Engineered Drawings for Steel Buildings:
- Building Specialist
- Dec 18
- 2 min read
Generic vs. Site-Specific (What You Really Need to Know)
Generic vs. Site-Specific (What You Really Need to Know)
When planning a steel building, one of the most important — and most misunderstood — parts of the process is engineered drawings. These drawings are required for permitting, inspections, and code compliance, and the type you need depends on how and where your building will be installed.
At The NC Builders, we want our clients to understand the difference between generic engineered drawings and site-specific engineered drawings, why drawings are no longer free across the industry, and how to know which option your project requires.
What Are Engineered Drawings for Steel Buildings?
Engineered drawings are professionally reviewed and stamped plans that show how a steel building is designed to perform under specific loads and conditions.
They typically include:
Structural framing layouts
Connection details
Load calculations
Anchoring and foundation notes
Code compliance information
Most municipalities require engineered drawings before issuing a building permit.
Generic (Modified Generic) Engineered Drawings
Generic engineered drawings, often called modified generic drawings, are pre-engineered plans that apply to a range of steel building sizes and configurations.
These drawings are commonly used for:
Garages
Workshops
Storage buildings
Agricultural or utility structures
Why Generic Drawings Are No Longer Free
The steel building industry has largely moved away from “free” drawings.
Even generic plans must be:
Reviewed by an engineer
Modified to match your building size and layout
Stamped for code compliance
Because of this, most manufacturers now charge between $50 and $300 for modified generic engineered drawings.
At The NC Builders, engineered drawings are provided only after a client places their dealer service payment. This ensures engineering resources are allocated to active projects and that drawings are accurate, compliant, and not rushed.
Site-Specific Engineered Drawings
Site-specific engineered drawings are custom-designed for one exact location. These plans account for:
Wind speed requirements
Snow loads
Seismic considerations
Exposure category
Local building codes
Site-specific drawings are required for:
Livable or conditioned structures
High wind load areas, including Florida
Buildings in stricter code jurisdictions
They involve additional engineering time and review, which is why they cost more than modified generic drawings.
Why Some Areas Require Site-Specific Drawings for Standard Buildings
Many clients are surprised to learn that some municipalities require site-specific engineered drawings even for garages or workshops.
This depends on:
Local code enforcement policies
Regional wind or snow load requirements
Updated state or county building standards
Assuming generic drawings will be accepted can lead to:
Permit delays
Additional engineering fees
Project setbacks
How to Know Which Engineered Drawings You Need
Before ordering your steel building:
Contact your local building department to confirm drawing requirements
Talk with your building specialist at The NC Builders to match those requirements correctly
Choosing the right engineered drawings from the beginning saves time, money, and frustration.
Our Approach at The NC Builders
We believe in doing things the right way — not the rushed way.
By requiring a dealer service payment before issuing engineered drawings, we ensure:
Proper engineering review
Code-compliant plans
A smoother permitting and construction process
Whether your project requires modified generic drawings or site-specific engineered plans, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.