A step-by-step guide on how to do a measured drawing of the existing conditions of a building or structure from two perspectives.
Measured drawing for the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS).
Measured drawing for the real world clients needing accurate professional drawings.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to complete a measured drawing of the existing conditions of a building or structure according to standard architectural practices according to standard architectural practices and the Historic American Buildings Survey.Â
Tape measure (25' or longer)
Measuring wheel (if necessary)
Laser distance measurer (optional)
Graph paper and CAD software
Pencils and erasers
Architect scale
Straight edge ruler
Clipboard or drawing board
Camera (photos and video)
Visit the building or structure and assess its overall condition and accessibility
Identify any safety hazards or obstacles that may affect the survey process
Take photos or video footage of the building's exterior and interior to document its current state
Choose a fixed point on the building or structure to use as a reference point for all measurements
This could be a corner, door frame, or other distinctive feature that will be easily recognizable in your drawings
Use a tape measure or laser distance measurer to measure the building's length, width, and height
Record these measurements on graph paper or in CAD software using a scale ruler to ensure accuracy
Measure the distance between key features, such as windows, doors, and corners, and record them on your drawings
Take note of any unique or significant features of the building, such as decorative elements or architectural styles
Measure the size and position of these features and document them in your drawings
Use a scale ruler to ensure that your measurements accurately reflect the building's proportions and details
Use the measurements and notes you've taken to create accurate floor plans and elevations of the building
Begin by drawing the building's outline, including its walls, doors, and windows
Add details such as stairs, interior walls, and fixtures
Use a scale ruler to ensure that your drawings accurately reflect the building's size and proportions if drawing on paper
Clearly label each drawing with the building's name, location, and any other pertinent information
Label each room or area of the building on your floor plans
Include a scale bar on each drawing to indicate the scale used
Carefully review your drawings to ensure that they accurately reflect the building's dimensions, features, and details
Make any necessary revisions or corrections before finalizing your drawings
If completing the drawing for the Historic American Buildings Survey, follow their guidelines for submission and formatting
Otherwise, submit your drawings to the appropriate parties or use them for further design and planning purposes.
Following these steps should result in a detailed and accurate measured drawing of the existing conditions of a building or structure.
If you are an architect or involved in the preservation of historic buildings, a measured drawing of existing conditions is an essential tool for assessing a building's structural integrity, developing restoration plans, or creating new design proposals. The process involves measuring and documenting the building's dimensions, features, and details, and drawing them to scale. The Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), a program of the National Park Service, provides guidelines for creating measured drawings that are accurate and comprehensive. Here are the steps involved in creating a measured drawing of existing conditions, according to HABS standards:
Before you begin the survey, you'll need to assemble the necessary tools and equipment. These typically include a tape measure (25' or longer), a measuring wheel (if necessary), a laser distance measurer (optional), graph paper or CAD software, pencils and erasers, a scale ruler, a clipboard or drawing board, and a camera (optional). Make sure that all your equipment is in good working condition and that you have backup tools in case of malfunctions.
Once you have your tools, you'll need to conduct a site survey of the building you're documenting. Start by visiting the building and assessing its overall condition and accessibility. If the building is in disrepair, make note of any safety hazards or obstacles that may affect the survey process. Take photos or video footage of the building's exterior and interior to document its current state.
To ensure accuracy and consistency in your measurements, you'll need to establish a reference point on the building. This point should be a fixed and easily recognizable feature, such as a corner, door frame, or other distinctive element. Use this reference point to take all your measurements, and make sure to note its location in your drawings.
With your reference point established, you're ready to start taking measurements. Use your tape measure or laser distance measurer to measure the building's length, width, and height, and record these measurements on graph paper or in CAD software using a scale ruler. Measure the distance between key features, such as windows, doors, and corners, and record them on your drawings. Make sure to label each measurement and record it in a clear and organized manner.
In addition to measuring the building's dimensions, you'll also need to document its features and details. This includes taking note of any unique or significant elements of the building, such as decorative elements or architectural styles. Measure the size and position of these features and document them in your drawings. Use a scale ruler to ensure that your measurements accurately reflect the building's proportions and details.
