Planunterlagen

Planunterlagen are the planning documents that accompany a construction or planning project and communicate the design and execution details to contractors, authorities, and other stakeholders. They form the basis for tenders, approvals, and the subsequent implementation, and serve as a reference throughout the project lifecycle. The quality and clarity of planunterlagen influence planning certainty, pricing, and contract performance.

Typical contents of planunterlagen include architectural drawings (Grundrisse, Schnitte, Ansichten), site plans (Lageplan), structural and civil engineering plans, mechanical, electrical and plumbing drawings, and installation details. They are usually complemented by a technical description of the scope of work (Leistungsbeschreibung or bill of quantities), quantity calculations, and a cost estimate. Construction timelines (Baubeginn, Bauzeitplan), references to applicable standards, and regulatory approvals or environmental/safety notes may also be part of planunterlagen. In many projects, digital planunterlagen are prepared in CAD or BIM-based formats and can be exchanged as PDFs or machine-readable files.

Use and purpose: planunterlagen communicate the project intent to bidders, enable the preparation of price offers, and define contractual obligations. They guide the execution phase by providing binding information on materials, methods, tolerances, and interfaces between disciplines. During revisions, changes to the planunterlagen must be coordinated to avoid ambiguities and disputes.

Context: in German-speaking countries, planunterlagen are closely tied to procurement and construction processes, often aligning with tendering regulations (Vergabe) and planning service standards. They reflect interdisciplinary coordination and may evolve from preliminary concepts to final execution drawings, incorporating regulatory and site-specific requirements.