Carpentry & Building Construction

Chapter 2: Building Codes & Planning

Chapter Summaries

Section 2.1 Codes & Zoning
Building codes establish minimum standards of quality and safety in housing. A building department can develop its own codes or adopt model codes developed elsewhere. Financing can be obtained in the form of a construction loan and a mortgage.

Section 2.2 Architectural Drawing
Construction plans consist of drawings of each part of the structure as well as its measurements. Objects on plans are generally drawn to scale with an architect's scale. The elements of a drawing include lines, dimensions, symbols, and notes. Computer-aided drafting and design enables architects to create plans and other drawings electronically.

Section 2.3 Reading Architectural Plans
Plan views include site plans, foundation plans, floor plans, framing plans, electrical plans, and mechanical plans. Elevations, section views, schedules, engineering plans, and specifications give information that may not appear in plan views. Renderings show the finished building.

Section 2.4 Estimating & Scheduling
Accurate estimates of materials and costs help builders ensure a profit. Types of estimates include the pre-design estimate, the quantity take-off, and the unit-cost estimate. A schedule enables the builder or contractor to keep track of the materials and activities needed for a project.