IRC PUB

BUILDING DRAWINGS CEECKL~ST~AXCIIITECTURAL DRAWINGS

by
Charles S, Strelka

~NALYZED,

DrLvision of Building Research, national Research Council Canada

NRC

CISTI

BLDG. RES.
LIBRARY

1
Ottawa, August 1982

BUILDING DRAWINGS CHECKLIST:

ARCHITECTW DRAWINGS*

by
C.S.

Strelka

PREFACE

This drawing checklist provides architects with a convenient tool

for the f i n a l review of drawings prepared under t h e i r supervision,
Since this list is a general one, it cannot c l a i m to cover all the
special situations which can o.ccur in practice; nevertheless it s h w l d
prove helpful as a basic guide. Users o f this checklist are strongly
urged, before p u t t i n g it to use, to consult t h e Canadian National
Standard CAN 3-H 78.3-M77 Building Drawings (published by and available
from the Canadian Standards Association, 178 Rexdale Blvd., Rexdale,
Ontario) or the Manual on Metric B u i l d i n g Practice (published by and
a v a i l a b l e from the Division of Building Research, National Research
Council of Canada).

Part I of this checklist, which i& presented in narrative form,

serves as a remtnder of various items t o the person checking the
drawings. The matter of "crispness of drawing", for example, cannot be
overemphasized, particularly in plans drawn at 1:100 scale where
c o m p o s i t e wall canstructf,on is envisaged.
Part I1 presents, in tabulated form, a checklist sheet far every
sheet in a traditional set of working drawings. These tables can be
photocopied and attached to the appropriate drawfngs during the checking
stage.
Free space f s provided on most of the sheets f o r additional
items. Using the tables will thus simplify the process of reprinting
check sets and/or establishing permanent records of all verifications and
approvals. They can also supplement computer-aided design (CAD)
sof mare.

The architect must critically revfew h i s own work before releasing

it to a contractor f o r execution. It is his professional responsibility,
an obligation t o his c l i e n t and the key to a good business reputation.

The author wishes to thank Dr. Alan 3. Wilson, of the L i v e r p o o l

Folytechnfc, England, for h i s many u s e f u l suggestions on t h e preparation
of t h i s paper.

*The original title "BUILDINGS DRAWINGS CHECKLIST" has been changed to

distinguish t h i s article from future ones i n the same series.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART Z
CHECKING DIMENSIONS

SCALES
SITE PLAN

FOUNDATION PLAN
FLOOR PLANS
ROOF PLAN
ELEVATIONS
LONGITUDINAL AND CROSS-SECTIONS
WALL SECTIONS

STAIR DETAILS
MISCELMNFiDUS METAL DETAILS
WINDOW DETAILS AND SCHEDULE
ROOM FINISH SCHEDULE
DOOR AND FRAME SCHEDULE

PART I1
LANDSCAPING PLAN
SITE PLAN
FOUNDATION P U N
FLOOR PIAN
ROOF PLAN
BUILDING SECTION
WALL, SECTION
ELEVATIONS
STAIRS AND ELEVATORS
WINDOW DETAILS
SCHEDULES

PAGE

P A R T

CBECWNG DIMENSIONS
The dimensioning method should be consistent, meticulous and i n
accordance w i t h the I-Jatforial Standards of Canada CAN 3-B 78.3-M77
Building Drawings.

1.1

Linear dimensions should be expressed in millimetrres (mm) on

building drawings, and in metres (m) on site plans. According to
the standard convention 5n drafting, the unit symbol can be omitted
if the f o l l m i n g requirements are m e t :
a)

bl

a note indicating the u n i t used is displayed in a conspicuous

place on the drawing sheet;
a l l linear dimensions including those for spot levels and land
elevation contours are given in one dimensioning u n i t only.

For easier readlng, group the d i g i t s in triads on both s i d e s of the

decimal marker (e.g., 123 456 789). A l l dimensions shown in metres
be taken t o three d e c i m a l places, even when a l l deciraals are zeros
(e'g., 1.235, 1.000).
1.2

must

Area dimensions should be expressed fa:

a)

b)
c)

hectares (ha) for areas on survey plans, plans of subdfvLsfons

and l o t plans to three decimals (e,g, , 1.234 ha).
square metres (m2) for floor areas of rooms, cross-sectton areas
of earthworks, large glass panes, etc. , to two decimals ( e . g . ,
1.23 m2).
square rnillimetres (min2) for structural areas and o t h e r
sections, bars, e t c . , using no decimals.

