How To Read Construction Drawings
A Complete Guide on How To Read Construction Drawings
Reading construction drawings can be overwhelming at first, especially if you’re new to the field. But fear not, with a little guidance you’ll be able to read blueprints and construction drawings like a pro in no time.
In this article, we will talk about what is usually found in architectural drawings and the various types of construction drawings you might encounter on a residential or commercial building project.
Before you dive into each sheet and drawing, take a minute and consider these tips to orientate yourself with the drawings.
Blueprint reading is a whole different language and it takes a while to become proficient at reading and interpreting them quickly.
Know How To Read Blueprints – Construction Plan Tips
- Get your bearings
Just like the construction site itself, it’s important to know what you are looking for in a set of construction plans. The first thing you should do is get your bearings. To start, look for the title block. This is typically on the right or bottom of the sheet and contains important information about the project like the project name, the drawing number, and the date. This will help you keep track of which drawing you’re looking at and when it was created. You will also see a revision block and a site plan or key plan. This will help you quickly identify if you are looking at the most recent drawings and figure out where you are on large projects.
- Know your scales
Most construction blueprints (drawings) are drawn to scale, which means that the drawing is a proportionate representation of the actual building or structure. Make sure you know what scale you’re working with so you can accurately interpret measurements and dimensions. This can be especially helpful when you are working with a construction worker through an issue in the field.
- Follow the arrows
Arrows are your friends when it comes to construction drawings. They indicate the direction of movement, whether it’s the flow of water on mechanical plans or the direction of a door swing on the architectural plans, always pay attention to arrows and make sure you read and understand what they’re trying to tell you.
- Look for callouts
Callouts are notes on the drawing that provide additional information or clarify a detail. If there is too much information to convey on a floor plan or section, a call-out will be used to direct you to a location on the drawings where more information can be presented. They might point out a specific material or detail, or provide instructions for installation. Don’t skip over callouts – they can be crucial to understanding the design drawings.
- Master the symbols
Construction drawings are filled with symbols that represent different elements of the design. Some of these symbols are universal, like the circle with an X through it that represents a light fixture. Others may be specific to the project or the region. Make sure you understand the symbols used in the drawings you’re working with. There should be a symbols and abbreviation key in the drawing set near the front of the construction plans and specifications.
- Learn the language
In addition to symbols, construction drawings use a specialized language that may be unfamiliar to newcomers. For example, “soffit” refers to the underside of an overhang or eave (found on the roof plans), while “mullion” refers to the vertical or horizontal element that separates pieces of glass in a window or door (found in an exterior elevation drawing). Take the time to learn the terminology used in the drawings you’re working with. Keep in mind that some of the languages will show up on separate drawings depending on the building trades and specific construction elements.
- Keep an eye on details
The devil is in the details, as they say. When reading construction drawings, pay attention to the small details that might be easy to overlook. Is there a note about a particular material or finish? Is there a callout for a specific dimension or detail? These details can be crucial to understanding the design intent and project scope so be sure to read them.
Detail drawings are very specific technical drawings that show how the building will go together. The details are the most one of the most important part of the entire construction project, no matter if this set of blueprints is for a residential construction project or a large commercial project.
- Think in three dimensions
Construction drawings are two-dimensional representations of a three-dimensional structure. To fully understand the design, you need to be able to visualize the building in three dimensions. This can take practice, but it’s an essential skill for anyone working in the construction industry that is going to be reading a building plan.
Practice, practice, practice Developing the ability to read construction plans is a skill that takes time and practice to master. The more you work with drawings, the more comfortable you’ll become with the language, symbols, and terminology used in the industry. So don’t be discouraged if you don’t know how to read everything at first – keep practicing, and you’ll get there.
What Are The Parts of Construction Documents?
There are many pieces of construction documents. Whether you are reading plans of a commercial project or a residential building project, understanding the major parts of the documents are important to understand the project as a while.
The design process is lengthy and has many decisions and information that needs to be conveyed.
Below are a list of the main parts of a construction document.
The General Notes
General notes are typically the first thing you see when you read a blueprint. That being said, large construction plans also may have cover sheets that are at the front of bundled or digital plans. The general notes will explain pertinent information in the forthcoming sheets. Whether you are reading architectural, structural, or mechanical drawings, the general notes will explain typical construction requirements and may also explain what a symbol means.
The general notes will also specify typical materials, installation requirements, and list applicable codes and guidelines the information has been prepared and what a contractor is required to follow to construct the project.
