FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about drawings, CAD, engineering services and structural engineering services
Here we have compiled frequently asked questions about CC Metall AB’s services within building permit drawings, architectural drawings, structural drawings, structural calculations, engineering services, technical CAD drawings, manufacturing drawings and heritage projects.
CC Metall AB is based in Gränna and works digitally with private clients, companies and projects throughout Europe.
Author: Christoffer Eskilsson, CC Metall AB
Last updated: 20 June 2026
About CC Metall AB and our services
What can CC Metall AB help with?
CC Metall AB helps private clients, housing associations, property owners, property companies, construction companies, architects, structural engineers, workshops, joineries and other clients with drawings and technical documentation.
Our services include:
- building permit drawings
- architectural drawings and design proposals
- floor plans
- structural drawings
- structural calculations
- dimensioning of load-bearing building elements
- engineering services
- technical CAD drawings
- manufacturing drawings
- detail drawings
- installation documentation
- DXF, DWG and STEP files
- drawings for stairs, railings and gates
- heritage projects
- documentation and recreation of older details
The drawings and calculations can be used for building permits, commencement approval, technical consultations, decision-making, quotation requests, design development, construction, manufacturing and installation.
The quotation always states which documents, calculations and checks are included in the individual assignment.
Do you work with both private clients and companies?
Yes. CC Metall AB assists both private clients and professional clients.
We work with:
- private clients
- housing associations
- property owners and property companies
- construction companies
- architects
- structural engineers
- contractors
- metalwork companies
- welding and workshop companies
- joineries and timber product manufacturers
- industrial companies
- companies within custom manufacturing
The scope and delivery of the assignment are adapted to who will use the documents and what the next stage of the project will be.
Do you work outside Sweden?
Yes. CC Metall AB works digitally with clients and projects throughout Europe.
For building permit, structural and authority-related projects, regulations, standards, loads and documentation requirements vary between countries, regions and municipalities.
Drawings and calculations must therefore be adapted to the project’s geographical location and the applicable requirements.
In some projects, a locally authorised architect, structural engineer or other qualified specialist may need to review, supplement or sign the documents.
Can the entire assignment be completed digitally?
Yes. Many assignments can be completed entirely digitally.
The client sends photographs, measurements, hand sketches, existing drawings and other project information. Drawings, calculations and other documents are then prepared and delivered digitally.
If the documentation is incomplete or the project is complex, verification measurements, a site visit or investigation of concealed building elements may be required.
Documentation, measurements and quotations
What documentation do you need from the client?
The documentation required depends on the service you order. For an initial assessment, we normally need:
- a brief description of the project
- photographs
- a hand sketch or existing drawing
- principal dimensions
- the address or property designation for construction projects
- information about materials and the desired execution
- information about what the drawings will be used for
- requirements or requests for additional information from the municipality, client or contractor
- the required file format
- the requested delivery date
For structural assignments, we also often need information about:
- which elements are or may be load-bearing
- the age and construction of the building
- existing beams, columns, walls and floor structures
- spans and opening dimensions
- materials and known dimensions
- use and expected loads
- existing structural drawings
- foundations or geotechnical information where relevant
It is not a problem if all information is not available from the beginning. After an initial review, we can explain what needs to be supplemented.
What should I do if I do not know how to measure?
If you are unsure how to measure, photograph or describe the project, you can contact us at:
christoffer@ccmetall.com
We can provide instructions on:
- which measurements are needed
- where the measurements should be taken
- which photographs should be sent
- how to make a simple hand sketch
- which existing drawings or documents may be useful
- which elements may need to be investigated when the construction is concealed
You do not need professional drawing documentation to make an initial enquiry.
Do my measurements need to be completely exact?
The measurements should be as clear and accurate as possible.
For an initial price estimate, approximate measurements may sometimes be sufficient. Before a final drawing or structural calculation is used for construction, manufacturing or installation, the relevant dimensions and conditions must be verified.
The accuracy of the drawings and calculations depends on the information and dimensions supplied to CC Metall AB being correct.
For complex projects, verification measurements or a professional survey may be required.
Can I send photographs from my mobile phone?
Yes. Mobile phone photographs often work well as part of the documentation.
