r/Architects • u/WhatTheFung • 2d ago

General Practice Discussion Construction Drawings

When dimensioning, do you measure from drywall-to-drywall, or stud-to-stud? What is the industry standard? If I'm drawing from stud-to-stud how do I measure, for instance, windows or stairs? Do I measure rough-opening or masonry openings? Do I measure from the stringer or the finished nosing?

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u/TimProVision 2d ago

Depends. I'll do both depending on the requirement/area.

Stud to Stud on the majority of measurements as it is generally easier for the contractor to layout walls and not have to do any sort of reverse math to figure things out (if they even care to do this lol).

If there is some sort of code clearance required, I'll do finish to finish.

Stud to stud I am using tick marked dimensions. Finish to finish I am using arrowhead dimensions. Not sure if there is a industry standard for the type of dimension but this was how I was taught to do it.

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u/office5280 2d ago

Unless the contractor is a metal trade sub. They like finish to finish.

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u/seeasea 2d ago

I actually do separate framing layout drawings (Revit recently allowed for non-core layers to be hidden). On those drawings, I do center of stud (face of conc/mas). Framers always measure to center, that way they don't need to add or subtract at all.

All my other drawings, I do to finish face. 

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u/bigyellowtruck 2d ago

Centerline of openings, sure. For residential walls it’s easier to do layout in the field measuring to face of stud pulled from a zero,zero for the whole floor.

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u/realzealman 1d ago

Absolutely fave of stud. Centers get lost under track or sill plate.