Component drawing
A component is a constituent part of a building (or other built asset) which is manufactured as an independent unit, subsystem or subassembly, that can be joined or blended with other elements to form a more complex item. Generally, components are ‘self-contained’ and sourced from a single supplier, typically the complete unit provided by that supplier rather than its constituent parts.
A combination of components may be described as an ‘assembly’.
Where a component is a bespoke item, it may be necessary to prepare a component drawing. Where a component is an off-the-shelf-product or a commonly-used element, a component drawing may already exist that can be re-used.
Component drawings might describe units such as; beams, windows, doors, sills, coping stones, and so on.
Component drawings provide detailed information about the individual units. They may be drawn at large scales such as; 1:10, 1:5, 1:2, 1:1, and so on. They may include information such as component dimensions, construction, tolerances, and so on. They may include references to the relevant parts of the specification providing information about materials and the minimum acceptable quality.
It is important that component drawings do not duplicate information included in separate specifications as this can become contradictory and may cause confusion.
Component drawing numbers may be prefixed by the letter C.
Component range drawings describe a range of components of a similar type. Where a range of components comprise a number of standard constructions, sub-component drawings may be prepared.
Assembly drawings represent items that consist of more than one component, showing how the components fit together.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- As-built drawings and record drawings
- Assembly drawing.
- CAD layer.
- Concept drawing.
- Design drawings.
- Detail drawing.
- Electrical drawing.
- Elevations.
- Engineering drawing.
- Exploded view.
- General arrangement drawing.
- Geometric form.
- Installation drawing.
- Orthogonal plan.
- Plumbing drawing.
- Projections.
- Scale drawing.
- Shop drawing.
- Section drawing.
- Technical drawing.
- Types of drawing.
- Working drawing.
Featured articles and news
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
