Please include:
- overview photographs
- photographs from several angles
- close-ups of important details
- photographs of connections and fixings
- photographs showing measurements or scale
- photographs of all affected façades for construction projects
- photographs of floor structures, walls, beams and supports for structural projects
If the photographs do not show enough detail, we will let you know what additional information is required.
Do you need to make a site visit?
A site visit is often not required.
Many assignments can be completed using photographs, dimensions, existing drawings and digital coordination meetings.
For more complex projects, a site visit, verification measurements, a survey or investigation of existing structures may be required. This is quoted separately where practically possible.
How do I obtain a quotation?
Send a brief description of the project together with photographs, dimensions, sketches and existing drawings to:
christoffer@ccmetall.com
After reviewing the material, we normally provide:
- an assessment of the scope of the assignment
- the proposed drawings or calculations
- the files and documents to be delivered
- who is responsible for any dimensioning and checking
- a price or estimated time requirement
- the number of included revisions
- the estimated delivery time
- any limitations and conditions
Work begins after the scope and price of the assignment have been approved.
Work process and delivery
How does an assignment proceed?
A typical assignment is carried out in the following stages:
1. The client sends a description and the available documentation.
2. CC Metall AB reviews the material.
3. Any questions and missing information are identified.
4. The client receives a price estimate or quotation.
5. The assignment begins after approval.
6. Drawings, calculations or an initial proposal are prepared.
7. The client and any other responsible parties review the material.
8. The agreed adjustments are made.
9. The final documents are delivered digitally.
For structural assignments, the work process may also include load assessment, dimensioning, checking and coordination with the architect, contractor or other consultants.
How long is the delivery time?
The delivery time depends on:
- the scope of the assignment
- how complete the documentation is
- the number of drawings
- the number of building elements to be calculated
- the required level of detail
- the number of revisions
- the need for external consultants
- the need for site visits or additional investigations
- the current workload
The estimated delivery time is stated in the quotation after the project has been reviewed.
Are revisions included?
The number of included revisions is stated in the quotation.
Many fixed-price assignments include one consolidated revision within the originally agreed scope.
New design proposals, changes to the project size, revised loads, new requests or other major changes may be treated as additional work.
What counts as a revision?
A revision normally means that the client reviews the documentation and provides one consolidated list of adjustments.
A revision does not automatically include:
- a completely new proposal
- a change to the size of the building
- a new floor plan after the proposal has been approved
- a change to the structural solution
- revised loads or conditions of use
- new products or details
- new requirements that did not exist when the assignment was ordered
- new structural calculations for a changed solution
Such changes are assessed and priced separately.
What is delivered to the client?
Drawings are normally delivered digitally as PDF files.
Depending on the assignment, the delivery may also include:
- structural calculations
- strength calculations
- load take-down calculations
- structural drawings
- structural documentation
- technical descriptions
- DWG files
- DXF files
- STEP files
- assembly drawings
- detail drawings
- exploded views
- installation documentation
- material lists
- bills of materials
- cutting lists
The quotation states which files, drawings, calculations and other documents are included.
Are editable CAD files included?
Editable CAD files are included only when stated in the quotation.
PDF is a common standard format for review, building permits, structural documentation, quotations and printing. DWG, DXF, STEP and other production formats can be supplied when required and included in the assignment.
Who is responsible for checking the documents?
The client is normally responsible for checking that requirements, dimensions and project information have been correctly represented before approving the documents.
For manufacturing projects, the manufacturer must also check that:
- dimensions and tolerances are suitable
- materials are available
- the file format works with the relevant machine
- the product can be manufactured using the planned method
- the documentation corresponds to the actual site conditions
For structural projects, the responsible structural engineer and the scope of their responsibility are stated in the quotation or on the documents where relevant.
Concealed or unknown existing conditions may need to be verified before construction work begins.
Building permit drawings
Can you prepare building permit drawings remotely?
Yes. Many building permit drawings can be prepared remotely.
The client sends measurements, photographs, sketches, existing drawings and information about the project. Based on this material, we prepare the drawings specified in the quotation.
A site visit may be required if the documentation is insufficient or the building is complex.
Which drawings may be required for a building permit?
