Why We Need Your Drawings Before We Can Help

1. Opening Statement – Set the expectation

• State that drawings are essential to determining fire safety and fire services requirements.

• Make it clear there is no other way to communicate the full building information.

• Position IFS as part of the design team who uses these drawings to add the fire safety component.

Example:

“Drawings give us the essential information we need to understand your building. Without them, we cannot determine the fire safety requirements or prepare a proposal. As part of your design team, we use your drawings to add the fire safety design.”

2. Why Drawings Matter – Explain the reasoning

• Drawings show:

  • Building layout, size, and height.

  • Location on site and proximity to boundaries.

  • Features that impact compliance and fire system design.

• These details determine:

  • Fire resistance requirements.

  • System type and coverage.

  • Fire brigade access points.

  • Performance solution needs.

3. What to Send – Checklist from your RFI

• Architectural plans in PDF and CAD format.

• Floor plans, elevations, sections, and site plan.

• Special hazard details, boundaries, and access routes.

• Link to RFI: Electronic Drawings for full list.

4. Where to Find Drawings – Help them source it

• If new building → from architect/building designer/draftsperson.

• If existing building → council building department, past consultants, on-site evacuation diagrams, building surveyor.

• Any drawings are better than none — send what you have for review.

5. What Happens If You Don’t Have Drawings – Set the next step

• Option to engage a designer to prepare them.

• Or book a paid Project Discovery Meeting where IFS collects the information needed.

• This adds time and cost compared to sending drawings upfront.

6. Call to Action – Make it easy

• Attach drawings to your inquiry form.

• Provide link to RFI checklist.

• Mention that with complete drawings, IFS can start quickly and accurately.