dude.

would you like some general notes with that, sir?

can't show you a set but basically we do pricing sets 3 times for our school projects: a schematic set for the first estimate, a dd/early cd set for our second estimate, and a final set for bidding.

the goal of them is to establish - at the time the set is made - as complete a picture of the scope of the job as possible so that someone other than you can put $$$ values to it.

we work pretty consistently with the same construction manager for all of our school work and we know what he needs/expects and can package things accordingly so that his estimates come out pretty well.

I shouldn't mock.

In countries that use Quantity Surveyors (UK, Middle East, Far East), this would be the drawing set that you issue to the QS, which the QS (might then estimate cost and) send out for contractors to bid against.

The responses will be full of requests for clarification and qualifications where the drawings fail to give full detail, or where there is contractor's design involved.

we usually try to call-out all the interior finishes...gyp board, wood, tile, etc. the type of roofing material, exterior finishes, window manufacturer if you know it or at least the type of window. square footage calculations for finished areas, garages, under roof etc. for small/simple houses this will get you close to "as complete a picture of the scope of the job as possible" ^ Steven Ward.

at a minimum your set should include
foundation plan
floor plans
roof plan
elevations
sections
wall sections

if possible, you should present the design to the contractor that's doing the pricing. sometimes they provide alternative methods that might save the client some money...this should get you close to the final price.