7 Chapter Plans, Specifications, and Codes

Objectives Identify the elements commonly included in a set of house plans. Demonstrate the use of scale in architectural drawings. Identify architectural symbols.

Objectives (Cont.) Explain the use of building specifications. Describe the application of building codes, standards, and permits. List the items required by building officials to obtain a building permit.

Architectural Drawings Also called plans Tell you how to build Specs tell you what materials must be used Copies of original plans called prints or blueprints Tony’s Construction, Inc.

Set of Plans Includes drawings needed for structures Drawn to several different scales Needed by Carpenters Building contractors Owners Tradespeople Tony’s Construction, Inc.

Drawings in Set of Plans Several drawings included Plans (bird’s-eye views) Building elevations Section drawings Detail drawings Drawings of mechanical systems Different drawings used by different people

Stock Plans Plans mass-produced and sold to many clients Wide variety available Full-color renderings help buyers visualize structures The Garlinghouse Company. The drawings in this presentation cannot be reproduced or built. If copies of the plans or more information is required, contact The Garlinghouse Company.

Scale Drawn to scale: plans reduced in exact proportion to actual size Plot plans use feet and decimal parts of foot Pictorial sketch shows three dimensions

Alphabet of Lines Drawings use standard line types Each type represents something different Must be familiar with meaning of line types

Floor, Foundation, and Plot Plans Floor plans show size and outline of building and rooms Foundation plans show footings as dashed line Plot plans show footprint of building and setbacks

Elevations Drawings showing outside walls of structure Scaled so all elements appear in true relationship Allow you to determine Floor levels Grade lines Window and door heights Roof slopes Types of materials used on wall and roof

Elevation Drawing The Garlinghouse Company

Framing Plans Show size, number, and location of structural members of building’s frame Truss plan shows where each truss should be Drawings made to scale The Garlinghouse Company

Section and Detail Drawings Give information about Size Materials Fastening Support systems Concealed features Complex details Made to large scale

Dimensions Show distance and size Dimensions greater than 1′ written in feet and inches Often necessary to add or subtract dimensions Addition 6′‐8″ 4′‐6″ 2′‐4″ + 1′‐2″ =13′‐20″ or 14′‐8″

Lists of Materials Materials and assemblies for structure Number of items Name, description, size Construction material Schedules provide basic information about related components

Symbols Used to represent materials, other items, and approved shortcuts Drawing sets include key to symbols used Plans use abbreviations to save space

Changing Plans Minor changes Major changes Can usually be handled by carpenter Should be recorded on all sets of plans Major changes May affect other parts of structure Should be made by architect Should be approved by owner

Specifications (Specs) Supplementary information presented in written form Valuable to contractors, estimators, tradespeople, and building supply dealers May include information regarding Building permits Contract payment provisions Insurance and bonding Provisions for making changes

Specifications Example

Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) Software used to create construction drawings and perspective drawings Output to printer or plotter May automatically create materials lists Design and manufacture controlled by computer is called CADD-CAM

Metric Measurement United States uses US Customary measurement system Other nations may use International System of Units (SI) metric system Measurements of buildings given in millimeters Site measurements given in meters You should be familiar with both systems

Building Codes Laws that apply to state or municipality Set minimum standards for Design Quality of materials and construction Authority having jurisdiction (AHJ): government body that regulates building construction

Pro Tip Closely following all building codes is very important Work that does not conform to code must be redone correctly Rework can add considerable expense to construction

Model Codes Adopted by many communities in part or in whole Created by associations and councils Laws at state level also govern buildings Electrical codes Fire codes Energy codes

Code Example Portions of this publication reproduce excerpts from the 2015 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, International Code Council, Inc., Washington, D.C. Reproduced with permission. All rights reserved.

Pro Tip Building inspectors enforce building codes They make periodic inspections during construction or remodeling Inspections may be unscheduled or by appointment

Thinking Green “Green” practices are becoming “code” across country Structures built with green materials are healthier and safer for occupants Reducing excess materials and energy loss cut costs

Standards Specifications formally adopted by manufacturers, builders, agencies, and associations American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) Commodity Standards Division of US Department of Commerce

Building Permits Issued by local building officials stating that construction can begin Plans are examined to see if they meet codes Passes final inspection Occupancy permit issued

Application for Building Permit Village of Flossmoor, Illinois

Construction Careers Inspector Approves work at many stages of construction Needs good background in building trades Works for Local governments Engineering companies Architectural firms Ernest Prim/iStock/Thinkstock