There also might be notes on applicable safety codes and housekeeping requirements the contractor needs to consider to work on the project such as what the contractor is responsible for in the building process and what to expect for the finished building.
Keep in mind that contractors will also use general notes to understand the project and help them define the scope of their work.
If there are any nuanced aspects of the project. The general notes is a place to add them. (Its also a good idea to add notes throughout the project.)
A Set of Construction Plans – The Floor Plan
Floor plans are graphical representations of a building or a portion of a building, which shows the arrangement of rooms, walls, doors, and other elements. Floor plans are an essential tool used in architecture, construction, interior design, and real estate industries. They convey critical information about a building’s layout, functionality, and design.
- The overall view
Floor plans provide an overall view of the building’s layout. Construction plans are developed with high powered modeling software. Typically there will be one computer program where the entire set of drawings is created and kept. This helps keep everything in one place.
They show the position and shape of rooms, hallways, stairways, and other significant features like the overall construction site plan and layout of the building. Floor plans also illustrate the relationship between the various spaces in a building.
For example, they can show how the living room, dining room, and kitchen are connected to each other. This information can be helpful in determining how the space is used and how people move around the building.
- Room information
Secondly, floor plans provide information about the size and dimensions of rooms. They indicate the length and width of each room, as well as the distance between walls and the ceiling’s height. This information is important when designing the interior of a building, as it determines how much furniture can fit into a room and how much space is left for movement.
- Door & window information
Floor plans provide information about the location and size of windows and doors. They show the position of windows and doors and how they relate to the rest of the room. This information is critical for interior design purposes, as it determines the amount of natural light that enters a room and how people move through the building.
- Building structural information
A buildings structural engineering plans are also conveyed in the floor plan. They indicate the location of load-bearing walls, columns, and beams, which are critical for the building’s stability. This information is also important when designing the interior of a building, as it determines where walls can be removed or added.
- Mechanical & electrical and plumbing information
Floor plans also provide information about the building’s plumbing and electrical systems. They indicate the location of pipes, wiring, and other essential components that are necessary for the building’s functionality. This information is important for architects, engineers, and contractors, as it determines how these systems are installed and maintained.
The construction work of each mechanical and electrical trade must be carefully coordinated through both phases of design and construction. In fact this is one of the most crucial construction task a general contractor may deal with.
- Accessibility
Floor plans convey information about the building’s accessibility. They indicate the location of ramps, elevators, and other features that make the building accessible to people with disabilities. This information is critical for architects, designers, and builders, as it determines how the building can be designed to meet the needs of all users.
- Architectural style
Finally, floor plans provide information about the building’s design and style. They show the arrangement of decorative features, such as moldings, trim, and other decorative elements. This information is important for interior designers, as it determines how the space can be decorated and styled.
Reading Blueprints – Building Sections
Building sections are an essential part of any construction project, providing valuable information to architects, engineers, and contractors throughout the construction process. A building section is a vertical cut through a building that shows the internal details of the structure, including the layout of walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs.
- Visualizing the design
Building sections provide a visual representation of the building is supposed to look, helping stakeholders to visualize the structure in 3D. This enables architects and engineers to identify potential design flaws and make necessary changes before the construction process begins. It also allows contractors to clearly understand how the building is supposed to be constructed and can highlight complicated aspects of the building, making it easier to execute the construction process.
- Planning and construction
Building sections provide valuable information for planning the construction process, as they illustrate the location of key building components such as mechanical systems, plumbing, and electrical systems. Contractors can use this information to plan the routing of these systems, ensuring that they are properly integrated into the structure. This can prevent potential conflicts between different systems and make the construction process more efficient.
- Structural stability
Building sections are an important tool for ensuring the structural stability of a building. Structural drawings show building sections to illustrate the placement of structural elements such as beams, columns, and walls, building sections which allow engineers to ensure that the structure will be strong and stable. This is particularly important in high-rise buildings, where the weight and stresses placed on the structure can be significant.
- Accessibility
Building sections also provide information on the accessibility of a building, showing the placement of staircases, elevators, and other means of vertical transportation. This information is essential for ensuring that the building is accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. It also helps to ensure that the building is in compliance with building codes and regulations.
- Cost-effectiveness
Building sections can help to save money during the construction process by identifying potential cost savings. By providing a clear picture of the building design, building sections can help architects and engineers to identify areas where materials can be used more efficiently or where components can be standardized, reducing costs. They can also help contractors to identify potential construction conflicts before they occur, preventing costly rework.
