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Useful advice when it comes to architectural and construction drawings

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Useful advice when it comes to architectural and construction drawings

When it comes to architecture, ideas must be communicated in a visual manner and the most efficient way for idea expression is illustrating it through architectural drawings. However, several new architectural students who are newcomers to the universe of architecture lack the natural ability to produce these drawings. It is quite easy to get disheartened when you create a few rubbish drawings, that might be out of proportion and perhaps look a bit weird. Not to worry, it actually takes some time to find your groove.

The central purpose of construction drawings, which are also known as blueprints, plans or working drawings, is simply to show what is going to be built, while all the specifications describe other aspects such as the installation techniques, quality standards and materials. You can check out some construction drawings online to get a better idea of the differences between construction plans, blueprints and other similar documents.

Most designers include construction information in their drawings while they use the specifications to elaborate on techniques, standards to be met as well as materials. Other professionals pack their sketches and drawings with written notes and brief explanations that cover most of the issues usually contained in the specifications. At times, you can even find the same details in both places. In case there is a conflict between the drawing and the specifications, the specs typically override the plans.

 

WHAT ARE THE FLOOR PLANS?

A floor plan is a type of plan that provides views looking straight down at the floor, showing accurately dimensioned closets, kitchens, baths and other spaces, as well as the locations of windows, stairs, doors and other elements.

 

SCALE DRAWINGS

Pretty much all drawings are drawn to scale. The large blueprints utilised on job sites are usually drawn at a scale of ¼” per foot. However, drawings of the whole building may be at a different scale. A special architectural scale ruler makes it easier to read dimensions on architectural drawings.

 

ARCHITECTURAL SYMBOLS

Over the years, a set of architectural symbols has been developed for architectural and construction drawings so that anyone in the industry and familiar with the building trades will understand their meaning. Different designers have minor variations in their style of drawing, but generally their meaning is clear to any professional who is familiar with architectural and construction drawings.

When a designer looks at a set of drawings, every arrow, squiggle, line and symbol has a specific significance. Together they provide a guide to how the building or structure goes together and what it will eventually look like.

 

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS?

Recording architectural drawings is the responsibility of the contractor during the whole construction process. Field crews will collect data as job progresses capturing all modifications during construction. It is important to set a part of your budget to finalise the process but following the below tips can save you some money and increase your efficiency.

 

SOME USEFUL TIPS

The drawing tips underneath these lines will help you to overcome some of the main challenges when it comes to architectural drawings.

  • Do not expect that the designer or architect will stamp and sign your drawings. Architects are not ultimately responsible for changes during the entire installation process or field directives.
  • Do not use words such as equivalent or similar, and replace them with the right words and detailed information that is part of the equipment installed in the project.
  • In case you need to draw and add design information, it is advisable to use the same scale in your drawing as the original design drawing scale.
  • Do not remove original measurements or dimensions. Architectural drawings should include revised dimensions by crossing out with an “X” to overwrite the original dimension. Write down the new value and then encompass it with a cloud to demonstrate the change.
  • If your contract allows you to do so, add fabrication, installation, as well as shop drawing information to the drawing.
  • All new material and equipment utilised needs to contain location specification, material type as well as other relevant details.
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