Symbola of these units MUST ALWAYS 33 SHOWN on drawings where

appropriate.
1.3

Volume dimnsions should be expressed in:

a)

b)

cubic metres (m3) for volumes of earthwork, excavations,

concrete, f l u i d s i n large quantities, etc.
litres (L) for volumes pertaining to containers of fluids or
gases only.

Symbols of these units MUST ALWAYS BE SHOWN on the drawings.

2.

SCALES
Preferred Scales Commonly Used
for Different Types of Drawings*

S rage

Design

T ~ & of Drawing

Scale

Notes

Sketch and preliminary drawings

Scales w i l l vary but it

is recommended that preference be given t o those
used i n t h e working drawing
stage.

Location drawings

Scale will vary according

to maps used as reference.

Block plap

1:zoo0

1: 1000
Working
drawing

S i t e plan

1: 500

1:200

General location
drawings

Component range
drawings

1:200
1: 100
1:50

1: lO(1

The preferred scale is 1 :SO.

1: 50
1:20

Assenbly drawings

1 :20
1: 10
1:5

Component deta if
drawings

1: 10
2: 5

1:l

*Thia t a b l e is r e p r i n t e d from the Canadian National Standard

CAM 3-8 78.3-I477 Building Drawings. The recommended range of scales may
be extended t o both s i d e s , provided that the new scale can be derived
from a recommended scale by multiplying the numerator or denominator by a
power of 10.

3.

SITE PLAN

3.1

Write down the narne of the surveyor, the date of the survey and the
legal d e s c r i p t i o n of the l a d e (e.g., municipal registered plan
number(s)).

3.2

Shaw all lot lines, t h e i r lengths and orientatfons, and 911 found or
new survey monuments.

3.3

Indicate the lot orleatation by a north arrow.

3.4

Show the job bench mark and i t s g e d e s i c d andlor j o b elevation.

3.5

Show the location of the soil t e s t b ~ r e h o l e s(refer t o the soil

report)

3.6

I n d i c a t e sufficient existing grade elevations, including elevations

of adjoining municipal lands.

3.7

Provide adequate finish grade elevations t o show clearly and

precisely how t h e existing s i t e contours are to be refashfoned.
S l o p e t h e finished grade away from the building.

3.8

Define, using building setbacks, the exact position of a building on

a site.
(Do not assme that a single dimension is enough to imply
that a certain wall is parallel t o a certain l o r line.)

3.9

Indicate a l l the public utility l i n e s , such a s storm and sanitary

sewers, water mains, gas mains and electrical services (overhead and
underground).
Show a l l the exgsting electrical and telephone p a l e s
and indicate any changes in location. Show the dimensions of all
the easement^.

3.10 Indicate a l l the street sewer manholes, catch basins, valve

chambers, electric service manholes, etc. and, if possible, their

street elevation and/or invert elevations,
3.11 Indicate the connections to existing sewer, water, gas or electrical

service f i n e s ; manholes; catch 'basins; etc.

Show the depth of a l l

l i n e s below grade.
3.12 Dimension a l l parking lots, roadway8 and walks, and c a l l up all
curve r a d i i , curbs, t r a f f i c islands and types of paving. Designate

parking for the handicapped where required.

3.13 Indicate the necessary alterations t o c i t y curbs, erc.,
at roadway entrances or for wheelchair access.

as required

3.14 Clearly distfngulsh, by varying the hatching (or shading), items

such as sodded areas, seeded areas and areas far rough grading.
Indicate any existing trees and bushes to be protected or removed.
Indicate new planting unless a landscaping plan is provided
separately.

3.15 Do not end the finish grading at a municipal l o t line. Grading,

including walks and roadways, should meet the city st-reet or curb,
3.16 Indicate the location of f l a g p o l e s and free-standing signs,, if any.
Refer to d e t a i l .

3.17 Show a l l the exterior landings, steps, railings, etc.

foatet-ials used, Remember t o d e t a l l these elements.

Indicate the

3.18 Show any buried gasoline, oil and gas storage tanks.
3-19 Show any existing items to be demolished and removed by the
contr.actor.
4.

FOrnATLON PLAN

4.1

Indtcate the foundation walls, piles, beams, and/or footings for a l l

bearing walls and columns, Refer to the structural drawings.

