VG Reference Document

IHA Plan Template Variables

Annotation boxes for all 19 IHA-drawn plans — what to capture on each drawing and which WO it feeds

Source: reference/operations/iha-plan-template-variables.md Generated: 2026-05-29

IHA Plan Template Variables

Purpose: Specifies the standard annotation boxes that IHA (Jao + Kim) should include on each plan deliverable. When filled in at time of drawing, these boxes capture all estimating variables at the source and eliminate the need for a separate PM extraction step.

Coverage: All 19 plan types produced by the IHA team. For variables extracted from outside-vendor plans (Foundation, Framing, Roofing, MEP, Low-Voltage), see vendor-plan-template-variables.md.

IHA tracker numbers: The IHA Weekly Task Planner numbers all plans #0–21 in a single sequence that spans both IHA-drawn and vendor-extracted plans. The IHA tracker # for each plan is noted in parentheses after the plan title below (e.g., IHA #0). Plans #1–3 (Foundation, Framing, Roofing) and any untracked vendor plans are in vendor-plan-template-variables.md.

Team assignments: Kim owns this document's plans #0, #4, #10, #13–21. Jao owns #5–9, #11–12.

Cross-reference: reference/operations/design-permitting.md — workflow, timing, and Dropbox filing structure for all IHA deliverables.


How to use this document

Each plan section shows:


1. Permit Takeoffs (IHA #0 · Kim)

Covers: Primary site and building dimensions used for permit fee calculation and as the estimating dimension source. Derived from the full drawing set. The primary variable-capture document for building-level quantities. When produced: P0.5 — assembled after the full IHA drawing set is approved, before permit submission.

This is the primary estimating deliverable. Most area-based, count-based, and dimension-based variables are sourced here.


Box A — Site Plan

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
lot_sqft sq ft P2W10 (Landscape & Grounds) refines Form 00 / assessor placeholder
grading_scope rough grading only / finish grading included P1W04 (Site Work)

Box B — Floor Plan Dimensions

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
sqft_above_grade sq ft P1W06 (Framing) · P2W03 (HVAC) · P2W08 (Drywall) · P3W08 (Painting) refines Form 00 / walkthrough placeholder
sqft_footprint sq ft P1W05 (Foundation) · P1W07 (Roofing vendor) refines Form 00 / walkthrough placeholder
addition_sqft sq ft — enter 0 if no addition P1W06 (Framing)
stories 1 / 1.5 / 2 / 3 P1W06 · P1W09 · P2W03 (HVAC zoning) refines walkthrough placeholder
covered_porch_sqft sq ft — enter 0 if none P2W09 (Exterior Carpentry) covered only; refined by Porch/Deck plan
stair_tread_count count P1W09 (Interior Stairs)
landing_sqft sq ft P1W09 (Interior Stairs)

Box C — Reflected Ceiling Plans

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
sqft_ceilings sq ft — total ceiling area all floors P2W08 (Drywall) · P3W08 (Painting)
ceiling_height 9ft / 10ft / vaulted P2W08 (Drywall) standard new-construction height
finish_level Level 4 / Level 5 P2W08 (Drywall)
specialty_ceil_sqft sq ft — coffered / tray / vaulted combined — enter 0 if none P2W08 · P3W07 (Specialty Trim) refined by Specialty Trim Plan

Box D — Interior Surface Areas

Calculated from floor plan and elevation dimensions.

