2. 7
Chapter
Plans, Specifications, and Codes

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Elevation Drawing
The Garlinghouse Company

14. 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

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

16. 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″

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

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

19. 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

20. 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

21. Specifications Example

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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.

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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. Application for Building Permit
Village of Flossmoor, Illinois

33. Construction Careers Inspector
Approves work at many stages of construction
Needs good background in building trades
Works for
Local governments
Engineering companies
Architectural firms
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