Understanding | for Housing and Small BuildingsUnderstanding CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS for Housing and Small Buildings Oe Re eae ee eda eae ar ey ieee Uk eee RO kT enn hark eine ic Pe RCM MuEL One a ti ecm em erect cit HVAC installer, electrician, or general contractor, you must be able to understand Ce ee eM eee ee aC Cuu rani ica Mn Aen cr ete Cares twee real UU Cue ute eee ey eee Cee acco ces ers Se RU en tn ee oe Re Mo) ey Se RC Ree TL) + National Building Code of Canada (2005) references Seis ie Una CRC R CMCC Ur Res eet ary ue ee Rue eae Oni www.stephensonte.nelson.com NELSON EDUCATION CoenenNELSON EDUCATION Understanding Construction Drawings for Housing and Smal Buildings ‘Associate Vice President. {aorta Dector vey Vetch Publisher: Verona Vsntin Senior Acquisitions Editor: Kevin Smulan Marketing Manager: Wiliam De Vier: Developmental Editors: Natale Bartington an Jim Polley Permissions Coordinator: Robyn Craig ‘COPYRIGHT © 2008, 2007 by Nelson Education Li Printed and bound ia Canada as 1 10 0 For more information contact olson Education Ud 1120 Bichmount Road, Toronto, Ontario, MIK S64. Or you can vist hitsiwewneion com by Tom stephenon Production Seve: china Pubishing Services copy itor Lachina Publishing Series Proofreader: achina Publishing Services Indexer: Lichina Publishing Services Manufacturing Coordinator: Charmaine lee Wan Design Director: Ken Phipps [ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of {his work covered bythe copy ‘herein may be reproduced, eet ‘worsted, or ed nay form or by any meane—graphic sectrone ‘ormechanicalincuding Photocopying, recording, tp Web dbvbuton or ifrmaton Sorage an retreat wethout the wten person of ‘he publisher, For permission to we material ‘rom tis text or product, submit ilrequestsentine at wu cengage convpermisions. Further quastions about permisions can be emailed to Permisionrequent@cengage com Every effort hasbeen made to tree ounerip of copys inaterol od te secre pemason from copy heen we ceet of ny maion ong to thease of any mater wl be plese to make the nceary ‘Sreconsn fre pang NOTICE TO THE READER Incerioe Design: Dionne Lite Cover Design: Willy Backs Cover images: (lett) © Bil Frymirendasertile, (isets) Anne Bradley Compositor Lacina Pubishing Services Printer Wiebcom LUbrory and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication Data ‘Stephenson, Tom Understanding construction ravings or housing and smal bulaings / Tom Stephenson leds index ISBN 978-0-17-625203.8, 158N 0-17-525203.7 1. structural drawing Textbooks. 2. Dweling—Drewings— ‘enthooks. 3. Small buldings— DrawingsTextbooks. Tile ‘Ta431 572 2007 007 9012906 ea ‘The Publier does not warantor Quran ay ofthe products eed he try ofthe products reno perform any dependent {taps in connection wth any of the product information cotaned hrc, The Publier Jes ft aoe, 2 arty ims oy easton toca ad nae ntmaton te ana poe ot the CHAPTER 3 The eae egresiy ware to cone nd adopt al safety precaton that might be inated bythe Acne ern and to avo l pote asad by folowing nestor connec eer ‘iting asumes al rks conctan with uh nections ‘The Publiher makes no representation or warrntes of any Kind nung but rot limite, the waratis of fine for parle purpose or merchant, nr ar ry sh repretentatirs pied wi espe the mate set trth herein, and the pulser takes no esposiity wi respecte seh steal The Faber Salat be able foray sec crseunnta or exemplary oegereuting in whole a at othe Tender ue oo liane upon th mater ‘ CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS: AN OVERVIEW 1 Introduction 1 The Construction Industry 1 The Purpose of Drawings 3 Architectural Offices 3 Imperial and Metric Standard Sheet Sizes 4 Types of Drawings 4 Chapter 1 Assignment: Orthographic Views 11 Chapter 1 Quiz Review: Construction Industry and Drawing Types 14 MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS, SCALES, AND LINE TYPES 17 Introduction 17 Drawing to Scale 17 Systems of Measurement 17 Simple Mathematical Conversion 19 Scales 19 Metric Scales 19 Chapter 2 Assignment: Reading Metric Scales 22 Imperial Scales 23 Chapter 2 Assignment: Reading Imperial Scales 25 Use of Scales 26 Electronic Rules/Scales 26 Dimensioning Practices 26 Line Types 27 Chapter 2 Quiz Review: Measurement Systems and Drawing to Scale 32 ELEVATION AND FLOOR PLAN DRAWINGS 32 Introduction 35 Elevation Drawings 35 Elevation Orientation 35 Production Home Elevation Drawings 42 Information Found on Building Elevations 42 Chapter 3 Assignment: Elevation Drawings Using Doncaster Drawings 47iv ‘UNDERSTANDING CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS FOR HOUSING AND SMMAL BULOINGS Waterproofing, Dampproofing, and Drainage 118 Chapter 6 Assignment: Foundations 122 Chapter 6 Quiz Review: Foundations Using Walkout Drawings and Doncaster Drawings 124 Floor Plans 49 Doncaster Walk-Through 49 Floor-Plan Information 54 Chapter 3 Quiz Review: Floor Plans Using Doncaster Drawings 57 CHAPTER 7 METHODS OF RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION AND FLOOR FRAMING 127 Introduction 127 Methods of Residential Construction 127 CHAPTER 4 ABBREVIATIONS, HATCHINGS, SYMBOLS, CONSTRUCTION NOTES, AND DETAIL DRAWINGS 59 Introduction 59 Abbreviations 59 Hatchings and Symbols 62 Hatchings 62 Symbols 62 Construction Notes 69 Detail Drawings 70 Wood Frame Construction 130 Dimensional Lumber 130 Wood Shrinkage 131 Wood Frame Construction Components and Spacing 131 Chapter 7 Assignment: Methods of Residential Construction 133 Floor Framing = 135 Chapter 4 Assignment: Abbreviations, Hatchings, and Symbols 78 Beams and Columns to Support Floor Framing 135 Chapter 4 Quiz Review: Plans, Section Details, and Deck Drawings 80 Floor Frame Layout and Details 140 Cantilevered Joists 145 CHAPTER 5 READING SITE PLANS, ZONING, THE PERMIT PROCESS, Sub-Floor 147 AND BUILDING CODE ENFORCEMENT 85 Chapter 7 Quiz Review: Floor Framing Theory and Doncaster Drawings 148 Introduction 85 Site Plans 85 Production Home Building 86 