Hi
I am looking at a variety of plans off the internet as well as some scans of a friend’s place built a few years ago. I would assume the dimensions are to face of stud but only one drawing has a note explicitly stating that. Other plans off the internet sure look like finish (ie face of drywall).
Stud/framing would make more sense for layout. Is that the norm?
(Outside overall dimensions to siding trim?)
Thanks
John
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Replies
John
Many detailed plans I have worked off of show wall thickness (4-1/2"), which in that case would be finish. If none is shown you could add the interior dimensions across the wall, subbing the rough or finish wall thickness at each intersection........match up one of those numbers with the total outside-outside dimension. I've learned long ago there's no "usual" in most anything we do.
I don't think there is a "norm".
I've seen lots of plans drawn to stud dimensions. But others use finished dimensions, or draw all walls as 4" thick. (Maybe they think a 2x4 is actually 4" wide?)
So ya gotta take them on a case by case basis.
It should be noted on a properly done set of plans.
I set up mine to dimension to side of stud. Some prefer to center of wall for imnterior walls. When plans are drawn by an int designer, thjey are invariably to finished surface. Some cheap CAD programs id a wall as 4" regardless of whether it is framed with 2x4 studs, or 2x6, and whether it is 1/2" SR, 5/8" SR, or 3/4" pine boards.
Plans that do not make it clear are nearly worthless
yes, it should be noted!
Thanks for all your input. Clearly it depends on the originator and the intent of the drawings.
Seeing as there is not much of a standard out there, for my plans I will use face of stud/edge of slab. That just makes more sense that remembering to back out the drywall etc during layout. (For the building department I'll show the finish room dimensions in brackets under the room description).
John
dimensioning plans
I don't know if I have been doing it right but I have been doing it for over 35 years. Dimensioning plans that is.
Like Piffin, I like to dimension from one side of the wall or partition. This makes it easier to add up a string of numbers by eliminating the fractions for the most part. If a wall or partition is other than a 2x4 (3&1/2") I will note/show it. When possible, I will always dimension a room from inside to inside or outside to outside. This way the inside dimension of the room will be a whole number.
Also, unless the Arch/Designer clearly notes what exactly the thickness of each finish on each side of every wall/partition is, there is no way to know what the framing dimensions are. IMHO, it would be a nightmare to layout.
I try to make it as easy and simple for the guy laying it out. It is much easier for me in the comfort of my warm office to figure all of this stuff out than the guy out on a foundation in zero weather. Been there and done that.
All that and all that experience ... and I still don't know which way you do it. Face of framing or finished surface? Make it easy for us ... tell us which way you prefer.
Dimensioning
I thought I made it clear that dimensions should be framing dimensions. NOT finsh.
Sorry. I certainly didn't mean to offend anyone.
No offense taken. Just needed clarity since the question was basically 'face of framing' or 'face of finish'.
Mostly I was 'raised' to mark things "FOF" ... addressed easily with a single prominent note. Those doing finish work could care less what the dimensions of the room are, really ... they will finish to the studs/framing and measure things like trim as they go. I agree, framing dimensions are the most important dimension to provide. Finish contractors will get enough info from that to generall estimate their work and order materials.
dimensioning
Does FOF mean face of framing or face of finish? :)
Sorry, I just couldn't resist.
It should be noted that "plans on the internet" are not construction plans, but "conceptual" plans. You're not going to build a house from the plans (unless you purchase a set of plans, and even then many people would adjust some of the dimensions). For "conceptual" purposes, it doesn't really matter much where the dimensions reference -- a room that's actually 1" narrower than on the drawing because of drywall isn't going to make or break your decision to use the plans in most cases.
(But when I sketch framing plans I generally dimension from the inside of the studs on outside walls, and to the centerline of the studs on interior walls.)
not just "internet" plans...
I have a copy of the plans for my friend's house and its totally ambiguous.
John
dimensions to stud or finish
I usually son't care aboutmaking a contractor's life easier - it's never a reciprocal effort. I care about dimensioning required clearances (open space or remaining space) to comply with building code requirements and size requirements for equipment etc. When dimensioning millwork eg. kitch counters do you dimension from counter-tops or gables to stud or drywall? DO you ask the contractor to remove the drywall so he can dimension from stud to counter-top so you have required space to open a dishwasher door and load the unit??
What you do is specify on the plans what you have assumed.
Architecturally Speaking..............
cadwiz2000 wrote:
I usually son't care aboutmaking a contractor's life easier - it's never a reciprocal effort. I care about dimensioning required clearances (open space or remaining space) to comply with building code requirements and size requirements for equipment etc. When dimensioning millwork eg. kitch counters do you dimension from counter-tops or gables to stud or drywall? DO you ask the contractor to remove the drywall so he can dimension from stud to counter-top so you have required space to open a dishwasher door and load the unit??
No, you wait to order the kitchen cabs after the framing is done and then once the cabs are set-you have them template the countertop.
You never build the house around the kitchen cabs.
no?
A drawing is as much about the end use than it is about how to frame something. We have to show everything, not just the wood pieces.
In a way, building the house around the kitchen cabinets is precisely what we do.
Plans
A drawing is as much about the end use than it is about how to frame something. We have to show everything, not just the wood pieces.
In a way, building the house around the kitchen cabinets is precisely what we do.
Model
In a way, building the house around the kitchen cabinets is precisely what we do.
Which "way" would it be?