Building permit documentation may include:
- site plan
- floor plan
- elevation drawings
- section drawing
- roof plan
- site grading plan
- detail drawings
The required documents are determined by the scope of the project and the requirements of the relevant municipality or authority.
Do I need to know what the municipality requires?
No. If the municipality has already issued a request for additional information, you can forward it to us.
We review the information and assess which drawings or changes are included in the assignment.
The municipality may also request additional documents after its review.
Who submits the building permit application?
The client normally submits the building permit application and drawings to the municipality unless otherwise agreed.
CC Metall AB supplies the drawings and documents specified in the quotation.
Can CC Metall AB guarantee that the building permit will be approved?
No. The responsible municipality or authority reviews the application and makes the decision.
CC Metall AB is responsible for preparing the drawings and documents that have been agreed, but cannot guarantee the authority’s decision.
Can you help if the municipality requests additional information?
Yes. We can assist with additions and adjustments to the drawings.
If the requested addition falls within the originally agreed scope, it may sometimes be covered by an included revision. New drawings, a changed scope or new authority requirements may be charged separately.
Are structural drawings included in the building permit drawings?
Not automatically.
Building permit drawings and structural drawings serve different purposes. Building permit drawings mainly show the building’s location, appearance and use. Structural drawings show how load-bearing elements are to be dimensioned and constructed.
If both types of documentation are required, this is stated in the quotation.
Architectural drawings
What is the difference between architectural drawings and building permit drawings?
Architectural drawings are used to develop the project’s form, function, floor plan and visual expression.
Building permit drawings are used as supporting documentation for the municipality’s or authority’s review.
An early design proposal is therefore not automatically a complete building permit submission. The quotation states whether the assignment includes design proposals, architectural drawings, building permit drawings or several of these elements.
Can you prepare several different floor plan alternatives?
Yes. We can prepare alternative floor plans and design proposals.
The number of alternatives and revision rounds is agreed before work begins and is stated in the quotation.
Can you work with houses, apartments and commercial premises?
Yes. We assist with architectural drawings and floor plans for:
- houses
- holiday homes
- apartments
- extensions
- renovations
- offices
- commercial premises
- industrial premises
- multi-family residential buildings
- entrances and façade alterations
Structural engineers, structural drawings and calculations
What does a structural engineer do?
A structural engineer assesses and dimensions the load-bearing parts of a building or structure.
The work may include:
- loads and load combinations
- beams and columns
- load-bearing walls
- floor structures
- roofs and roof trusses
- foundations
- stability
- fixings and connections
- material dimensions
- deflections and deformation
The results may be presented in structural calculations, structural drawings and other technical documentation.
When do I need a structural engineer?
A structural engineer may be required when a measure affects load-bearing elements or when a new structure must be dimensioned.
Common examples include:
- an opening in a load-bearing wall
- removal of a wall or column
- installation of a supporting beam
- an extension
- an additional storey or roof lift
- a new floor
- a new or altered floor structure
- a balcony
- a staircase
- a railing with specific load requirements
- a garage or carport
- a steel frame
- reinforcement of an existing structure
- heavy equipment or new loads on a building
The municipality, building control officer, architect or contractor may also request structural documentation.
Do you prepare structural drawings?
Yes. CC Metall AB can assist with structural drawings, structural calculations and documentation for dimensioning.
This may include:
- foundation plans
- structural framing plans
- floor structure plans
- beam and column plans
- roof structures
- steel drawings
- timber structural drawings
- reinforcement drawings where included
- sections
- fixing details
- strengthening details
- beams, columns and supports
The calculations, drawings and checks included are always stated in the quotation.
Do you carry out structural calculations?
Yes. Structural calculations may be included in a structural engineering assignment.
Depending on the project, the calculations may include:
- self-weight
- imposed loads
- snow loads
- wind loads
- point and line loads
- bending and shear
- compression and tension
- buckling
- stability
- deformation
- support reactions
- fixings and connections
If calculations are performed or checked by an external structural engineer, this is stated in the quotation.
Can you dimension a beam for an opening in a load-bearing wall?
Yes. An assignment may include the dimensioning of a beam, columns, supports and fixings for an opening in a load-bearing wall.
