Floor footprint
Outline exterior walls and interior partitions with accurate dimensions and scale so usable area and net square footage can be calculated.
A well-prepared Basement Plan reduces permitting delays, clarifies usable square footage, and documents safety features like emergency egress and HVAC placement. Accurate documentation helps avoid disputes during inspections and supports transparent disclosures in residential transactions.
Roles overlap: the owner supplies property facts, professionals produce the technical drawing, and authorities approve permits and inspections.
A licensed real estate agent typically includes the basement plan in listing disclosures and confirms the represented square footage and room uses; the agent is responsible for accurate disclosure under state real estate law and MLS rules.
The owner certifies factual details (ownership, measurements, permit history). Owner-supplied inaccuracies can trigger contractual remedies and may affect closing or insurance coverage.
Outline exterior walls and interior partitions with accurate dimensions and scale so usable area and net square footage can be calculated.
Identify room uses (e.g., family room, bedroom, utility) and note conditioned vs. unconditioned spaces for HVAC and appraisal purposes.
Show required egress windows, stairs, and path clearances to demonstrate compliance with life-safety codes.
Document headroom in each area; minimum clearances affect habitability, code compliance, and valuation.
Mark furnaces, water heaters, electrical panels, and plumbing chases to inform contractors and inspectors.
Include symbols, scale, material notes, and revision history so the plan is self-contained for reviewers.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Document upload | Accept PDF and DOCX; require one master plan PDF |
| Auto-fill | Use Magic fields to populate owner/address from a master record |
| Signer order | Set sequential signing: owner → contractor → agent → municipal reviewer |
| Authentication | Enable email or SMS OTP; use stronger KBA for permit-critical filings |
For signed records, keep the signed PDF and an audit trail that documents signer identity and timestamps for future verification.
Often 2–8 weeks depending on municipality and workload
Plan for 1–3 weeks per revision cycle
Inspector availability can add 1–4 weeks
Final approval follows successful inspection and corrections
Retention begins on plan effective date or permit issuance
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium+) | Yes (select plans) | Yes (select plans) | Yes | Limited |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
Tim Martin used online signed plans for remote closings and permitting
Optica Ventures standardized plan submission across properties
Ensure the plan is complete and dated before any notarization or witness signing.
Determine if the plan is for permit, deed exhibit, or sale disclosure—requirements differ.
Verify whether your county requires notary or witness signatures for the specific use.
Use in-person notary or Remote Online Notarization if the jurisdiction permits RON.
Arrange a simultaneous signing with required witnesses and notary if needed.
Signers should present government ID as required by the notary or RON process.
Notary journal entries or RON recordings should be retained per state rules.
Include notary acknowledgement or RON certificate with the signed plan for submission.