General notes for architectural construction drawings

Is code for architectural drawings. List of architectural construction drawings. General notes for architectural construction drawings pdf. What are construction drawings. What is included in architectural
drawings.

Construction documents are the main deliverable produced by architects. They are drawings that show the contractor what to build and how to do it. Construction documents even have their own phase of an architecture project. This guide provides a basic introduction on how to read construction documents. Every sheet in a set of construction
documents has a title block. The title block is a border on the sheet that contains project information and provides basic sheet organization. Most title blocks incorporate a grid using numbers and letters along the sides that are used to reference where a drawing is on a sheet. Architecture drawings are big (24” x 36”) and sheets can contain many
drawings. All the information in a title block is along the right hand side because construction documents are bound along the left side and this allows one to flip through drawings easily. The project team is listed at the top of the sheet - this is where all the contact information for the various engineers and consultants on a project is listed. Further
down on the sheet is the project information. This will include a name and address for the project as well as the revision information. Construction documents are often changed throughout the project and drawings are updated and issued multiple times. This is where the drawing version and date are indicated. Changes to the drawings are indicated
with revision clouds which surround the changes and note the revision number when the change occurred. The bottom of the title block contains the sheet information. This is where one can find the sheet title and number. There are a lot of symbols used in construction documents that can be intimidating for those unfamiliar with them. There are
different symbols for different disciplines but there (should) always be a symbol legend associated with a drawing.
Our office usually puts a generic symbol on the title sheet and then more specific legends on the applicable drawings. A lot of information is contained in a single symbol. For example, the section symbol indicates the sheet the section drawing is on, “A101,” and the grid location of the section drawing on that sheet, “1”. Floor PlanThe floor plan is the
most ubiquitous and important drawing in a construction document set. This is a top down view of the space. Dimensions are given for all the built elements, wall/door/window types are indicated, and notes are called out on floor plans.
Reflected Ceiling PlanReflected ceiling plans - often abbreviated RCP - is just a floor plan that looks up instead of down. This is where all the ceiling elements - lights, ceiling types, HVAC diffusers - are shown. Wall SectionsWall sections are where the drawings begin to get more detailed. Plans are general drawings and are usually at a smaller scale to
show the overall project. There’s only so much information that can be conveyed through plans. Wall sections show a cut through a wall to indicated how the wall should be constructed. Wall sections often include call out symbols which lead to an even more detailed drawing of a certain element. Interior ElevationsInterior elevations are a great way
for architects to indicate the design intent for a space. These drawings are straight on views that face different directions. Elevations show the project as a person in the space would see it. SchedulesSchedules are hugely important to a set of construction documents. We place the schedule sheet at the end of the architectural drawings. They include
more information about various design [Link] typical schedules:Door schedule - This gives each door a number and includes information such as size, material, and [Link] schedule - This schedule gives each material used an abbreviation and lists information like a description, manufacturer, and model [Link] schedule -
This could include any specialized equipment a project may call for or items like refrigerators and televisions. Are you a skilled tradesman? Maybe you are a general contractor or you work in the construction industry. Either way, knowing how to read construction plans is a critical skill. Learning how to read construction plans is an essential skill for
building a career as a construction worker. Construction drawings vary from simple to very complex, so understanding how to interpret the drawings is crucial for completing the project efficiently and accurately. The ability to read construction plans will not only increase your value to your current employer but is a staple to anyone serious about
advancing their career as a professional contractor. In our beginner’s guide on how to read construction plans we will cover the basics of what plans are, what sort of information they contain, and how to interpret that information. Construction plans (blueprints) are 2-dimensional architectural drawings that explain the details of a project. They
provide a unique visual representation of what exactly needs to be built. Information such as dimensions, parts, placement, and materials for each project can all be found in construction drawings to assure the project is completed correctly. Aside from the apparent specs and dimensions, construction plans also help communicate what the project is
about. They provide construction workers with other important information for the project including building codes, installation techniques, measurements, and quality standards. Depending on the size and complexity of a project, some construction plans will require to be printed on oversized sheets while others may fit in the confines of a notebook.
With the continued advancement of technology throughout the construction industry, digital plans are becoming increasingly popular due to ease of making edits and sharing plans among construction team members. Regardless of how the plans are presented, the importance of understanding construction drawings remains a top priority.
Construction plans and specifications are the primary method that the design community communicates project needs to construction and specialty contractors. This course provides a firm foundation of skills for those who are required to be able to read construction prints and specifications. From residential construction jobs to large commercial
projects, construction plans are required to estimate your costs for materials and labor, obtain your permits, establish a construction schedule, and complete the project in a timely manner. Every project is unique, therefore how you interpret the information is critical. It is a lot like having your own language as a construction worker. You need to
understand everything on the construction plan (blueprint) to complete the project under budget and ahead of schedule. When learning how to read construction plans, it is essential to understand what is contained within typical construction plans. Most include a cover page, time block, key notes, general notes, revision block, drawing scale and a
legend. It is crucial that you read everything and understand it before you estimate or start the construction project! This page usually contains a drawing of the actual project.

It also includes the title block, revision block, notes, drawing scale and the legend. Each plan contains a “title block.” The title block often appears at the beginning of a set of construction plans. If you are involved in any type of construction work, you will want to make sure to read it thoroughly and understand it before starting the project! The
shape, size, and placement of the title block can vary. This area of the sheet contains important information about the project as well as the company, typically a professional design firm, that created it. You will see things like copyright information, revision date, plan number, creation date, scale of the drawing, and sheet number. The title block’s
first section lists the blueprint’s name, number, and address as well as the location, site, or vendor. If the drawing is part of a set, that information will also be included.
This allows for easy filing and organization. Every block or cell contains an important piece of data. If there is a blank in the title block, the drawing is not ready for release. The authority (checker or engineer) will not sign it if there is missing information. The second section of the title block contains routine information. Approval dates and
signatures are located here. Should you need more information regarding a project’s construction plans, this information should include contact information for further discussion. The final section of the title block is the list of references. This section lists all other drawings that are related to the building, system, component, as well as all
construction plans (blueprints) that were used as a reference or to inspire the project. Any time there is change to a building, system, or component, the drawing must be redrafted. Those changes are listed in the Revision Block – usually with a date as well. Construction plans (blueprints) are scaled down representations of the final project at a ratio
of the actual size. For example, 1/8″ = 1′ (one eighth inch equals one foot). When construction plans are scaled, it helps to put the part into a print size drawing that is easily read by the crew. The notes will reveal any specifications, details, or information the designer (engineer) thinks may help you understand the drawing. Some notes may even
include information as to when the project start time is, for example, “Do not begin work until 7 am.” Information like this can be beneficial to the crew and might even be a requirement of the municipality in which the work is taking place. General notes eliminate the use of lengthy written explanations. It is a note that provides technical information
that will apply to the entire drawing. When learning how to read construction plans, one of the most important components is the legend. The legend is used to define the symbols used in the construction plans (blueprint). In some cases, similar symbols can have different meanings depending on the line of work being performed. Your company might
also have their own symbols for certain items. The important thing is that you understand the meaning of the symbols regarding the plans you are reviewing. In addition to the above mentioned, construction plans are also often composed of industry-specific symbols. Be sure you understand what those symbols represent by reviewing the legend for
the drawing that you’re working with.

A roofing project, for example, will have symbols for items located on a roof such as HVAC units or skylights, while an electrical plan will have symbols for outlets and conduits. In conclusion, if you are in the construction industry, knowing how to read construction plans is an absolute must to do your job!