How can you verify your interpretation of construction drawings?

1 Review the drawing set

Before you start working on a construction drawing, you should review the entire drawing set, which consists of different types of drawings that show different aspects of the project, such as plans, elevations, sections, details, and schedules. You should check the title block, the revision history, the scale, the legend, the notes, and the symbols on each drawing, and make sure they are consistent and clear. You should also look for any discrepancies, errors, or missing information that might affect your interpretation.

2 Use the standards and codes

Construction drawings are based on certain standards and codes that regulate the design, construction, and safety of structures and systems. You should be familiar with the standards and codes that apply to your project, such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the National Electrical Code (NEC), or the International Building Code (IBC). You should use these standards and codes as references and guidelines to interpret the construction drawings correctly and comply with the requirements.

3 Consult the specifications

Construction drawings are usually accompanied by specifications, which are written documents that provide more detailed information about the materials, methods, performance, and quality of the project. You should consult the specifications to clarify any ambiguities or uncertainties that you might encounter in the construction drawings. For example, the specifications might specify the type, grade, or color of a material, or the installation, testing, or inspection procedures for a system.

4 Communicate with the designer

Sometimes, the best way to verify your interpretation of construction drawings is to communicate with the designer directly. The designer is the person who created the construction drawings and knows the design intent and rationale behind them. You should contact the designer if you have any questions, doubts, or suggestions about the construction drawings, and ask for clarification or confirmation. You should also report any errors or inconsistencies that you find in the construction drawings, and request any revisions or updates that are necessary.

6 Seek feedback from peers

Finally, you can verify your interpretation of construction drawings by seeking feedback from your peers, who are other engineers, technicians, contractors, or stakeholders involved in the project. You can share your interpretation with your peers, and ask for their opinions, suggestions, or corrections. You can also learn from their experiences, insights, or best practices, and improve your interpretation skills. You should be open-minded, respectful, and collaborative when seeking feedback from your peers, and acknowledge their contributions.