How can you read a construction drawing to understand the scope of work?

1 Types of drawings

Construction drawings are composed of several types of drawings, each serving a different purpose and showing different aspects of the project. Site plans illustrate the location, orientation, and boundaries of the project site, as well as existing and proposed features, utilities, roads, and landscaping. Architectural drawings present the layout, appearance, and function of the building, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and details. Structural drawings display the structural elements and connections of the building - foundations, columns, beams, slabs, and frames. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) drawings demonstrate the systems and components that provide heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, power, water, drainage, and fire protection for the building. Finally finishing drawings show the materials, colors, textures, and patterns of the interior and exterior surfaces of the building - walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and fixtures.

2 Symbols and codes

Construction drawings use various symbols and codes to represent the objects, materials, dimensions, and specifications of the project. Graphic symbols, such as simple shapes or icons, indicate the type, location, or direction of an element. Alphanumeric codes identify or classify elements like A for architectural or S for structural. Dimension lines with arrows and numbers show measurements and distances. Annotation notes provide additional information or instructions for an element. Lastly, keynotes are numbers or letters that refer to a legend or table that lists details or specifications of an element. All these symbols and codes are indispensable for understanding the scope of a construction project.

3 Scales and views

Construction drawings use different scales and views to show the project in various levels of detail and perspective. For example, the scale is the ratio between the size of an element on the drawing and its actual size in reality, such as 1:100 or 1/8" = 1'. This helps with estimating the dimensions and proportions of the project. Additionally, there is the view, which is the angle or direction from which an element is seen on the drawing, such as plan, elevation, section, or detail. This helps to visualize the shape and appearance of the project. Lastly, there is the title block, which is the area on the bottom or right side of the drawing that shows information such as name, number, date, revision, scale, view of the drawing, as well as project and client information.