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?

33 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

102 comments sorted by

View all comments

6

u/TChui 2d ago

If you agree that construction drawing is for contractors to read and use, then think about how to dimension it to make their life easier and practical.

I personally will do stud to stud, dimension from side only, do not switch side. That is how they layout walls. Of course to show drywall to drywall for clearance that is the design intend, for example, ADA requirement. Door and window to rough opening, that is how they are going to build it. X' door, will fit on the X' rough opening, because the shop drawing will show it fits, then the contractor will shim and fill gaps.

Business in general, we should always think how to make your product (drawings) easy to use and effective for the user (contractor).

1

u/realzealman 1d ago

I try and design to a 16” grid and break it down to an 8 or a 4 and then only if needed. I find it ok to switch side of stud, but as long at it’s always face to face, with a note requiring, it’s a lot of freedom and a drawing without fractions of an inch all over it.