To carry out the calculation, we normally need information about:
- the width of the opening
- the wall material
- the building’s floor plan
- the direction of the floor structure or roof
- the loads above the opening
- the existing supports
- how the loads can be transferred down to the foundation
Concealed structures may need to be investigated before the final solution is established.
How do I know whether a wall is load-bearing?
An initial assessment can sometimes be made using existing drawings, the building’s construction and the direction of the floor joists or roof trusses.
A reliable assessment may require the structure to be inspected on site or parts of the wall, floor or ceiling to be opened.
A wall should not be removed until its load-bearing or stabilising function has been investigated.
Can you help with structural drawings for an extension?
Yes. Structural documentation for an extension may include:
- foundations
- load-bearing walls
- beams and columns
- floor structures
- roof
- stabilisation
- connections between new and existing construction
- fixing details
The conditions of the existing building may need to be checked before the new structure is dimensioned.
Can you help with a roof lift or a new upper floor?
Yes. A roof lift or new upper floor often increases the loads on the existing building.
It may therefore be necessary to check:
- foundations
- load-bearing walls
- floor structures
- beams and columns
- stabilisation
- roof structure
- connections between existing and new elements
It is normally not sufficient to dimension only the new roof. The entire load path down to the foundations may need to be assessed.
Do you prepare structural drawings for steel, timber and concrete?
Yes. Depending on the scope of the project and the available expertise, documentation may be prepared for structures in:
- steel
- timber and glulam
- concrete
- masonry
- combinations of several materials
More advanced structures may require specialist expertise.
Can you help with stairs, railings and balconies?
Yes. A structural engineering assignment may include calculations and drawings for:
- stairs
- railings
- balconies
- fixings
- steel frames
- platforms
- brackets
- other load-bearing metal components
Separate manufacturing drawings for the workshop may also be required.
What is the difference between building permit drawings and structural drawings?
Building permit drawings primarily show the building’s location, appearance, floor plan and external alterations.
Structural drawings show how the load-bearing elements are to be dimensioned and constructed.
Building permit documentation may, for example, show that a new opening is to be created. The structural documentation shows which beam, columns, supports and fixings are required for the opening to be constructed safely.
What is the difference between a structural drawing and a manufacturing drawing?
A structural drawing presents load-bearing principles, dimensions and technical requirements.
A manufacturing drawing shows in greater detail how a product or individual component is to be manufactured.
For a steel structure, the structural drawing may specify the profile, material and principal connections. The manufacturing drawing shows exact lengths, hole patterns, plates, welds and components for the workshop.
Are structural calculations always required?
No. The need depends on the type, size and complexity of the project.
A simple drawing detail does not always require a separate calculation. Load-bearing, stabilising or safety-critical structures, however, often need to be dimensioned and checked.
The quotation states whether structural calculations are included or required.
Can structural engineering assignments be completed remotely?
Yes. Many structural engineering assignments can be completed digitally if clear drawings, photographs, verified measurements and sufficient information about the existing structure are available.
For renovation projects, a site visit or investigation of concealed structures may be required.
Who is responsible for the structural calculations?
The responsible structural engineer and the scope of their responsibility are stated in the quotation and on the documents where relevant.
If several consultants are involved, it must be clear who is responsible for each part, such as foundations, structural frame, steel, timber or fixings.
Can you guarantee that the municipality will approve the structural documents?
No. The municipality or other authority is responsible for its own review and decisions.
CC Metall AB is responsible for the agreed delivery. If the municipality requests new documents or changes, these are assessed against the original scope.
Engineering services and technical drawings
What is included in your engineering services?
CC Metall AB prepares technical drawings and engineering documentation where dimensions, materials, details, connections and practical execution need to be shown.
This may include:
- construction details
- steel and metal details
- fixings
- stairs and railings
- installation documentation
- documentation for structural engineers
- coordination between contractors, architects, structural engineers and manufacturers
The quotation states which technical checks and documents are included.
What is the difference between engineering services and structural engineering services?
Engineering services and technical drawings may include dimensioning, detailing, materials, fixing principles, CAD documentation and coordination.
Structural engineering services specifically include the assessment and dimensioning of load-bearing elements, loads, stability and structural safety.
A project may require both technical drawings and formal structural calculations.
What is the difference between a technical drawing and a structural calculation?
