plancheckr.com

What It Is

PlanCheckr is an AI-assisted construction drawing pre-review tool for construction teams, positioned as “pre-permit risk reduction.” In other words, it performs a quick preliminary check of PDF drawings before they are submitted to a city or AHJ for permit review. It is not a licensed plan review service; instead, it uses software to automatically generate informational, non-certified review comments.

Core Capabilities

It primarily checks three categories of issues. First, missing documentation, such as incomplete notes, missing forms, missing code references, absent door/window schedules, and missing fire-resistance labels. Second, cross-discipline coordination issues, covering inconsistencies or conflicts between architectural, structural, MEP, fire protection, and other drawings. Third, common compliance and constructability risks, such as omissions related to egress, accessibility, and energy codes. The output is a categorized PDF review report containing flagged issues, coordination notes, and compliance observations. The page does not disclose the specific AI model used, accuracy metrics, or how its code library is updated.

Pricing and User Experience

The workflow is very lightweight: no account and no phone number are required. After uploading a PDF, the system first performs a free readability check; only after the file passes do you pay $20 to start the review. Checkout is handled securely via Stripe, and results are generated in a few minutes. The page indicates a maximum PDF size of 30MB, with interface prompts for single-PDF or multi-PDF uploads and up to 5 files. For teams that simply want low-cost QA before a formal submission, the $20 pay-per-use threshold is relatively low.

Pros, Cons, and Limitations

Its strengths are that it is quick to start, clearly priced, covers the major disciplines, and verifies file readability before charging. The limitations are also clear: it does not provide architectural, engineering, AHJ, or code certification review; it does not guarantee accuracy, completeness, compliance, or permit approval; and it does not include an engineering stamp. Low-quality scans, PDFs without a text layer, or files with poor OCR may not be analyzable. The terms of service also limit liability, and users must independently verify all conclusions.

Who It’s For and Access from China

It is better suited for architects, engineers, owner-developers, and general contractors who want to conduct internal risk screening before bidding, construction, or permit submission. It is not suitable as a basis for formal plan review. The main text does not specify access conditions from China. Payment depends on Stripe and bank cards, so domestic network access and payment availability may be uncertain. If the project is located in China, teams should pay particular attention to local codes, Chinese drawing recognition, and licensed plan review requirements; it cannot directly replace domestic review agencies or professional consultants.