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
sqft_walls sq ft — interior face of exterior walls P2W07 (Insulation) exterior wall area only
sqft_attic sq ft — attic floor area P2W07 (Insulation)
sqft_interior_walls sq ft — total paintable interior wall area P3W08 (Painting) all interior wall surfaces

Box E — Exterior Elevations

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
sqft_siding sq ft — exterior wall surface area P1W10 (Siding & Shutters) from elevations; refined by Siding plan
sqft_exterior_paint sq ft — exterior paintable surface area P3W08 (Painting)
trim_profile text — corner board / frieze / water table style P1W10 e.g., "colonial corner boards, frieze board"
accent_material yes / no P1W10 · P2W09b (Exterior Masonry) stone veneer or brick accent; refined by Siding plan
masonry_sqft sq ft — enter 0 if none P2W09b stone veneer / brick area; refined by Siding plan
ext_steps_count count of exterior stair runs P2W09 · P2W09b wood steps = P2W09; masonry stairs = P2W09b; refined by Porch/Deck plan

Box F — Door & Window Schedule

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
door_count_int count P3W05 (Interior Doors) from door schedule
door_height 6ft 8in / 7ft / 8ft P3W05 standard height for all interior doors
custom_window_count count of non-standard sizes / shapes P1W08 (Windows & Exterior Doors) standard sizes are 0
garage_door_size single 8–9ft / double 16–18ft P1W08

2. Electric (IHA #10 · Kim)

Covers: Outlet and fixture locations using IHA's standard measurement template. Shows device layout but is not an engineered plan — no load calculations or panel schedules. MEP engineer confirms all quantities. When produced: P0.5 — alongside the main drawing set.

Box A — Electrical Design Intent

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
fixture_count_elec count — preliminary P2W04 (Electrical) · P3W14 (MEP Finishes) MEP engineer confirms final count
ev_charger yes / no P2W04 flag for MEP — location marked on this plan
generator_hookup yes / no P2W04 flag for MEP — transfer switch location

3. Siding (IHA #4 · Kim)

Covers: Exterior cladding layout, material zones, and attachment details. Confirms and refines exterior-envelope values from the Permit Takeoffs elevations. When produced: P0.5 — typically alongside or shortly after the main drawing set.

Box A — Siding & Exterior Cladding

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
sqft_siding sq ft P1W10 (Siding & Shutters) refines Permit Takeoffs Box E — siding plan is canonical
trim_profile text — corner board / frieze / water table style P1W10 confirms Permit Takeoffs Box E
accent_material yes / no P1W10 · P2W09b refines Permit Takeoffs Box E
masonry_sqft sq ft — enter 0 if none P2W09b (Exterior Masonry) refines Permit Takeoffs Box E

4. Kitchen Plan (IHA #5 · Jao)

Covers: Cabinet and appliance placement — Design Intent version. A revised version is typically issued post-drywall if field conditions require adjustment. When produced: P0.5 (Design Intent); post-drywall revision issued after FM field measurements confirm as-built dimensions.

Box A — Kitchen Layout

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
lnft_cabinets linear feet — upper + lower combined P3W04 (Cabinetry) kitchen only
island yes / no P3W04
full_height_pantry count — enter 0 if none P3W04 tall pantry / full-height units
sqft_countertop sq ft — kitchen countertops P3W09 (Countertops) kitchen only; vanity tops on Vanity Plan
sink_cutouts count P3W09
cooktop_cutout yes / no P3W09
kitchen_bs_sqft sq ft P3W11 (Backsplash) kitchen backsplash area
cabinet_pull_count count P3W13 (Hardware) kitchen pulls + knobs

Post-drywall revision: re-enter lnft_cabinets, sqft_countertop, and cabinet_pull_count if as-built dimensions differ from Design Intent.


5. Wine Bar Plan (IHA #6 · Jao)

Covers: Wine bar / butler's pantry cabinet, counter, and plumbing layout. When produced: P0.5 — alongside kitchen plan.

Box A — Wine Bar Layout

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
lnft_cabinets linear feet — wine bar cabinets P3W04 (Cabinetry) wine bar only; kitchen on Kitchen Plan
sqft_countertop sq ft — wine bar countertop P3W09 (Countertops)
wine_bar_bs_sqft sq ft P3W11 (Backsplash)
wet_bar_count yes / no — enter 1 if plumbing rough-in required P2W02 (Plumbing) flag for MEP — wet bar plumbing
cabinet_pull_count count P3W13 (Hardware) wine bar pulls only

6. Vanity Plan (IHA #7 · Jao)

Covers: Per-bathroom vanity layout, cabinet sizing, and plumbing fixture placement. When produced: P0.5.