Contour Lines 87 CHAPTER 8 WALLFRAMING 151 Introduction 151 Wall Framing 151 Elevations of Property and Buildings 87 Location of Building Services 88 Location of Trees 88 Easement and Right of Way 88 Wall Layout 152 Rough Openings 153 Schedules 155 Framing Details 156 Bracing of Walls 158 Back Framing 158 Doncaster Drawings and Examples of Floor and Wall Framing 159 Framing Details 159 Chapter 8 Assignment: Wall Framing and Doncaster Drawings 167 Chapter 8 Quiz Review: Floors and Walls Using Whittington Drawings 169 Chapter 5 Assignment: Reading Site Plan Drawings 89 Site Plan Examples 92 Zoning 96 The Permit Process 98 General Submission Requirements 98 Inspections 99 Chapter § Quiz Review: Site Plans, Zoning, and Permits 101 CHAPTER 9 ROOFFRAMING 171 Introduction 171 Types of Roof Construction 171 Roof Terminology 171 Footing Construction 106 Conventional Cut Roof 175 Stepped Footings 107 Roof Trusses 178 Foundation Walls 108 Bracing 180 Poured Concrete Foundations 108 Reading Truss Plans and Installation Practices 181 Insulated Concrete Forms (Icf) 110 Chapter 9 Assignment: Doncaster Truss Drawings 196 Concrete Block Foundations 110 Chapter 9 Quiz Review: Reading Roof Plans Using Whittington Drawings 198 Permanent Wood Foundations 111 Other Foundation Conditions and Designs 112 Foundation Wall Thickness 118 CHAPTER 6 FOOTINGS, FOUNDATIONS, DAMPPROOFING, AND WATERPROOFING 103, Introduction 103 Footings 103vi ‘UNDERSTANDING CONSTRUCTION ORAWINGS FOR HOUSING AND SMALL BUILDINGS CHAPTER 10 EXTERIOR FINISHES: WALLS, ROOFS, AND CONCRETE SLABS 201 CHAPTER 11 CHAPTER 12 Introduction 201 Wall Finishes 201 Masonry (Brick and Stone Cladding) 201 Siding 208 Stucco and Exterior Insulated Finish Systems (EIFS) 213 Roofing Materials 215 Eaves (Comice) 217 Finished Concrete 218 Finishing Concrete 218 Exterior Finishes and the Doncaster House 220 Chapter 10 Assignment: Exterior Finishes and Doncaster Drawings 224 Chapter 10 Quiz Review: Exterior Finishes Using Whittington Drawings and ‘SWO Condition Drawing 226 MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL SUB-TRADES 229 Introduction 229 Mechanical and Electrical Systems 229 Plumbing System 230 Plumbing Permit Requirements 232 Plumbing Components and Materials 237 Rough-In of Fixtures 239 Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning System (HVAC) 242 Types of Heating Systems 249 Central Air Conditioning 250 Chapter 11 Assignment: Plumbing and HVAC. 251 Electrical System 253 Electrical Cables 254 Chapter 11 Assignment: Electrical and Doncaster Drawings 258 Chapter 11 Quiz Review: Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing Using Whittington Drawings 260 THE BUILDING ENVELOPE 263 Introduction 263 The Building Envelope 263 Heat Flow 263 Moisture Movement 265 Air Barriers 265 Vapour Retarder 265 Caulks and Sealants 266, Ventilation 266 Chapter 12 Assignment: Building Envelope and Doncaster Drawings 275 Chapter 12 Quiz Review: Building Envelope Using Whittington Drawings 277 CHAPTER 13 CHAPTER 14 CHAPTER 15 ‘contents vii INTERIOR FINISHES, KITCHENS, AND STAIRS 279 Introduction 279 Interior Finishes 279 Gypsum Board Panels (Drywall) 280 Millwork and Trim 283 kitchens 286 Kitchen Installation 287 The Doncaster Kitchen 290 Chapter 13 Assignment: Interior Finishes, Kitchens, and Doncaster Drawings 292 Stairs 294 Stair Terminology 294 Stair Design and Calculations 236 Stairs and Doncaster Drawings (How to Reference Information from Drawings) 298 Other Interior Finishes 303 Floor Finishes 303 Fireplaces 303 Schedules 307 Chapter 13 Assignment: Stairs Using Doncaster Drawings 309 Chapter 13 Quiz Review: Interior Finishes, Kitchens, and Stairs Using Whittington Drawings 311 SPECIFICATIONS AND CONTRACTS 313 Introduction 313 Specifications 313 Specification Types 314 Sample Specification 315 Specifications For Production Home Builders 325 Contracts 325 Contract Components (Fixed Price) 326 Change Orders 327 Sample Contract Documents 327 Chapter 14 Assignment: Specifications and Contracts 335 Chapter 14 Quiz Review: Specifications and Contracts 337 AN INTRODUCTION TO DRAWINGS AND DETAILS FOR RENOVATION AND MULTIPLE-UNIT BUILDINGS 339 Introduction 339 Renovation Drawings 339 Sample Renovation Drawings 340 Chapter 15 Assignment: Renovation Drawings Using Khalmur Drawings 350 Multiple-Unit Buildings (Semi-Detached and Townhouses) 352 Party Wall (Fire Separation) Details 353‘UNDERSTANDING CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS FOR HOUSING AND SMALL BUILDINGS Pine Creek Townhouse Drawings 359 Chapter 15 Quiz Review: Multiple-Unit Drawings Using Pine Creek Townhouse Drawings 360 Appendix A: Assignment Answers 363 Appendix B: Math Review 367 _ Appendix C: Squaring a Corner Using the Pythagorean Formul Appendix E: Web References 379 Glossary 381 Index 387 Credits 393 ‘he housing industry in Canada continues to experience one of its best periods in history, with favourable economic conditions driving housing activity beyond the levels of previous decades. According to Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC), construction starts are per- forming well above the 225,000 level, which is well above the average of less than 150,000 starts experienced during the 1990s. In addition, reno- vation activity is surpassing new home construc- tion, with annual expenditures in the $25 billion range, and growing. What does this mean? Quite simply, it means that the residential construction industry is strong and growing, and is providing opportuni: ties for careers of all sorts, The construction industry, because it is comprised of many small companies and a huge network of support indus- tries and services, is not well understood as a huge contributor to the economic well-being of the country. In fact, the Canadian housing industry is the barometer of the Canadian economy. It is essential to Canadas social and economic progress and to the vitality and competiti urban communities. Over the last few years, in my leadership roles