A technical drawing shows how a detail or solution is intended to be designed, manufactured or installed.
A structural calculation is used to verify:
- load-bearing capacity
- stability
- loads
- deformation
- material dimensions
- fixings
A technical drawing does not replace a structural calculation where dimensioning is required.
Manufacturing drawings
Which products can you prepare manufacturing drawings for?
We prepare manufacturing drawings for:
- stairs
- railings
- gates
- steel frames
- brackets and fittings
- timber products
- joinery details
- jigs and fixtures
- construction details
- custom products
- welded assemblies
We work with products in metal, timber and combinations of materials.
Can you work from a hand sketch or photograph?
Yes. We can often begin with a hand sketch, photograph and principal dimensions.
Additional information may be required before the final drawing can be used for manufacturing or installation.
Can you supply DXF files for laser cutting or CNC?
Yes. DXF files can be prepared for laser cutting, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, milling or sheet processing.
The manufacturer or machine operator must check the file against the relevant machine, material thickness, tolerances and processing method before production begins.
Machine code and toolpaths are included only when specifically agreed.
Are material lists and cutting lists included?
Material lists, bills of materials and cutting lists can be prepared.
They are included only when stated in the quotation, as the need and level of detail vary between projects.
Heritage projects
Can you work with older and historic buildings?
Yes. CC Metall AB assists with drawings and technical documentation for older buildings, churches and culturally sensitive environments.
This may include:
- railings
- gates
- decorative metalwork
- entrance features
- decorative grilles
- fittings
- recreation of older details
- new solutions adapted to a historic design language
Can you recreate a detail from an old photograph?
Yes. In many cases, a drawing proposal can be prepared from old photographs, archive material, reference dimensions and preserved details.
The accuracy depends on the available documentation. Assumptions and uncertainties are documented so they can be reviewed with the client and the project’s specialists.
Do you provide heritage or conservation statements?
Heritage or conservation statements are not automatically included.
Such assessments normally need to be carried out by a building conservation specialist or another relevant expert. We can prepare the drawing documentation based on the conservation approach agreed for the project.
Price and payment
What do drawings and structural calculations from CC Metall AB cost?
The price depends on:
- the scope of the assignment
- the existing documentation
- the number of drawings
- the number of building elements to be calculated
- the complexity of the structure
- the required level of detail
- the number of alternative proposals
- the file format
- the number of revisions
- the need for coordination
- the need for external specialists
- the requirements for documentation and checking
For clearly defined assignments, we can often provide a fixed price. Other assignments are carried out on an hourly basis.
Are prices shown including or excluding VAT?
On service pages aimed at private clients, prices are normally shown including VAT.
For companies, prices may also be shown excluding VAT. The quotation always states whether VAT is added and which total price or hourly rate applies.
What hourly rate do you charge?
The hourly rate depends on the type of service being provided.
Drawing work, architectural drawings, engineering services, structural engineering services and external specialist services may have different rates.
Current prices are shown on the relevant service page or stated in the quotation before work begins.
When is payment due?
Payment terms are stated in the quotation or on the invoice.
Larger projects may be divided into stages or invoiced progressively as agreed.
Specialists and responsibilities
Can you help with other consultants?
Yes. When a project requires specialist expertise, it may involve:
- structural engineer
- building control officer or project control specialist
- fire safety consultant
- energy consultant
- building conservation specialist
- geotechnical engineer
- building services designer
- locally authorised architect or engineer
We can help structure and coordinate the drawing documentation. External consultant costs are included only when stated in the quotation.
Who is responsible for local regulations on projects outside Sweden?
Regulations, standards and authority requirements vary between countries and municipalities.
The client must provide information about the project’s geographical location and any available local requirements.
For structural projects, it must also be established which regulations, national annexes and local loads are to be used.
The documentation may need to be checked or signed by a locally authorised specialist before it is used.
Contact CC Metall AB
How do I contact you?
Send a brief description together with photographs, dimensions, sketches or existing drawings to:
Email: christoffer@ccmetall.com
Telephone: +46 70 448 64 47
CC Metall AB
Broddstorp 4
563 93 Gränna
Sweden
Contact person: Christoffer Eskilsson
Area of operation: throughout Europe