Box A — Vanity & Bath Layout

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
bath_vanity_count count — total vanities all bathrooms P3W04 (Cabinetry)
lnft_cabinets linear feet — vanity cabinets only P3W04 all bathrooms combined
sqft_countertop sq ft — vanity tops all bathrooms P3W09 (Countertops)
cabinet_pull_count count P3W13 (Hardware) vanity pulls only

7. Laundry Room (IHA #8 · Jao)

Covers: Appliance placement, dryer exhaust routing, cabinet and countertop configuration. When produced: P0.5.

Box A — Laundry Layout

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
lnft_cabinets linear feet P3W04 (Cabinetry) laundry room only
sqft_countertop sq ft — enter 0 if no counter P3W09 (Countertops)
laundry_bs_sqft sq ft — enter 0 if none P3W11 (Backsplash)
laundry_sink yes / no P2W02 (Plumbing)
washer_dryer stacked / side-by-side P3W16 (Appliances)
cabinet_pull_count count P3W13 (Hardware) laundry room only

8. Plumbing — Shower Elevations (IHA #9 · Jao)

Covers: Per-shower elevation drawings showing wall tile extent, niche locations, glass enclosure type, and steam rough-in. When produced: P0.5 — before tile orders are placed.

Box A — Shower Elevations

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
shower_wall_sqft sq ft — all shower walls combined P3W02 (Tile Installation)
niche_count count — tile niches across all showers P3W02 affects labor
shower_encl_count count — frameless shower enclosures P3W15 (Shower Glass)
steam_shower yes / no — steam rough-in required P2W02 (Plumbing)

9. Closet Plans (IHA #11 · Jao)

Covers: Rod-and-shelf, high-and-low, pantry, built-in, and open storage configurations for all closets. When produced: Two formal versions:

Box A — Design Intent (pre-construction)

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
closet_count count P3W06 (Closet Carpentry) refines Permit Takeoffs floor plan count
walk_in_count count P3W06 refines Permit Takeoffs floor plan count
lnft_cabinets linear feet — built-in closet systems only P3W04 (Cabinetry) standard rod/shelf not included

Per-closet type grid (one row per closet, on the plan):

Closet name / location Type
(e.g., Master BR — Left) R&S / H&L / Pantry / BI / OS

Closet type codes: R&S = rod & shelf · H&L = high & low (double-hang) · Pantry = pantry shelving · BI = built-in organizer · OS = open storage


Box B — Post-Drywall (updated after FM field measurements)

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
lnft_cabinets linear feet — updated from FM measurements P3W04 replaces Design Intent value
cabinet_pull_count count — all closet hardware P3W13 (Hardware) entered once final layout is confirmed

closet_count and walk_in_count do not change between versions.


10. Specialty Trim Plan (IHA #12 · Jao)

Covers: Custom millwork scope for all specialty trim elements — coffered ceilings, board & batten, wainscoting, built-ins, beams, fireplace surrounds, and similar architectural details. When produced: P0.5 — after owner confirms specialty trim scope. Drives P3W07a–j budget.

Box A — Specialty Trim Scope

Owner approves each item. Leave blank (not selected) if not applicable. Each yes/no toggle activates the corresponding sub-WO (P3W07a–j).

