Replies

1. 
   Mike_Smith | Mar 26, 2001 11:54pm | #1

   *
   if the windows are specified .. i usually use the center line and call out the R.O. ...so that if someone changes a window.. they can still know where the centerline was INTENDED to go.. to help stack their features....

   what ever clearly indicates the intent....

1. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Mar 27, 2001 12:49am | #2

   *Tim, around here, the windows are typically dimensioned to the centerlines of the exterior windows and doors. Normally, the interior doors are not dimensioned unless a special circumstance requires that they get special attention.I too have noticed weird dimensioning coming into existence. It's probably because the new-fangled computer programs like to do things their own way. I've drawn quite a few floorplans with two different programs (Punch! Super Home Suite, and 3D Home Architect) and I can't get the program to dimension things like I want them too. It drives me bananas!I much prefer the centerline method. Whatever you do, just do it consistently on each project. Nothing drives me nuttier than dimensions that change styles on one floor plan (like 3D and Punch!). I've made many mistakes when laying out these computer drawn houses because I'm pulling from the inside, instead of the outside or vice versa. For twenty five years, I always knew that the dimensions were from the inside...now I'm not sure!blue

1. 
   Tim_Ryan | Mar 27, 2001 01:17am | #3

   *blue ,Is it still correct to assume that carpenters still layout the windows and doors to the centerline? I have a GREAT program if you do plans on computer ,I use DATA-CAD the learning curve is about two-three weeks and the program is not that costly. I know it is widely used through-out boston . It is the best Architectural package available and dimensioning is a breeeze. I almost sound like commercial , anyway give it a try!! thanks Tim

1. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Mar 27, 2001 03:07am | #4

   *Tim, thanks for the tip about Data Cad. I'm not that interested in anything that has a three week learning curve. If drawing was my profession, I'd certainly be willing to invest that much time.And yes we layout the windows and doors to the centerline. Occasionally I may find a reason to deviate a window or two on a house but I always start with the centerlines. The interior doors are usually tucked tight to one wall or the other and in some cases centered in a hallway or wall. The only interior doors that are dimensioned are ones that might affect some furniture that the client is bringing. Often too, a figure might be shown in a dining room or something, but not too often.blue

1. 
   GeneDavis | Mar 27, 2001 11:19pm | #5

   *Since every window company has their own idea of rough opening and unit sizes, plans show "nominal" sizes and dimension to the centerline so one doesn't get misled if the owner insisted on Pella when you always like to use, say, Kolbe and Kolbe.

2. 
   Darrell_Hambley_PE | Mar 28, 2001 01:31am | #6

   *Tim,For the plans I've made for my own home I dimensioned to one edge of the windows and doors. A 4 ft shear wall gets to be exactly 4 ft. The program I use (Softplan) prints stud layouts anyhow so we didn't have to constanly design on the spot. I could easily place a window so that one edge lines up with the stud pattern. This way I didn't end up with a stud a few inches away from the RO on both sides. The framer helping me didn't mind one way or another...it's only 30 seconds of subtraction to lay it out if it's to centerline, so it was more like better for the designer, not the framer. DH

3. 
   DM_ | Mar 30, 2001 05:31am | #7

   *Tim,It would seem to me that dimension string means moredimensions than center lined, and if not a masonry construction it would not serve any purpose.

4. 
   WOOD_TICK | Mar 30, 2001 07:38pm | #8

   *If my world was a perfect world (HA!) I'd have center line dimensions with architects actually being conscious of interior trim details like a 3'6-3/8" wall butting into a masonry fireplace with a 2'8" window smashed in there with a 3-1/2" casing detail - ASSumed. Pardon me. I prefer having an R.O. list from the window supplier for openings because something always seems to change.

5. 
   d_j_k | Mar 31, 2001 05:49am | #9

   *Tim,I'd have to take exception to the statement thatDataCAD is.."It is the best Architectural package available" I had DataCAD several years ago , it was okay for ametuer use, but for serious home designing it had many shortcomings. I bought Softplan , it cost around 20 times more, but was worth every penny.I know DataCAD has improved a lot since then , but so has everyone else. As for dimensioning strings and windows , with Softplan you can select either the edge or centerline to be in the dimensioning string. I can also tell the program how to dimension the interior walls, face to face or Blue's preference centerline to centerline. I can tell it to pull the exterior studs in 1/2" , so as the sheathing is flush with the foundation , or not.You can customize the wall contents ..ex.siding3/8" air spacebuilding paper1/2" sheating2x6 studs w/insulationvapor barrier1/2" drywalland then you can tell it to dimension to anyone of those elements.I've seen Chief demos and I think it is also superiorto DataCAD.

6. 
   Mike_Smith | Mar 31, 2001 06:49am | #10

   *djk... yes chief will do all those things....you can change the dimension parameters on the fly also..

2. 
   Tim_Ryan | Mar 31, 2001 06:49am | #11

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   I have been working in Architectural offices for over 15yrs. on all types of projects , ranging from single family homes to Hotels. I have always been taught that when dimensioning floorplans for wood frame construction window and door openings should be dimensioned to the center line of the rough opening. I have recently seen a number of plans for wood frame construction where the rough opening is actually in the dimension string, I would imagine that this would make the layout of studs more difficult.
   My question to the framers and carpenters who do this every day is- which do you prefer?(I am partial do center line dimensions with the R.O. call out by the window or door).