4.2

Show rhe footings and faundations of building components outside the

building proper; egg., exterior stairs, ramps, concrete pads a t
entrances

..

4.3

Refer to the foundation component d e t a i l s , if any.

4.4

Note the d e s c r i p t i o n of the floor slab and its finished elevation,

4.5

Indicate any changes in the floor slab thickness', expansion and

perimeter j o i n t s and the p i t s to be provided.

4.6

Check the openings required ia the foundation wall or slab against

the mechanical and electrical drawings.

4.7

Show the b u i l d f n g section and wall eectfon lines.

4.8

Indicate the unexcavated areas.

5.

FLOOR PLANS

5.1

Check the structural. drawings to ensure that a11 p o s t s andlor

columns are indicated in the architectural drawings.

5.2

Check against the mecMnical add electrleal drawings to ensure that

a l l duct, vent and other openings are i n d i c a t e d in the architectural
d'rawings

5.3

Indicate all built-in furnishings on the drawings. Items such as

slnks, bathtubs, shrwers, refrigerators, kitchen ranges, counters
and shelving must be shown.

5-4

Indicate t h e line of upper cupboards above the counters.

5.5

Indicate by dotted lines a l l furnishings not covered by the building

contract .and l a b e l them W . I . C. (not In contract).

5.6

Indicate the ceiling bulkheads.

5.7

Call up the hat shelves and coat rods for coat closets,

5.8

C a l l up the shelving, if any, in the other closets.

5.9

Show the a t c l c hatch or roqf hatch access andlor the ladder t o the
roof where .applicable,

5.10 Indicate the floor elevations oa all the floor plang

5.11 Ensure t h a t a l l the handrabls are indicated.

5.12 If the floor p l a n s are broken into t w o or more parts, the following

rules should be follwed:

Draw a l l the parts w f t h the same orientation.
5.12.2
Overlap each part t o a point midway between the structural
grid lines,
Show the over-all dimensions far each part.
5.12.3
Include a small block plan on each sheet.
5.12.4
Ensure t h a t there i s an adequate and even d i s t r i b u t i o n of
5.12.5
cleaners' cloaete an every level of the building.
his
does not apply to s i n g l e f a m i l y residences. ) Such d e t a i l s
are o f t e n forgotten when floor plans are d i y i d e d up into two
or more sections. Items such as drinking fountains and fire
hose cabinets should also be -checked for distribution,

5.12.1

5.13 Check the fire code requirements with respect t o the number of doors
required per room and the direction of swing.

5.14

Show the building section lfnes and wall section lines on the floor
plans.

5.15 On the first- (ground-) floor plans, .indicate a l l crtrbs, roadways,

walks, platforms, planting areas, w i n d w area w e l l s , etc., adjacent
to the exterior walls of tlae building. The first- (ground-) floor
plan should show the relation of the i n t e r i o r of t h e building to the
exterior,
5.16 Ensure that the view from the corridor into the p u b l i c washrooms is
properly b a f f l e d .

5.17 Show the concrete curbs at the transformer vault and o i l - t a n k

etorage roams, i f any.
5.18 Show the concrete sump p i t s and access openiags in the fl~ors.

Indicate the t y p e of cover,

5.19'Show the light-well outline of the skylights above f n t h e floor

plans.

5.20 Indicate any expansion j o i n t s ,

5.21

Indicate the tion-slip provisions for ramps and show the ramp s l o p e ,

5.22 Indicate the floor drains and floor s l o p e where appropriate.

5.23 Check the elevator shaft dimensions against the manufacturer's

specifications.
6

ROOF PLAN

6 1

Show the roof drains.

6.2

Indicate the roof slope.

6.3

For f l a t roofs, indicate the expansion joints and/or construction

j o i n t s , etc.

6.4

Indicate the curbs dividing the flat roof plane, if any.

6.5

Lndlcrtte the full extent of the metal flashing. If more than one
type of flashing is used, d i s t i n g u i s h between the types.

6.6

Show a l l chimeys, gas heater stacks, roof vents, e t c .

6.7

Show any akyllghts and other structures or equipment protruding

through or installed above the roof plane.

6.8

Indicate the buildfng and wall-section lines.

6.9

Tndtcate the type of roofing and insulatfon.

7.

ELEVATIONS

7.1

All the

7.2

Indicate the approximate existing grade l i n e on each elevation.

