Walk onto almost any renovation or build and you will find a set of drawings pinned to a wall, marked up with pen, coffee rings and sticky notes. Paper does not run out of battery, it is easy to compare side by side and everyone can mark it. A little planning around how and when you print makes it more useful.
The printed plan set
A plan set is the group of sheets that guides the work. For a typical residential or small commercial project this might include a site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, details and schedules.
- Working set: Full-size sheets for the crew, usually on durable bond paper that can take rough handling.
- Review set: Reduced copies, such as half size, for meetings, clients and quick reference. See our drawing sizes guide for how reduced sets relate to full size.
- Reference copies: Extra copies of key sheets for trades who only need a few pages, such as electrical or plumbing.
Our blueprint printing and engineering prints services cover these sheets in a range of large sizes. Ask us about paper options for your project.
Site copies and revisions
Drawings change. A beam moves, a window shifts or a client changes a finish, and suddenly half the crew is working from an old sheet. A few habits prevent costly mistakes:
- Put a revision number and date in every title block.
- When a sheet changes, print and distribute the new copy right away and collect the old one.
- Keep one master set in the office so you can see what the latest version is.
- Mark superseded sheets clearly rather than leaving them in circulation.
Printing only the changed sheets saves time and keeps the set current without reprinting everything.
Preparing files that print right the first time
Most problems at the plotter come from export settings, not the drawing itself. Export to PDF at the true sheet size, print at 100 percent and include a scale bar. Our guide to printing CAD drawings walks through each step. A clean file saves everyone time, and it makes it simpler to get an accurate quote.
Signs, decals and cards for the business side
Printing helps outside the drawing set too.
- Job-site signs: A sign on a fence or lawn tells neighbours who is working on the property. Coroplast yard signs are a common choice, and vinyl banners can hang on hoarding or fencing.
- Vehicle decals: A logo and phone number on a truck door or van, or magnets that can be moved between vehicles, so work vehicles advertise for you around Oakville, Mississauga and Burlington.
- Business cards: Handy for hand-offs on site, with a name, trade and direct contact line.
- Brochures and project sheets: A one-page summary of past projects can win a quote request.
Any sign that goes up on public or private property may be subject to local rules, so check with your municipality or property manager before you post one. We cannot advise on specific requirements.
Scanning old drawings
Older buildings often come with paper drawings that are faded, folded or missing pages. Scanning them gives you a digital copy to measure from, mark up and reprint. Our large-format scanning service handles big sheets, and our article on why scan large-format drawings covers file formats and handling. A scanned set also gives an architect or designer a clean base to work from.
Practical workflow tips
- Decide the sheet size once and stay with it for the whole set
- Name files with sheet number, title and revision, for example S-201-Sections-R3.pdf
- Send updates as soon as they are issued rather than waiting for a batch
- Tell us up front how many full-size and reduced copies you need
- Ask for timing when you request a quote, especially when a start date or a meeting is fixed
Working with PrintEh
We are based in Oakville and print for builders, renovators, designers and offices across the GTA. Orders can be shipped across Canada and the USA, and there is an express delivery option for GTA customers. Send a list of the sheets, sizes and quantities through our quote form, or have a look at our blueprint printing cost guide to understand what affects the quote.
Can I order just one revised sheet?
Yes. Send the revised page with its sheet size and quantity, and we will quote it.
Do you print both full-size and half-size sets?
Yes. Tell us which sheets you need at each size, and we will include both in the quote.