Customized to your project
Start with your measurements, sketch, survey, photos, or a plan you like. HomeCat adapts the size, layout, materials, doors, windows, and construction details to your project.
Instant building permit drawings for residential projects
Get permit-ready drawings and residential plans for permits in minutes. HomeCat coordinates your property information, measurements, sketches, and project requirements while checking local zoning automatically.
A better way to get permit-ready drawings
Start with a design you can understand and change, then carry one coordinated model into the permit and construction drawings.
Designed for your property
The building and site plan are coordinated with the available space, existing structures, access, grade, and setbacks on your property.
Zoning checked automatically
HomeCat checks the property rules that can affect size, height, placement, lot coverage, and permitted use before the drawing package is finalized.
Permit-ready drawing package
Get the applicable site plan, floor or framing plans, elevations, sections, foundation details, roof information, and construction notes.
See it before you build
Review the project in 3D while you refine the layout, openings, roof, materials, and details before committing to construction.
Expert review and coordinated revisions
Consultation is included. HomeCat coordinates permit comments and can arrange architectural or engineering support when the project requires it.
What your drawing package can include
The exact sheets depend on your project and local building department. HomeCat prepares the information that applies instead of filling the set with generic pages.
Packages are available for custom homes, additions, interior renovations, sheds, backyard offices, garages, workshops, decks, porches, garden suites, and other residential projects.
If your project only needs the property-location drawing, see our site plans for building permits.
Site plan
Property lines, existing structures, proposed work, setbacks, access, and grade.
Floor plans
Measured layouts, openings, dimensions, room use, and references to related drawings.
Exterior elevations
Every relevant side of the project with heights, materials, openings, and grade.
Wall framing
Studs, plates, headers, openings, dimensions, and structural framing notes.
Roof framing
Rafters, ridges, framing direction, member spacing, dimensions, and related details.
Construction details and notes
Project-specific assemblies, materials, connections, code information, and notes.
From project idea to permit drawing package
- 1
Add the property and project scope
Enter the address, project type, existing conditions, approximate size, budget, and the features you want to build.
- 2
Develop and review the design
HomeCat checks zoning and coordinates the site, layout, elevations, structure, and construction information in one model.
- 3
Prepare the permit drawing package
Export the applicable drawings and coordinate any required architectural, engineering, or other professional input.
- 4
Revise the drawing package
Permit, contractor, architect, or engineer comments can be incorporated into the drawings so the package reflects the required changes.
Building permit drawing FAQ
Does HomeCat check my property's zoning requirements?
Yes. HomeCat automatically checks the property's zoning requirements and uses them to guide the project. It also flags permit or professional-review items that still need attention.
What drawings are usually needed for a residential building permit?
The package often includes existing and proposed site information, floor or framing plans, exterior elevations, building sections, and project-specific structural or construction details. The exact list depends on the project and the local building department.
Can HomeCat prepare custom home building permit drawings?
HomeCat can coordinate the property information, design, floor plans, elevations, sections, construction details, and revisions for a custom home package while identifying the architectural, engineering, survey, energy, or other professional input required locally.
Are permit drawings the same as construction drawings or renderings?
No. A rendering primarily communicates appearance. Permit drawings communicate measurable information for regulatory review, while construction drawings may add more fabrication, coordination, and installation detail. A coordinated package can support both review and construction where the scope allows.
Do I need a property survey before starting?
Projects that change the site, building footprint, or setbacks often need reliable property-boundary information. An existing survey or municipal record may be enough to begin, but HomeCat flags when a new legal survey or field verification is still required.
Can HomeCat update the drawings after permit comments?
Yes. Reviewer comments can be incorporated into the coordinated plans so the site plan, plan views, elevations, and construction details stay aligned for resubmission.
Will my drawings need an architect or engineer stamp?
That depends on the project type, size, structural scope, and jurisdiction. HomeCat identifies professional-review items and can coordinate licensed architectural or engineering input where it is required and available.