7.3

Show the finish grades.

7.4

Xndfcate the floor elevations.

exterior walls o f the building should be shown, including

the walls of open courts, and a l l v i s i b l e materials called up.

7-5 Show the foundation walls, footings, p i l e s , pile caps,

etc,,

and

indicate their elevations.

7.6

Show the door steps and fndicate theLr foundations, f o o t i n g s and

handrails where appropriate.

7.7

Dimensidn the height and sill locations of a l l window and door

openings.

7-8

C a l l up a l l window and door types on elevations by code

let ters/numbers.

7.9

Show any metal louvres and refer t o the mechanical drawings.

7.10 Indicate the m e t a l flashing (roof) and masonry coping, if any.

7.11 Show the roof l a d d e r s , and refer to d e t a f l .

7.12 Show any skylights, chimneys and other parts of construction

appearing behind the elevation plane.
7.13 Show the exterior l i g h t fixtures, mailboxes, etc., to be i n s t a l l e d ,
7 . 1 4 Indicate the location and size of exterior signs, if any.
8.

LONGITUDINAL AND CROSS-SECTIONS

8.1

These drawings should be reexamined for accuracy a &nfonaatfon

a f t e r the roof finish and door schedules have been completed, 'Lt is
not advisable t o show the pictorial elevation of the walls beyond
the section plane.

8.2

Indicate the approximate existing grade along the line where the
section is taken,

8.3

Indicate the finish grade elevation and tkte grade finash adjacent to
the building (paving, grass, etc.)

8.4

I n d i c a t e the elevation of all the floors, the roof s l a b s , the tops

of the foundation, the roof ridge and the slope.

8.5

Ensure that adequate vertical dimensioning is provided for the

f l o o r t o - f l o o r height, a l l openings, the depth of footZrtgs b e l m

grade, e t c .
8.6

Check the insulation of the foundation walls, the slabs at grade,

the waf ls, the roof, etc. , for location, insulatiun values, material
and fastening.

8.7

Indicate the damp-proofing of structures below grade.

8.8

Check the indication of subgrade drains.

8.9

Show the parts of the structure behind the cutting plane in

elevation.

9.

WALL SECTIONS

9.1

Show a l l the foundation walls, footings, p i l e caps, beam, e t c .

9.2

Relate a l l the steel beams, lintels, etc., that occur in the wall
s e c t i o n s to datm lines such as the f i n i s h e d floor or general t o p of

steel.
9.3

Note a l l the f l o o r t ~ f l o o rheights, the wfndowsill I-elghts above

the floor, etc.

9.4

Indicate, using structural drawings, which walls are to receive

masonry t i e s and which are to receive other types af reinforcing.

9.5

Indicate weep holes in any walls built to the rain-screen principle

and c a l l the appropriate spacing.

9.6

Clearly show a l l damrproof masonry courses and masonry metal

flashing.

9.7

Ensure that proper insulation values have been met: far a l l exterior
con6 truction.

9.8

Check the i n d i c a t i o n of subgrade drains and the sloping of the

finish grade. Slope the finish grade away from the b u i l d i n g s .

9.9

Make sure that the exterior wall insulation and a i r barrier are
continuous.

9.10 Recheck all the interlor finish materials shown in the drawings

after the room f i n i s h schedule is completed.

10, STAIR DETAILS
10.1 Show any non-slip treatment f o r treads aqd landings where
appropriatc.

10.2 A floar plan a t each level is desirable. (The basement plan is

frequently o m i t t e d ; consequently, the foundation walls around the
stairs are often mislocated.)

10.3

It is advisable to draw a section through the stairs to show the

headroom in the .stairwell.

10.4 Locate the landfng support beams a d colraans or walls.

10.5 Vertical balusters, if used, should not extend beyond LOO mm 0 . c .

10-6 All large-scale stair plans should be dimensioned in d e t a i l .

11, MISCELLANEOUS METAL DETAILS

11.1 The details of exterior steel ladders or ladders to the elevator pit
are of t e n missed.
11.2 The access hatches t o f l a t roofs should be shbwn and d e t a i l e d ,

11.3 S , p e c i a l louvres which are not covered by mechanical drawings or

specificattans should be detailed.
11.4 It is advisable to group a l l miscellaneous metal details on separate
drawing(s),
These should be listed in aequence.