with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, 1 have been in a position to carry many important messages to governments at all levels, and I have also had the opportunity to speak to many groups, particularly students, about the many career opportunities offered within the industry. If you think for a moment about a house and the many components and products required to create a functioning building, then consider all of the things that go into that house to make it a home, then multiply those elements by the number of people and functions necessary to ness of our bring those pieces together, you will appreciate the long list of exciting roles within the construc- tion industry. However, before any building can be created, there must be a plan, a blueprint, a construction drawing. The more complex the building, the more elements will appear on the construction drawings; many drawings have numerous pages to capture all of the necessary components. The ability to accurately read and understand construction drawings is a skill that is needed by not only the carpenters on the site, but also the estimator who orders the lumber, the mason who determines the amount of brick, the roofing supplier estimating the shingle requirements, the window manufacturer sup- plying the windows, ete. Consider the under- standing needed by the electrician, the plumber, and the heating contractor. If you are supplying the kitchen cabinets or floor coverings and tile you will have to understand the construction drawings in order to make your product fit. As you learn to read and understand construction drawings you soon realize that you have learned. to think in three dimensions. Construction drawings are so much more than just a floor plant For a custom builder they represent part of the contract; for a production builder they help guarantee quality and cost con- trol. Municipal inspectors check the construction. drawings to ensure code compliance before con- struction begins. Mortgage lenders and insur- ance adjusters often use the drawings in order to evaluate buildings not yet constructed. Ina market where many homes are pur- chased before they are constructed (presale) itis critical for even the salespeople to understand the drawings in order to explain the spaces and specifications to potential purchasers. The detailsx ‘UNDERSTANDING CONSTRUCTION DRAVUINGS FOR HOUSING AND SMALL BULDNGS of the construction drawings provide for every ‘condition expected: sloping lots, soil conditions, setbacks, drainage service connections, etc. The construction drawings are referred to repeatedly throughout the construction process, when each element is added, and as the municipal building inspector checks the progress against the draw- ings to ensure compliance. In recent years there has been increased attention given to consideration of the “enve- lope” of the building. This detail deals with insu- lation and moisture barriers as well as air flow. All of these concerns improve the performance of the building. Again, this detail is clearly part of the construction drawings. As you develop the skill of reading construc. tion drawings remember not to read them in iso- lation, The lines and details on the page must create an image of the finished product in your mind. A construction drawing is a picture of a box drawn from all sides, inside and out, top and bottom, and all of the elements to be contained in the box. Once mastered, the skill of reading and understanding construction drawings lasts a lifetime, opening the door for numerous career choices not only on construction sites but also in other industries related to housing. MARY LAWSON VR General Manager, Dalerose Country Homes 2004 President—Canadian Home Builders’ Association 1998 President—Greater Toronto Home Builders’ Association 1988 President—Calgary Home Builders Association Currently on the Foundation Board of George Brown College Previously served on Board of Governors of George Brown College wrote this text to respond to the need to edu- cate students on print reading for the Canadian housing and renovation markets. Although the United States and Canada share many common practices, the number of differing practices makes it important for students to learn Canadian con- struction methods and applicable codes. By teaching this course to the construction trades, architectural, construction management, and renovation programs, | have found it imper- ative that students understand and visualize the building process and the components used to build. Also, while portions of this content may be taught in more detail in other courses, this course lays the foundation for everything that follows. This text uses the National Building Code (NBC) of Canada as its reference for code-related issues. There are numerous references to NBC parts provided throughout the text. Your province may have its own provincial code adopted from the NBC, and many of the reference parts may be the same. Although print reading information can transcend numerous construction sectors, the primary focus of this text is housing and small buildings (Part 9 of the NBC) Because this is a Canadian text it covers two systems of measurement. The first and official system is the metric system; the other is the impe- rial system. Four primary sets of drawings, as well as numerous section details, are used throughout this text. The four complete drawings are: 45 ‘These are the main drawings used throughout the text and are of a production home. The actual house construction has been photo- graphed from start to finish. Comparisons and references between the drawings and the construction methods used to build the house are made throughout the text. This helps students better understand what the drawings mean and how this information is turned into reality, as well as showing the finished project. These drawings are drawn in metric and can be found in the back of the text and at the Thomson website in pdf format, Whittington Drawings This set