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
trim_mudroom yes / no P3W07a (Specialty Trim — Mudroom) mudroom built-ins / lockers
trim_coffered_ceil yes / no P3W07b (Specialty Trim — Coffered Ceilings) coffered ceiling
trim_specialty_walls yes / no P3W07c (Specialty Trim — Specialty Walls) 1×3 board & batten / slat wall
trim_fp_surround yes / no P3W07d (Specialty Trim — Fireplace Specialty) fireplace surround millwork
mantel_by P2W06 (fireplace WO) / P3W07d (specialty trim) P2W06 · P3W07d who installs the mantel
trim_spec_beams yes / no P3W07e (Specialty Trim — Specialty Beams) decorative beams
trim_wainscoting yes / no P3W07f (Specialty Trim — Wainscoting) wainscoting
trim_bookshelves yes / no P3W07g (Specialty Trim — Bookshelf Built Ins) built-in bookshelves
trim_bench_builtins yes / no P3W07h (Specialty Trim — Bench Built Ins) bench built-ins
trim_spec_ceilings yes / no P3W07i (Specialty Trim — Specialty Ceilings) specialty ceiling treatments (herringbone etc.)
trim_shiplap yes / no P3W07j (Specialty Trim — Shiplap) shiplap accent walls
specialty_ceil_sqft sq ft — coffered / tray / vaulted combined P2W08 · P3W07b refines Permit Takeoffs Box C

11. Porch / Deck / Hardscaping Finishes (IHA #13 · Kim)

Covers: Exterior living surfaces — covered porches, open decks, exterior stairs, and hardscaping material selections. When produced: P0.5 — alongside exterior elevations.

Box A — Dimensions (IHA measures from drawing)

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
covered_porch_sqft sq ft P2W09 (Exterior Carpentry) refines Permit Takeoffs Box B
deck_sqft sq ft — open deck area — enter 0 if none P2W09 uncovered deck
ext_steps_count count of exterior stair runs P2W09 · P2W09b wood steps = P2W09; masonry stairs = P2W09b; refines Permit Takeoffs Box E
masonry_sqft sq ft — stone / brick on exterior P2W09b (Exterior Masonry) refines Permit Takeoffs Box E / Siding plan
lnft_railing linear feet — exterior railing P3W19 (Interior Carpentry / Railing) exterior portion

Box B — Material Selections (owner selects)

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
deck_material composite / pressure treated / hardwood / pavers P2W09 open deck material
porch_floor_material painted wood / tile / composite / concrete P2W09 covered porch floor

12. Landscaping (IHA #14 · Kim)

Covers: Planting layout, plant list, sod areas, and irrigation design. When produced: P1 — in time to coordinate with site work.

Box A — Landscape & Grounds

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
sod_sqft sq ft P2W10 (Landscape & Grounds)
planting_count count — trees + shrubs + perennials combined P2W10 from plant list
mulch_cu_yds cubic yards P2W10
gravel_sqft sq ft — decorative stone — enter 0 if none P2W10
irrigation yes / no P2W10

13. Fencing (IHA #15 · Kim)

Covers: Fence layout, heights, materials, and gate locations. When produced: P1 — coordinated with site work.

Box A — Fencing

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
lnft_fence linear feet P2W11 (Yard Fencing)
fence_height 4ft / 6ft / 8ft P2W11
gate_count count P2W11

14. Driveway (IHA #16 · Kim)

Covers: Driveway area, drainage design, and curb cut requirements. When produced: P1 — before driveway bid is finalized.

Box A — Driveway

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
sqft_driveway sq ft P2W12 (Driveway)
drainage_type_dw sheet drain / catch basin / curtain drain P2W12 driveway drainage
curb_cut_required yes / no P2W12 curb cut / apron permit

15. Tile (IHA #17 · Kim)

Covers: Per-bathroom floor tile layout and shower wall tile layout. Shows tile arrangement, orientation, and pattern. Owner selections captured in Box B. When produced: P0.5. Owner selections (tile size, orientation, pattern) filled once choices are confirmed.

