT SCALE DRAWINGS.”

This left me with two big questions:

1. Are architects just getting lazy, or are they trying to cover themselves?

2. How is a contractor or subcontractor supposed to bid a project when basic dimensional information isn’t provided?

Why Scaling Drawings Is Risky

The “Do Not Scale Drawings” note exists for a good reason. Scaling—measuring distances off a printed or digital drawing—is notorious for introducing errors.

Common reasons scaling can produce inaccurate data include:

• Printing Variations: Drawings reproduced or printed can be reduced, enlarged, or distorted, making scale measurements unreliable.

• Line Thickness Issues: Thick or inconsistent lines can add or subtract small amounts in measurement that become major discrepancies at full scale.

• Outdated Graphics: Drawings may not visually match the latest revision, meaning the graphic doesn’t match the intended dimension.

• Digital Scaling Problems: Viewing settings, screen ratios, and PDF conversions can distort the apparent size of drawings.

Because of these risks, industry standards emphasize written numeric dimensions as the only valid source of measurements. When those aren’t there, professionals are supposed to request the missing information from the designer instead of guessing. But what happens when time is tight, bids are due, and the architect won’t provide them?

The Contractor Perspective

While researching for this post, I spoke with several contractors. Here’s what they had to say about dealing with non-dimensioned drawings:

Bidding Needs Basic Data: Contractors prefer having general dimensions, such as column center lines, to prepare accurate bids. If awarded the project, they fully expect to verify dimensions in the field. There are basic "BEST PRACTICES" that contractors use.

• Field Verification Is Standard: Contractors take their own site measurements to confirm real-world conditions.

• Use of Reference Points: Fixed structural features (columns, grid lines, benchmarks) become the starting points for layouts and measurements.

• Close Coordination: Contractors proactively contact architects or engineers for clarification rather than assume.

• As-Built Documentation: Detailed, corrected drawings are prepared to reflect actual installed conditions for future reference.

• Avoid Guesswork: Contractors use supplementary documents—specs, schedules, detail sheets—before making any assumptions.

All the contractors I spoke to agreed that missing plan view dimensions slow projects down, increase RFIs, and can lead to costly mistakes.

The Risks Architects Face

When architects consistently omit basic dimensions, there can be serious consequences:

Legal Liability

• Failure to provide essential measurements can be considered a breach of the professional standard of care.

• If omission leads to construction errors or injuries, architects can be held liable.

• Delays, rework, or cost overruns resulting from missing information can trigger damage claims, hurt reputations, and affect insurability.

Construction & Coordination Risks

• Contractors and estimators are forced to make assumptions, increasing the chance of errors.

• Missing data triggers excessive RFIs, slowing down workflow.

• Scaling creates inaccuracies due to distortions and mismatches between graphics and actual design intent.

Communication & Reputation Damage

• Frequent omissions signal disorganization or lack of professionalism.

• Trust between contractors, clients, and architects erodes if responsibility is shifted “downhill” to builders.

The Simple Fix

Often, the solution is as simple as incorporating a “V.I.F.” (Verify In Field) notation alongside essential but potentially variable dimensions. This approach gives contractors the starting information they need for estimating, while reminding them to confirm measurements on site.

Clear and explicit plan view dimensions are CRITICAL! They protect everyone involved, from the architect and the contractor to the building owner. Basic dimensions ensure that the design is realized accurately, safely, and efficiently. Omitting them isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a serious professional risk that can spiral into legal, financial, and reputational damage.

An architect’s best defense is thorough, precise documentation. Anything less increases the risk of confusion, delays, costly mistakes and sends the wrong message about diligence and care.