of drawings provides students with another perspective and layout. Both the Whittington drawings and the Doncaster drawings are used in a number of the assign- ments and quizzes. These drawings are drawn in metric and can be found in the back of the text and at the Thomson website in pdf format, Khalmur Crescent Drawings These drawings, found in Chapter 15, are of a simple addition and were drawn by the Toron- to Area Chief Building Officials Committee (TACBOC) to help explain drawing require- ments needed for a building permit. The Khal- mur drawings help students compare some of the differences involved in reading plans and building a new home as opposed to building an addition, where the process involves matching materials that support and tie into the existing building. These drawings are drawn in imperial and can also be found on the Thomson website in paf format. Pine Creek Drawings These drawings, discussed in Chapter 15, are for a block of townhouses. The Pine Creek drawings are drawn in imperial and can be found in the back of the text and at the Thomson website in pdf format. xiUNDERSTANDING CONSTR TEXT LAYOUT Chapters 1 to 4 of this text cover the funda- mentals of reading drawings, including visu- alization; understanding scales and measure- ment systems; types of drawings; construction notes; and understanding abbre- viations, hatchings, and symbols. Chapters § to 13 follow the typical sequence of constructing a house from initial zoning and permits to completion. Chapter 14 provides valuable information on the purpose and use of specifications and contracts. Chapter 15 is broken into two sections; the first is on renovation practices and interpret- ing drawings for renovations. The second is on multiple-unit buildings (townhouses). This latter section focuses on understanding townhouse drawings including issues of fire separation and sound transmission. Chapters 14 and 15 were placed at the end of the text recognizing that some instructors may not have time to cover all of the chap- ters and may therefore use them in another course. The chapters are designed such that an instructor can move some out of sequence to better suit teaching and program needs (e.g., Chapter 14, Specifications and Con- tracts, could be moved to follow Chapter 4, Abbreviations, Hatchings, Symbols, Con- struction Notes, and Detail Drawings). FEATURES OF THIS TEXT For students: + Chapter Outcomes listed at the start of every chapter + Comparison of production home building to custom home building + References to pertinent National Building Code of Canada (2008) sections + Construction methods and materials addressed and related to construction drawings (ON ORAVUINGS FOR HOUSING AND SMALL BULOINGS. + Details of construction process of actual house with matching drawings + Four complete sets of drawings + Drawings in pdf format on the Thomson website + One to two Student Assignments per chapter with answers in appendix at back of text + One Quiz Review per chapter + Key terms in bold with list at end of chapter and definitions provided in glossary + List of reference websites provided in appendix. For instructors: + Instructor's Manual provided on Instructor's Resource CD + Quiz Review answers provided on Instructor's Resource CD + Test generator and question database for instructors to create and customize their own tests, provided on Instructor's Resource CD. + PowerPoint lectures provided on Instructor's Resource CD + Additional drawings and photos provided in pdf format on the Thomson website. Acknowledgements ‘would like to thank Wayne Cassidy of Cassidy & Co. for providing the core drawings used in this text, and Tribute Homes for providing access to its home building site to photograph the con- struction of the homes used in the text drawings and for providing background documents and information. Particular thanks to Steve Brock- stein, construction project manager; John Maz- zuca, senior site supervisor; and David Speigel, vice president of operations. | also want to thank my many colleagues and students from George Brown College who have taught me so much over the years, particularly John Wills for helping me brainstorm the initial concept and providing some of the key contacts that helped make this text become a reality, and Rainier Blundel for his expertise in drawing the drain drawings used in Chapter 11. Special thanks to Mary Lawson for taking time out of her busy schedule to review the man- script and write @ foreword, and to Michael Nauth for his technical check of the drawings. Thank you to the reviewers who provided their feedback on the first draft manuscript: Jeff Chow, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Sci- ence and Technology; Michael Nauth, Algong College; and Ted Urkow, Northern Alberta Insti- tute of Technology. | would like to thank the editorial team at Thomson Nelson, in particular, Natalie Barring- ton, Kevin Smulan, Nigel Corish, Susan Calvert, Robyn Craig (who tirelessly sought all the per missions), and the production team, Nikki Lee, Karen Rolfe, Diane Miller, Darlene Karoly, and Heidi Grosch. Finally, | want to thank my lovely wife Sophie, and my daughters Frances and Made- line, for not only being patient with me during PrerAce xt this long process, but also encouraging, motivat- ing, and inspiring me to write and complete the text. | could not have done this without you! About the Author ‘om Stephenson teaches at George Brown College's Centre for Advanced Building Technologies in Toronto. He coordinates the Building Renovation and Restoration programs and teaches in the other architectural and con- struction building technology and degree pro: grams. Tom also teaches and coordinates the Building Science Certificate program at the Uni- versity of Toronto and teaches at the Toronto Construction Association, Tom has a Certificate of Qualification in General Carpentry, and Brick and Stone Masonry. He also holds two degrees, a Bachelor of Administrative Studies and a Mas: ter