12. WLPlDOtl DETAILS

AND SCHEDULE

12.1 Show and call the type of window, and indicate the direction of
slide o r s w f ng.

12.2 Dimension the rough opening r e q u i r e d for all i n d i v i d u a l types.

12.3 Indicate the type of glazing required.

1 2 . 4 In general, the inner pane of washroom windows should be g l a z e d w i t h

translucent glass.
12.5 Indicate a l l weather-stripping, thermal breaks, flashing,
continuation of a i r barriers and caulking on window section

detalls.
12.6 Show and dimension the l-fntels.

13. ROOM FINISH SCHEDULE

13.1 The washrood! w a l l - t i l e dados should be either 1200 nun or 1500 mm
high. Anything in between 1s n o t compatible with the height of the
l i g h t swftches.
13.2 Fire-rated and non-fire-rated c e i l i n g s ahould be indicated.

13.3 Wood or plywood interior wall panelling requires a fire-retardant

finish.
1 3 . 4 The height of a l l types of baseboards should be noted.
13.5 Concrete f l o o r s in ancillary rooms should be p a i n t e d .
13.6 Concrete f l o o r s and ranps in underground garages must be properly
drafned. I n d i c a t e the treatment o f the surface.

14. DOOR AND FRAME SCBEDWS

14.1 Employ as few frame types as possLble. Adapt the walls at the jambs
and heads t o s u i t the frames, not viceversa.
14.2 Check the door width of a l l housing units, bathrooms and public
entries for wheelchair accese where applicable.
14.3 All exterior doors should be Weather-stripped and have weather

thresholds.

14,4 Glazing in the doors should be e i t h e r clear Georgian wired glass or

shatterproof glass.

P A R T

I 1

DRAWING:

LANDSCAPING PLAN

Checked by:

DMWIPIG:

SITE PLAN
Checked by :

DRAWING:

FOUNDATION PLAN

Checked by:

DRAWING:

FLOOR PLAN
Checked by :

Drawn by:

Checked

ITEM
1st

2nd

Final

T i t l e block
Dimensions
Structural g r i d
; ~ u i l d i n p section
:
reference l i n e s
: w a l l section reference l i n e s
Detail reference "bubbles"
S p o t levels or floor elevation
I~oors: codiw
d i r e c t i o n of swing
Windows: coding
lintels
S tairs : coding
direction of travel
handrails
Ramps: slope
Elevator shafts
Room names/coding
Built-in furnishing (in crmtract/N.I.C.)
Atticlroof access

Skylight(s)
Floor p i t s , drains
~xpansion/perimeter/ construction j oint: (s )
Bulkheads
Check against: structural drawings
mechanical drawings
electrical drawings
door schedule
window schedule

finish schedule
Block p l a n (for floor plans divided up into several
drawings)

1
1

DRAWING:

Drawn by:

ROOF PLAN
Checked by:

Checked

ITEM
1st

T i t l e block
Dimensions
Structural grid
Building section reference lines
Wall section reference lines
Detail reference "bubbles"
Spot l e v e l s
Roof drainsldrainage
Roof s l o p e
Flas hiw s
Chimney(#), stacks
Skylights
Structureslequipment i n s t a l l e d above roof level
Curbs
~xpansion/constructionjCtidt(8)
Type of roofing and insulation
Check agalnst : structural drawings
mechanical drawlnge
electrf cal drawings

2nd

Final

DRAWING:

BUILDING SECTION
Checked by :

DRAWING:

WALL SECTION
Cheizked by:

ITEM

DRAWING:
Drawn by:

ELEVATIONS
Checked by:

DRAWING:
Drawn by:

STAIRS AND ELEVATORS

Checked by:

ITEM

Checked

DRAWING:

WINDOW WTAILS

Checked by:

DMWLNG:

SCHEDULES
Checked by :

D r a w n by:

ITEM

Checked

Final

2nd

1st
T i t l e block

F i n i s h schedule:

Door schedule:

code rooms
check floor plans to ensure that a l l
rooms are covered
check section drawings for interior
finishes
check abbreviations
coding
dimensions

fire rating
closers
thresholds
weather stripping
door frames
f l o o r plan v e r i f i c a t i o n t o ensure t h a t
a l l doors are p r o p e r l y designated
Window schedule :

coding
dimensions
type of window
g l a z f ng
floor plan and section check to ensure
that a l l windows are properly
designated

t
1

t
1

1'