Structural Drafting
Framing plans, foundation drawings, and shear wall layouts drafted for your permit set and coordinated with a licensed engineer when required.
Residential projects often reach a structural question: what size beam is needed, how loads reach the foundation, or whether a shear wall is required. Complete Drafting Services LLC prepares structural sheets for permit sets and coordinates licensed engineering when calculations or stamped drawings are needed.
We are a drafting company, not a structural engineering firm. We draw the framing, foundation, and structural details; licensed engineers provide the calculations, design decisions, and stamps reserved for their profession.
Projects That Commonly Need Structural Drafting
Structural documents are usually one coordinated part of a larger residential permit set.
Framing plans, beam and header schedules, and connections for alterations involving load-bearing walls.
Wall Removal & Remodels
Additions & Second Stories
Structural drawings that show how new loads connect to and are supported by the existing home.
ADUs & Garage Conversions
Foundation and framing documentation for new units and structural opening changes.
New Homes & Repairs
Coordinated framing, foundation, and lateral-system sheets for ground-up homes and damage reconstruction.
What Our Structural Drawings Include
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Floor, wall, and roof framing plans showing member sizes, spacing, and connections.
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Foundation plans with footing, slab, and framing connection details.
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Beam and header schedules for new or altered openings.
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Shear wall and lateral bracing layouts where required.
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Structural details and sections showing how members connect and carry loads.
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Licensed engineer calculations and stamped design incorporated when engineering is required.
Structural Drafting vs. Structural Engineering
Drafting communicates a structural design through plans, schedules, and details that contractors and reviewers can read. Engineering establishes the design through calculations, member sizing, and load-path verification.
When licensed engineering is needed, that separately ordered work informs our final drawing set so both parts remain clear and consistent.
How Engineer Coordination Works
We share drafts with the engineer, incorporate their calculations, beam sizes, connections, and design changes, then align the permit and structural sheets before submission.
If you already have an engineer, we can work directly with them. Early coordination catches mismatches before they become plan-review corrections.
Accurate Existing Conditions
Structural plans depend on real framing, wall locations, and foundation conditions. For existing homes, we visit and scan the property so our drawings begin with reliable measurements for engineering and permit review.
Our Process, From Site Visit to Permit-Ready Plans
1
Consultation
We review the project scope and identify whether licensed engineering is likely to be required.
2
Site visit and scan
We measure and capture the existing structure with Matterport 3D technology.
3
Structural drafting
We prepare the framing, foundation, schedule, and detail drawings needed for the project.
4
Engineering coordination
When required, we coordinate with a licensed engineer and incorporate their calculations and
design.
5
Permit support
Optional submission and plan-review correction assistance is available as a separate service.
6
Contractor handoff
Completed drawings are delivered for your licensed contractor to build from.
Why Sacramento Clients Choose Complete Drafting Services
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Structural sheets that remain consistent with the rest of the permit set.
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Direct coordination that reduces extra back-and-forth with the engineer.
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Accurate site measurements that reduce construction conflicts.
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Experience preparing structural drawings for Sacramento-area plan review.
Frequently Asked Question
How is structural engineering handled? We prepare the drafting documents and coordinate with a licensed engineer when calculations, design, or stamped drawings are required. Engineering is a separate service.
How do I know if my project needs an engineer? Load-bearing wall removal, second stories, and most new construction commonly require one. We can assess the likely need after reviewing your scope.
Can you work with an engineer I already hired? Yes. We regularly coordinate with a client's engineer to keep every drawing aligned.
Is structural drafting included with additions or ADU design? When the project needs it, structural drafting can be included in the same project scope. Licensed engineering is added separately when required.
What is the difference between a framing plan and a beam schedule? A framing plan maps structural members across a floor or roof. A beam schedule lists the specific sizes and specifications for individual beams and headers.
Will engineering add time to the permit plans? It can. We identify the need early so calculations and coordination begin before the drawings are finalized.