of Business Administration.ery neta LEARNING OBJECTIVES After completing this chapter, you will be able to: + Identity, compare, and contrast the different construction industry sectors. + Identify different types of drawings and their best use as applied to construction ‘+ Identify the basic processes used to produce a set of drawings. + Analyze, visualize, and sketch an orthographic drawing based on a three-dimensional drawing of an object. INTRODUCTION This chapter provides an overview of the construc- tion industry, its many sectors, and its impact on. the Canadian economy. The types of drawings used for construction projects are explained, as are key concepts that will help you develop the skill of analyzing and visualizing what you are trying to construct from a set of drawings. THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY While this text will focus on “housing” and “small buildings” as defined in the National Building FIGURE 1.1 School being constructed for children from new housing being built at this location Code of Canada (NBC), it is important to appre- ciate how much we rely on construction in our daily lives. The construction industry plays a large role in the economic growth and prosperity of Canada. The industry comprises a number of sectors, including: + Institutional: hospitals, universities, colleges, schools, libraries, etc. + Commercial: office buildings, retail stores, restaurants, etc. FIGURE 1.2 Office building under construction2) LUNDERSTANDING CONSTRUCTION ORAWNGS FOR HOUSING AND SMALL BULDINGS. + Industrial: manufacturing and industrial-type buildings. FIGURE 1.3 Industrial construction The acronym ICI is commonly used to identity the institutional, commercial, and industrial con- struction sectors. + Residential: single, multiple low-rise, and high: rise residential buildings FIGURE 1.4 High-rise condominium under construction with exterior curtain walls completed + Renovation and redevelopment: renewal, repair, and modification, including change of use of existing structures + Restoration: the restoration of existing build- ings to bring the structure back to or above its original condition, including both exterior and interior work. Includes historical projects and projects where materials have worn to the extent that they require replacement or FIGURE 1.5 Residential sub-division under construction FIGURE 1.6 Extensive renovations to an existing residential building FIGURE 1.7 Restoration of an historical building repair (for example, underground parking garages and balcony slabs on condominium, buildings). + Infrastructure: civil projects such as roads, bridges, subways, water and sewage treat ment facilities, ete. These sectors do not necessarily remain sep- arate and distinct. For example, a residential high-rise may have commercial office and retail space on the lower floors; an industrial manufac- turing plant may include commercial office space; and, increasingly, hospitals, universities, and colleges may incorporate restaurants and retail space. ‘The renovation and restoration sectors involve all the other sectors, and all homes and buildings will eventually require modifications, upgrades, or retrofitting to maintain them and bring them up to their highest and best use. “Highest and best use” is a real estate term that refers to the development of a property that will offer the best return because it is being put to the best use. THE PURPOSE OF DRAWINGS In order for any construction project to be suc- cessful it must have a clearly thought-out set of drawings and specifications. The drawings and specifications, also known as plans, blueprints, or prints, provide general contactors and sub- contractors with the information required to accurately tender and bid for projects. The draw- ings and specifications provide the bidders with accurate, detailed information concerming the project. The general contractor is then able to accurately estimate the resources (materials, labour, and equipment) required to construct the project. The client will be able to select the suc: cessful bidder with the confidence that all the bidders submitted their bids based on the same drawings and specifications, which accurately reflect the project. The client can make a selec- tion based on an apples-to-apples bid, as opposed to an apples-to-oranges bid, in which the client and contractor have different expecta- tions for the project. Construction drawings are also a require- ment for applying for a building permit. They ensure that the building meets all building code requirements including minimum. standards with regard to safety and durability. The National Building Code (NBC) is the model code used in (CHAPTER CONSTRUCTION ORAWIGS: aw OVERVIEW 3 Canada; many provinces have developed their ‘own building codes based on the NBC. Architectural Offices Drawings are developed by skilled architects, architectural technologists, and engineers (for the Purposes of this text unless noted for specializa tion purposes we will refer to architects, architec. tural technologists, and engineers as designers); some smaller contractors may also perform this function, particularly for housing and small buildings (Part 9 of the National Building Code). Licensing requirements vary between provinces, and the use or occupancy of the building may require professional stamps of approval from different professional designations such as architects and engineers. Designers may work in small one-person practices, or in large multi person offices that work on hundreds of projects a year. Traditionally drawings were done by hand and run through a process that resulted a blue background with white lines; these types of drawings, known as blueprints, are usually now found in city archive offices and historical records storage. From these roots drawings received the name “blueprints” and to this day are often still referred to that way. Today most construction drawings are drawn using computer-aided design (CAD) systems, which allow the designer to quickly design, revise, and send drawings electronically. However, some designers still use the traditional method of drawing by hand. This is, for them, more effi- ient due to years of practice. FIGURE 1.8 CAD designers at work at Cassidy and Co., an architectural technologists practice specializing in production home designs4 UNDERSTANDING CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS FOR HOUSING AND SMALL BULOWGS FIGURE 1.9 A student-plotted CAD drawing at George Brown College CAD drawings are printed on a plotter. The process is referred to as “plotting the drawings.” Once plotted or done by hand, multiple copies can then be produced by either photocopying or using a process known as the diazo process (not commonly used anymore). Imperial and Metric Standard Sheet Sizes Drawings are plotted or drawn on many different size sheets. Many residential drawings for pro- duction home building are drawn on 11" x 17" or B-size sheets. The 11” x 17” size provides a low- cost alternative for copying. The size of sheet is determined by the size of the project, the scale, and the readability ofthe drawings at that parti- ular scale (refer to Chapter 2 for more detailed information on scales). TABLE 1.1 Drawing Sheet Sizes Metric eet Designation EERE a0 aan x 1189 _al 5a x B41 a2 - xsi ry 237 420 a 200 297 ‘Source: Canadian Standards Association (CSA) TABLE 1.2 Drawing Sheet Sizes Imperial oo ay" wear xe mr x30" ‘Source: Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Types of Drawings Construction drawings are laid out to most effi- ciently provide the information required to con- struct the building. To the novice a set of construction drawings might seem confusing, and you may conclude that a three-dimensional drawing will provide the best means of ilustrating the building while providing the information to build. While it is true that three-dimensional drawings do best illustrate what the building will look like, it is impractical to build from three- dimensional drawings. For example, the detailed information required for the building process cannot be properly displayed nor can we see the required information through the walls or floors. Therefore, a number of drawings are required. for a typical construction project. However, tl does not mean that three-dimensional drawings are not important. They are used in a number of difforont ways from on-site sketching to architec- tural renderings. The three-dimensional drawings used most froquently in the construction industry are: + Isometric drawings + Oblique drawings + Orthographic drawings. Perspective Drawings Perspective drawings provide the most realistic view of the object. A picture taken with a camera is a perspective view. These drawings are drawn to what is known as a vanishing point. (There may be several vanishing points on a single drawing.) This can be most easily understood if you imagine standing on a railroad track and looking off into the distance at the rails. You will see two rails joining to one in the distance, in ‘essence travelling to a vanishing point. Because this type of drawing has tapering views, it is not drawn to scale and therefore not FIGURE 1.10 Railway track illustration showing vanishing point as rails merge to one typically used for placing any kind of dimensions on the drawing. However, it is used by builders, developers, and designers as a means of show- casing the project. Typically perspective draw- ings are used in sales and marketing materials FIGURE 1.12 [CHAPTER 1 CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS: AN OVERVIEW 5 FIGURE 1.11 Rectangular block drawn in perspective VANISHING such as brochures, newspapers, and posters. The builders use this format because they want their potential clients to see the project in an attractive and realistic format Isometric Drawings Isometric drawings provide a three-dimensional look that allows the viewer to readily see the shape of the object. An advantage of isometric One-point perspective drawing used as a promotional rendering for sales and marketing of new homes, Tribute Homes, drawn by Cassidy & Co.6 UNDERSTANDING CONSTPUCTIN ORAWINGS FOR HOUSING AND SMAL BUILDINGS drawings over perspective drawings is that they can be drawn to scale, thus providing a means for adding dimensions. However, ifthe drawings are complex it will become difficult, if not impos- sible, to provide all the necessary information without excessively crowding the drawing. FIGURE 1.13, Isometric sketch displaying horizontal lines at 30-degree angle 90° ANGLE ‘30° ANGLE FIGURE 1.14 Isometric sketch of horizontal lines at 30 degrees: for a rectangle FIGURE 1.15 Isometric drawings are drawn with all hori- zontal lines drawn at a 30-degree angle to the horizontal, all vertical lines drawn vertical, and circles are represented by drawing an ellipse to provide a three-dimensional look to the drawing. Isometric drawings are used to provide a three-dimensional scale view of an object. Usually the objects do not require a great deal of expla: nation. In many cases site superintendents will quickly sketch an isometric drawing to convey information to a tradesperson or client regarding @ particular construction detail (for example, a framing detail or a cabinet detail). You will also find isometric drawings used in many textbooks ‘and magazines for the same purpose. FIGURE 1.16 Isometric sketch used to illustrate a cabinet detail Isometric sketch used to illustrate a framing detail for a two-stud comer / CORNER STUDS BOTTOM PLATE SUB-FLOOR FLOOR JOIST ‘SILL PLATE ue Drawings Similar to isometric drawings, oblique drawings provide a three-dimensional view that provides readers with three-dimensional (visual) informa- tion regarding the object while showing the object as a whole. Oblique drawings are rela- tively easy to draw. They are drawn with the face of the object in an orthographic view (straight on) while the side of the object is drawn out at an angle, generally 