Layout of Construction Drawings 115
on computers. One reason is that CAD software is faster and results in greater drawing accuracy, con-
sistency, correctability, and easier storage.
Construction drawings are considered to be legal documents, and everyone involved in the project—
owner, architect/engineer, and general contractor—all use these drawings as their source of informa-
tion. But in order to produce a comprehensive set of construction drawings, knowledge of design and
building methods are necessary.
The types of drawings discussed in this chapter are essentially construction drawings, including ar-
chitectural drawings, structural drawings, mechanical drawings, electrical diagrams, details, and shop
drawings. Construction drawing is any drawing that furnishes the information required by the craftspeo-
ple to rough in equipment or erect a structure.
Cover Sheet.
The first sheet in a set of working drawings is the cover sheet (Figure 6.2). This sheet is important be-
cause it lists the drawings that comprise the set (a drawing index) in the order that they appear. It nor-
mally lists the specific requirements of the building code having jurisdiction over the design of the proj-
ect. A cover sheet should also list the project name and location, building permit information, key plan,
and general notes. Names and contact information of all consultants should also be included. Other im-
portant information required includes the total square footage of the structure, the use group the struc-
ture will fall under, and the type of construction. Another important element on the cover sheet is the list
of abbreviations or graphic symbols used in the set. Usually there is a section that contains general notes
for the contractor, such as “Do not scale” or “All dimensions to be verified on site.”
With larger projects, a second cover sheet is sometimes included that includes information not
shown on the main cover sheet. Likewise, a location map is sometimes included to locate the project site
in relation to nearby towns or highways.
Information presented in a set of working drawings, along with the specifications, should be com-
plete so the craftspeople who use them will require no further information. Working drawings show the
size, quantity, location, and relationship of the building parts. Generally, working drawings may be di-
vided into three main categories: architectural, mechanical, and electrical. Regardless of the category,
working drawings serve several functions.
They provide a basis for making material, labor, and equipment estimates before construction starts.
They give instructions for construction, showing the sites and locations of the various parts. They pro-
vide a means of coordination between the different ratings. They complement the specifications; one
source of information is incomplete without the other when drawings are used for construction work.
6.2 CIVIL DRAWINGS.
The most obvious difference between civil and architectural drawings is the use of the engineer’s scale.
Like architectural drawings, civil drawings include symbols and graphics that convey intent with a mini-
mum of words. Some of the symbols and graphics are unique to site plans, and others are very similar
to those used on architectural plans. Some civil drawings offer a legend to decipher the symbols and
graphics on a specific set of drawings. Site plans often contain several sheets, depending on the size
and complexity of the project. They are usually numbered starting with a “C,” such as sheet C-1, C-2,
and so on. The term “site” is synonymous with plot or lot.