Print Reading: How to Read Construction Drawings for Residential Additions

Introduction

• Lecturer: Tom Stevenson, Professor of Construction Management
• Focus: Understanding construction drawings for residential additions
• Relevant for: Renovation & remodeling sectors
• Example drawings: TACBOC (Toronto Area Chief Building Officials Committee)
• Previous video topics: Floor plans, site plans, elevations
• Other available topics: Project management, planning & scheduling, MS Project, construction business management

Site Plan

• Shows the building lot and existing house
• Proposed Additions:
  • One-story addition
  • Proposed deck
  • Compass orientation (North)
  • Property setbacks
• Review Process:
  • Conceptualize new drawings quickly
  • Check parameters and their correspondence to the actual site
  • Use Google Maps for site visualization if not on site
  • Assess access for construction machinery (excavators, mini-excavators)
• Zoning Information:
  • Constraints (e.g. house distance from property line, coverage percentages)
  • City-specific restrictions and satisfaction of these requirements

Basement Plan / Foundation Plan

• New vs. Existing:
  • Hatching shows new additions
  • Existing parts have less detail
  • Detailed dimensions for additions
• Key Features:
  • New deck size and centerlines for support
  • Hexagons reference construction notes
  • Cutting plane lines show sections that will be detailed later
• Existing Feature Adjustments:
  • Removal of walls
  • Addition of elements like concrete floor slab, foundation walls, footing sizes

First Floor Plan

• New Construction Details:
  • Hatching for brick veneer (external) and insulation (internal)
  • Dimensions of addition and deck
• Features & Adjustments:
  • Masonry fireplace vs. modern inserts (gas, wood)
  • Cutting plane lines (A - A) indicating section details
  • Existing walls and windows to be removed for new space (e.g., kitchen to breakfast area)
  • Built-up wood beams for structural support
• Interior Adjustments:
  • Door schedules referenced
  • Relocation of attic access hatch from bathroom to another area
  • Direction of rafters and collar ties

Elevations & Sections

• Side & Roof Adjustments:
  • East and West Elevation details show brickwork and addition
  • Roof modifications to accommodate addition (hip roof)
  • Existing window adjustments and brick matches
  • Slopes (e.g., 1:2 ratio equivalent to 6:12 slope)
• Construction Tips:
  • Save bricks from demolished walls for better matches in new constructions
  • Utilize downspouts or other features to hide new brick joints
• Deck Details:
  • Saunas and deck foundation
• Section Detail (A - A):
  • Footings, weeping tiles, foundation wall details
  • Built-up wood beam installation
  • Ceiling height considerations [Flush or drop-down]

Construction Notes References

• Materials & Standards:
  • Brick veneer, airspace, framing details
  • Foundation wall and footing specifics
  • Ductwork considerations related to beams and bulkheads

Conclusion

• Get an overall understanding first before delving into details
• Look for potential issues (e.g., ductwork through beams)
• Plan approach to construction based on drawing review
• Key Points:
  • Hexagons for construction notes
  • Cutting plane lines for detailed views
  • Familiarize with site layout and spatial requirements

Final Remarks

• Stay tuned for more detailed follow-up content on specific elements
• Reminder: Subscribe for more educational content on construction drawings

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