45 degrees. FIGURE 1.17 Oblique drawing of a rectangle or box FIGURE 1.18 Oblique drawing of a simple house “ ae \ aH i Oblique drawings are used effectively to dis- play mouldings or trim details. A client may look at a section view of a moulding but may not be able to visualize it because it is not being viewed as three-dimensional. However, adding a few lines going out at 45 degrees from the sectional drawing can suddenly clarify the image, pro- viding a three-dimensional representation of the object. FIGURE 1.19 Single orthographic view of a moulding (CHAPTER 1 CONSTRUCTION ORAWNGS AW OVERVEW 7 FIGURE 1.20 Oblique view of same moulding; notice how much ‘easier itis to visualize the trim Manufacturers may use this technique to help sell their products, and designers, site supervi sors, project managers, contractors, and trades- people may use it to help their clients or others working on the project visualize an element. Orthographic Drawings Orthographic drawings are the drawings most commonly used in construction. These drawings provide a single straight-on view of the object. The best way to visualize how orthographic drawings are drawn is to imagine that the object is ina glass box and that each face of the object is projected directly outward to the glass surface. ‘Advantages of using orthographic drawings: Provide straight-on view of the surface being studied. Readers therefore know exactly what they are looking at without extraneous explanation. + Can be drawn accurately to scale, which makes it easy to add dimensions to the drawing while keeping everything in the proper proportion. + There is room to provide more detailed infor- mation about the object (for example, mate- rial used, joist sizes, beam sizes, door types, location of walls, etc.). Orthographic draw- ings are effective for all types of views including elevations, plans, sections, and details. + Help readers focus on the different surfaces being looked at, one surface at a time. Readers also become accustomed to refer: ring to specific drawings for the required information. + The best method using drawings for each view that communicates all of the graphical information required to build. All the infor- mation required to lay out and construct the building can be inserted into the appropriate orthographic drawing.8 UNDERSTANDING CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS FOR HOUSING AND SMALL BULOINGS FIGURE 1.21 ‘Simple house enclosed in a glass box; method of orthographie projection Disadvantages of using orthographic drawings: + By looking at one surface straight on, readers cannot distinguish depth (for example, is the garage connected to the house set back from the house or is it jutting forward from the house?). Readers cannot tell for sure by looking at just one orthographic drawing. + In order for readers to fully comprehend the object, they must flip through the various types of orthographic drawings and form a three-dimensional view of the object in their mind. For the purposes of this text we will refer to this as visualization. The ability of readers to visualize the building or object in their mind is a key principle in successfully interpreting construction draw- ings. And, whether you are a tradesperson, site supervisor, or project manager—or working in any facet of the construction industry—being able to visualize is an essential skill that will facil- itate your success in this business. Developing the ability to visualize three-dimensional objects from single-plane objects does take time; never- theless, with some practice you will develop this important skill. FIGURE 1.22 (CHAPTER CONSTRUCTION ORAWINGS: AN OVERVIEW 2 Orthographic drawing of front elevation of a house compared with isometric drawing of same house TOP (PLAN) VIEW FRONT VIEW (ELEVATION) Types of Orthographic Drawings A set of residential construction drawings will usually comprise the following orthographic drawings: + Site plan or plot plan: A bird's-eye view of the property with the building located on it. The site plan will show building setbacks and elevations; it may show existing and future grades, as well as the location of utilities and services (refer to Chapter 5 for more detail) + Foundation plan: A cross-sectional view dis- playing the required information to lay out and construct the foundation. The founda: tion drawing indicates locations of beams, columns, foundation walls, windows, stairs, footings, directions of joists etc. (refer to Chapter 6 for more detail). + First-floor plan: A cross-sectional view dis- playing the required information to lay out and construct the first floor of the building. RIGHT SIDE View (ELEVATION) Similar to the foundation plan, the first-floor plan displays exterior walls, windows, stairs, kitchen layout, window and door local bathroom layout (if applicable), information about the ceiling joists or basic roof truss information, etc., depending on whether or not there is a second floor (refer to Chapter 3 for more detail) + Second-fioor plan (if applicable): A cross- sectional view displaying the required infor. mation to lay out and construct the second floor of the building. The second-floor plan ilar to the above plans, and displays infor- mation about the ceiling joists or basic roof truss information, depending on whether or not there is a third floor, in which case it would provide the joist information for the third floor (refer to Chapter 3 for more detail) + Roofplan: This drawing details the major inter- sections of the roof, indicating the locations10 —_unnensTanonNe consTRUCTIN DRAWINGS FOR HOUSING AND SMALL BUILDINGS of the hips and valleys, and direction of slope. If the roof is complicated, this plan may also detail the location of all rafters. Separate, more detailed roof plans are pro- vided by roof truss manufacturers (refer to Chapters 3 and 9 for more detail). + Four elevation drawings (front, left, rear, and right sides): These drawings provide infor- mation regarding the exterior