Box A — Tile Areas (IHA measures at time of drawing)

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
sqft_tile sq ft — all bathroom floors combined P3W02 (Tile Installation) refines Permit Takeoffs floor plan count
shower_wall_sqft sq ft — all shower walls P3W02 refines Plumbing (Shower Elevations)

Box B — Tile Selections (owner fills once selections are made)

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
tile_size standard ≤12in / large-format >12in P3W02
tile_orientation straight / diagonal P3W02
floor_pattern field only / accent border / mosaic inset P3W02
Grout color text — color name / code design reference does not feed WO formulas
Schluter trim color text — color name / code design reference does not feed WO formulas

16. Flooring (IHA #18 · Kim)

Covers: Hard floor layout showing areas for each flooring type. Owner selections (species, grade) captured in Box B. When produced: P0.5 — after flooring selections are confirmed.

Box A — Floor Areas (IHA measures at time of drawing)

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
sqft_hardwood sq ft P3W03 (Flooring) · P3W10 (Stain Finishing)
sqft_vinyl sq ft — LVP / vinyl areas P3W03
sqft_carpet sq ft — enter 0 if none P3W03
subfloor_condition good / needs leveling / full replacement P3W03 from existing conditions

Box B — Flooring Selections (owner selects)

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
flooring_grade standard 1.0 / premium 1.4 P3W03
flooring_species oak / maple / white oak / engineered P3W03 hardwood only

17. Trim (IHA #19 · Kim)

Covers: Base molding, door and window casing, and crown molding schedules. Shows linear footage for each trim type throughout the house. Owner selection of trim profile also captured here. When produced: P0.5.

Box A — Trim Quantities (IHA measures at time of drawing)

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
lnft_base_trim linear feet P3W07 (Basic Trim) all floors combined
lnft_casing linear feet — door + window casing combined P3W07 all floors combined
lnft_crown linear feet — enter 0 if none P3W07
lnft_railing linear feet — interior railing P3W19 (Interior Carpentry / Railing)

Box B — Trim Selections (owner / PM selects)

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
stain_lnft linear feet of trim / railing receiving stain P3W10 (Stain Finishing) · P3W08 (Painting)

18. Backsplash (IHA #20 · Kim)

Covers: Backsplash areas for kitchen, laundry, and wine bar. Owner tile selections captured in Box B. When produced: P0.5 — after layout is confirmed.

Box A — Backsplash Areas (IHA measures)

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
kitchen_bs_sqft sq ft P3W11 (Backsplash) refines Kitchen Plan Box A
laundry_bs_sqft sq ft — enter 0 if none P3W11 refines Laundry Room Box A
wine_bar_bs_sqft sq ft — enter 0 if none P3W11 refines Wine Bar Plan Box A

Box B — Backsplash Selections (owner selects)

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
bs_tile_size standard / mosaic / large-format P3W11
Grout color text — color name / code design reference does not feed WO formulas

19. Door & Cabinet Knobs (IHA #21 · Kim)

Covers: Hardware schedule for all interior doors and all cabinetry. Consolidates door knobs, cabinet pulls, and associated counts. Owner hardware style selection also captured here. When produced: P0.5 — after selections are confirmed.

Box A — Hardware Counts (IHA counts from schedule)

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
door_knob_count count — passage + privacy + lockset combined P3W05 (Interior Doors) · P3W13 (Hardware) from hardware schedule
cabinet_pull_count count — all pulls and knobs across kitchen, baths, laundry, wine bar, closets combined P3W13 total across all rooms

Box B — Hardware Selections (owner selects)

Variable Format / Options Feeds Notes
Hardware finish text — e.g., satin nickel / matte black / brass design reference does not feed WO formulas; informs procurement
Hardware style text — e.g., bar pull / cup pull / round knob design reference