- Communication
Building sections are an important tool for communication between different stakeholders in the construction process. By providing a clear picture of the building design, building sections can help to ensure that all parties involved in the construction process are on the same page. This can help to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts and make the construction process more efficient.
Enlarged Details
Construction details refer to the specific and precise information about the components, connections, and materials used in a building’s construction. These details are an essential part of any construction project as they provide instructions on how to construct a building correctly and ensure it is structurally sound, durable, and safe. The importance of construction details cannot be overstated, and this article explores some reasons why they are critical in the construction industry.
- Structural Connections
Construction details are essential for ensuring that a building is safe and secure. The details provide guidance on how to install and connect building components to ensure that they can withstand the forces of nature, such as wind, rain, and earthquakes. If the details are not followed correctly, the building could be at risk of collapsing, which could result in injury or loss of life. For example, improperly installed roof trusses or wall connections could result in the roof or walls collapsing, endangering the occupants.
- Architectural Sections
Construction details are critical for ensuring that a building is energy efficient. The details provide information on how to insulate a building, install efficient HVAC systems, and use sustainable materials. By following these details, builders can help reduce the building’s carbon footprint and ensure that it is more energy-efficient. Energy-efficient buildings not only benefit the environment, but they also save money on utility bills.
- Code Compliance
Construction details are critical for ensuring that a building meets local building codes and regulations. The details provide information on how to construct a building in compliance with local regulations, including fire codes, zoning laws, and accessibility requirements. Failure to follow these regulations could result in fines, delays in construction, or even legal action. By following the construction details, builders can ensure that the building is safe, legal, and compliant with all relevant regulations.
- Capture Design Scope
Details are essential for ensuring that a building meets the owner’s design requirements. The details provide information on how to install building components in a way that meets the owner’s aesthetic and functional requirements. By following the construction details, builders can ensure that the building meets the owner’s expectations and that they are satisfied with the final result.
How Do You Read Construction Drawings?
Now that we understand the parts of a construction document, lets make sure you understand how to read them. This step just takes practice and a little bit of imagination, but with time it can become second nature.
The Flow Of The Documents
A good set of drawings should almost read like a story. Each sheet and section builds on the last with more detailed information. As you progress through the documents, you should be peeling back the project layer by layer in an easy to understand way.
Part 1: The Floor Plan
The floor plan is where all large aspects of a project should be stated. Think of this as the 10,000 ft view. Not quite “high level” but detailed enough that a contractor will be able to build the main components of the project.
These floor plan drawings include the floor plan with room labels, general dimensions, and door and window information. A structural floor plan will include all the foundation or framing systems for the project as well as information on framing elevations and the locations of any special equipment.
Part 2: Elevations And Sections
The building elevations and sections will show the building as if you are looking through the building from the side. Different from the floor plan which is looking down, the sections and elevations are looking through the project from the side.
Elevations will show the exterior of the building denoting aesthetic features, windows, and other dimensional information to aid with achieving the look of the project.
Sections will be more detailed cuts through important spots of the building like the walls and ceiling elements. Sections allow the architect to detail how construction should be completed
A structural section might show how steel framing is integrated into the architectural design or
Part 3: Enlarged Details
Throughout the floor plans and sections, there will be notes directing you to details at the back of the set. These enlarged detail drawings help you “zoom” into a specific area and capture all the information needed to construct the specific area.
If done right, this will be the last piece of information the contractor will need.
Some Other Things To Consider on Construction Drawings
Stay Organized
There is a lot of information that goes into a set of construction documents. These complex projects require a lot of information to be included and documented. Keeping your documents organized requires setting up a system of where specific information is kept. Anywhere information starts to reference a particular aspect, references should be made to the specific location.
By doing this, you prevent showing confusing information and ensuring your information is included in the set.
Coordinate With Other Disciplines
You have probably seen plans say “see architectural” or “see structural” if you are going to add these notes to your set, make sure you specifically convey what information you are sending their way before the set goes out. Staying coordinated eliminates questions during construction.
The Wrap Up
Construction drawings are complex documents. Architects, designers, and engineers put a lot of time and effort into creating these documents. Construction documents are the most important tool for a designer, after all, they are the product that a firm creates and ultimately what they produce to get paid.
Knowing how to create and read construction plans is an important skill whether you are building a new house or multi-million dollar commercial project. This skill will help you understand what is being built, and confirm everything is included or being followed as the owner wants.