finishes, and elevations of walls, floors, doors, and win- dows (refer to Chapter 3 for more detail) + Detail drawings: These drawings provide more detailed information on any compo- nents within the structure that cannot be fully explained or illustrated on the main drawings. For example, the specific requirements of a beam, column, and joist intersection may not be fully understandable from a floor plan, so a detail drawing will be drawn at a larger scale to provide more information so the contractor can construct it as it was designed (refer to Chapter 4 for more detail. + Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical draw- ings: These drawings may be done sepa- rately or may be included in the above floor plans. These drawings provide the informa- tion required by the electrical, plumbing, and FIGURE 1.23 heating ventilation and air conditioning con- tractors (HVAC) (refer to Chapter 12 for more dota KEY TERMS Defi sary at the end of the text. National Building Code of Canada (NBC) (p. 1) ICI (p.2) Highest and best use (p. 3) Tender (p. 3) CAD (p. 3) Plotter (p. 4) Architectural rendering (p. 4) Perspective drawings (p. 4) Scale (p. 4) Isometric drawings (p. 5) Oblique drawings (p. 7) Orthographic drawings (p. 7) Visualization (p. 8) Example of orthographic projection based on the isometric drawing top right. Notice the orientation of the front, top, and right side views, similar to unfolding a box. ‘TOP (PLAN) VIEW FRONT VIEW RIGHT SIDE VIEW CHAPTER 1 ASSIGNMENT: ORTHOGRAPHIC VIEWS This assignment will help you understand how a designer takes a three-dimensional object and draws it in orthographic views. You will quickly see that one orthographic view provides limited information about the object but multiple views provide all the necessary information. From the isometric drawings shown, draw a front view, top view, and right side view. Each cube represents one square on the grid paper; ensure that you orient your views similar to the example provided in Figure 1.23. The front view CHAPTER 1 CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS: AN OVERVIEW W is located in the bottom left corner, the top view is located in line and directly above the front view, while the right side view is located in line to the right of the front view. The dashed lines represent the grid squares only, and do not need to be darkened or repro: duced, with the exception of the heavy dashed line shown in the right side view. This line is called a hidden line and represents an object line that is hidden below or behind the surface; in this case it represents the indentation that runs. from front to back at the rear of the object. You will find hidden lines used extensively in con: struction drawings.13 est Ee ee eee eo tat mt Pee ee Oh | ast I eee ee Mwy eae beta ae asta ao ai (CHAPTER CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS: AN OVERVIEW UNDERSTANDING CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS FOR HOUSING AND SMALL BULDINGS 12 FRONT.14 UNDERSTANDING CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS FOR HOUSING AND SMALL BULDINGS CHAPTER 1 QUIZ REVIEW: CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND DRAWING TYPES ue Identify the letter that best completes the state- ‘ment or answers the question. 1. Oblique drawings provide the most realistic, view of an object. a. True b. False 2. Drawings that have their lines drawn to a vanishing point are known as drawings. a. Isometric b. Perspective cc. Oblique d. Orthographic 3 drawings are drawn with the object's horizontal lines at 30 degrees, and the object's vertical lines vertical a. Perspective b. Oblique c. Isometric d. Orthographic 4, An orthographic drawing is drawn with 10. a. All horizontal lines at 30 degrees b. Lines that go to a vanishing point The front of the object horizontal and the sides of the object moving to the rear at a 45-degree angle d. Views that may include a front, top, left, right, and rear view 1. 5. With regard to construction, ICI stands for a. Improved concrete insulation b. Industrial, commercial, institutional con struction sectors ¢. Independent construction institute oe d. None of the above 6. The term “blueprint” may be used to describe ‘a. The original method used for reproduc- ing construction drawings b. The construction drawings that have a blue background with white lines 1B. By some people, construction drawings printed, plotted, or copied for use today d. Allof the above What construction sector could include work in all the other sectors including the institutional, commercial, industrial, and residential sectors? a, Restoration b. Renovation c. Industrial d. Both a and b Today, most construction drawings are done by hand. a. True b. False A very popular shest size for residential drawings used by production builders is aA b B ae dF Accurate and detailed construction draw- ings are important to the construction process because a. They provide the required information necessary to build. b. They provide the information required to receive a building permit. They ensure that the contractors bid: ding on the project are all bidding on the same thing, d. Allof the above are correct. Producing original CAD drawings is called Printing Copying Plotting Diazo process ‘onstruction drawings are typically drawn by a. Architectural technolo b. Architects ©. Engineers d. All of the above Asite plan provides geece ‘@. Detailed information about the roof of the building b. Information about the exterior finishes. and window locations c. Information about the setbacks for the house, grading, and elevation heights d. None of the above 14, An elevation construction drawing is a(n) type of drawing. a. Perspective b. Orthographic ‘CHAPTER 1 CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS: AN OVERVIEW 15 Oblique d. Isometric 15. Ain) provides informa- tion regarding the exterior finishes and the elevations of floors, doors, and windows. a. Site plan b. Roof plan c. Floor plan d. Elevation drawing