Variable index — alphabetical

Variable Plan Box
accent_material Permit Takeoffs / Siding E / A
addition_sqft Permit Takeoffs B
bath_vanity_count Vanity Plan A
bs_tile_size Backsplash B (owner)
cabinet_pull_count Kitchen / Wine Bar / Laundry / Closet (Post-Drywall) / Door & Cabinet Knobs A / A / A / B / A
ceiling_height Permit Takeoffs C
closet_count Closet Plans Design Intent A
cooktop_cutout Kitchen Plan A
covered_porch_sqft Permit Takeoffs / Porch & Deck B / A
curb_cut_required Driveway A
custom_window_count Permit Takeoffs F
deck_material Porch & Deck B (owner)
deck_sqft Porch & Deck A
door_count_int Permit Takeoffs F
door_height Permit Takeoffs F
door_knob_count Door & Cabinet Knobs A
drainage_type_dw Driveway A
ev_charger Electric A
ext_steps_count Permit Takeoffs / Porch & Deck E / A
fence_height Fencing A
finish_level Permit Takeoffs C
fixture_count_elec (preliminary) Electric A
flooring_grade Flooring B (owner)
flooring_species Flooring B (owner)
floor_pattern Tile B (owner)
full_height_pantry Kitchen Plan A
garage_door_size Permit Takeoffs F
gate_count Fencing A
generator_hookup Electric A
grading_scope Permit Takeoffs A
gravel_sqft Landscaping A
irrigation Landscaping A
island Kitchen Plan A
kitchen_bs_sqft Kitchen Plan / Backsplash A / A
landing_sqft Permit Takeoffs B
laundry_bs_sqft Laundry Room / Backsplash A / A
laundry_sink Laundry Room A
lnft_base_trim Trim A
lnft_cabinets Kitchen / Wine Bar / Laundry / Vanity / Closet A / A / A / A / A,B
lnft_casing Trim A
lnft_crown Trim A
lnft_fence Fencing A
lnft_railing Trim / Porch & Deck A / A
lot_sqft Permit Takeoffs A
mantel_by Specialty Trim Plan A
masonry_sqft Permit Takeoffs / Siding / Porch & Deck E / A / A
mulch_cu_yds Landscaping A
niche_count Plumbing — Shower Elevations A
planting_count Landscaping A
porch_floor_material Porch & Deck B (owner)
shower_encl_count Plumbing — Shower Elevations A
shower_wall_sqft Plumbing — Shower Elevations / Tile A / A
sink_cutouts Kitchen Plan A
skylight_count (see Roofing — vendor plan)
sod_sqft Landscaping A
specialty_ceil_sqft Permit Takeoffs / Specialty Trim Plan C / A
sqft_attic Permit Takeoffs D
sqft_carpet Flooring A
sqft_ceilings Permit Takeoffs C
sqft_countertop Kitchen Plan / Wine Bar / Vanity / Laundry A / A / A / A
sqft_driveway Driveway A
sqft_exterior_paint Permit Takeoffs E
sqft_footprint Permit Takeoffs B
sqft_hardwood Flooring A
sqft_interior_walls Permit Takeoffs D
sqft_siding Permit Takeoffs / Siding E / A
sqft_tile Tile A
sqft_vinyl Flooring A
sqft_walls Permit Takeoffs D
sqft_above_grade Permit Takeoffs B
stair_tread_count Permit Takeoffs B
stain_lnft Trim B
steam_shower Plumbing — Shower Elevations A
stories Permit Takeoffs B
subfloor_condition Flooring A
tile_orientation Tile B (owner)
tile_size Tile B (owner)
trim_bench_builtins Specialty Trim Plan A
trim_bookshelves Specialty Trim Plan A
trim_coffered_ceil Specialty Trim Plan A
trim_fp_surround Specialty Trim Plan A
trim_mudroom Specialty Trim Plan A
trim_profile Permit Takeoffs / Siding E / A
trim_shiplap Specialty Trim Plan A
trim_spec_beams Specialty Trim Plan A
trim_spec_ceilings Specialty Trim Plan A
trim_specialty_walls Specialty Trim Plan A
trim_wainscoting Specialty Trim Plan A
walk_in_count Closet Plans Design Intent A
washer_dryer Laundry Room A
wet_bar_count Wine Bar Plan A
wine_bar_bs_sqft Wine Bar Plan / Backsplash A / A

Maintenance