With your measurements and notes in hand, you can now start drawing the building's floor plans and elevations. Begin by drawing the building's outline, including its walls, doors, and windows. Add details such as stairs, interior walls, and fixtures as necessary. Use a scale ruler to ensure that your drawings accurately reflect the building's size and proportions. Make sure to label each room or area of the building on your floor plans and include a scale bar on each drawing to indicate the scale used.
Once your drawings are complete, it's essential to label them accurately and clearly. Include the building's name, location, and any other pertinent information. Label each room or area of the building on your floor plans and elevations. Include a scale bar on each drawing to indicate the scale used.
Before finalizing your drawings, it's important to review them carefully and make any necessary revisions. Check your measurements and notes for accuracy and consistency, and make sure that your drawings are clear and legible. Double-check that you have labeled everything correctly and that your scale is accurate. Once you're satisfied with your drawings, you can finalize them by inking over the pencil lines and adding shading or texture as needed.
If you are creating measured drawings for the purpose of historic preservation or restoration, you may want to submit your drawings to the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) for inclusion in their archives. To do so, you'll need to follow their submission guidelines, which include providing a completed HABS/HAER submission form, a project description, and high-quality reproductions of your drawings. You can find more information about submitting to HABS on their website.
In conclusion, creating a measured drawing of existing conditions is an essential tool for architects and preservationists working with historic buildings. By following the guidelines set forth by the Historic American Buildings Survey, you can ensure that your drawings are accurate, comprehensive, and appropriate for use in restoration or preservation projects. Remember to take your time, be thorough in your measurements and notes, and double-check your work before finalizing your drawings. With these steps in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating detailed and useful measured drawings of any building or structure.
What are the technical and architectural differences between measured drawings and as-built drawings as defined by the architects handbook and the American institute of architects According to the Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice. Measured drawings and as-built drawings are distinct types of drawings used in the design and construction process, with different purposes and characteristics.
Measured drawings are typically created during the design phase and are used to represent existing conditions of a site or building. They may include floor plans, elevations, sections, and details, and are typically created by measuring the physical space and dimensions of the site or building. Measured drawings may also include notes and annotations indicating key features, such as structural elements, mechanical systems, and finishes.
As-built drawings, on the other hand, are typically created during the construction phase and are used to document the final, built conditions of a site or building. They may include floor plans, elevations, sections, and details, and are typically created by the contractor or construction team based on measurements taken during construction. As-built drawings may also include notes and annotations indicating changes or modifications made during construction, such as revised dimensions or materials.
From an architectural perspective, the key technical and architectural differences between measured drawings and as-built drawings lie in their purpose and level of detail. Measured drawings are focused on capturing the existing conditions of a site or building, and may be less detailed or precise than as-built drawings. As-built drawings, in contrast, are focused on documenting the final, built conditions of a site or building, and must be highly accurate and detailed in order to serve as a reference for future maintenance or renovations.
Additionally, while both measured and as-built drawings may include similar types of information, such as floor plans and elevations, the level of detail and accuracy may vary depending on the specific needs of the project. For example, measured drawings may be created as schematic diagrams or rough sketches, while as-built drawings may require precise measurements and detailed annotations.
Overall, measured and as-built drawings serve different purposes in the design and construction process, and the level of detail and accuracy required may vary depending on the specific project requirements.
In terms of the architectural and technical differences between measured drawings and as-built drawings, there are several key factors to consider. These include:
In summary, the technical and architectural differences between measured drawings and as-built drawings relate primarily to their purpose, level of detail, accuracy, timeframe, and format. While both types of drawings are important for documenting the conditions of a site or building, they serve different purposes and require different approaches to create.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a measured drawing of an existing building according to standard architectural practices and the guidelines set by the American Institute of Architects (AIA):
This guide includes the usage of digital measuring tools and CAD software for accurately performing a measured drawing:
Obtain permission from the building owner or authority to access the premises.
Gather the necessary tools and equipment, including a laser distance measurer, clipboard, graph paper, pencils, erasers, digital camera, and a laptop/desktop with CAD software installed.
Visit the building and familiarize yourself with its layout and surroundings.
Take overall exterior and interior photographs to document the existing conditions.
Choose a fixed reference point outside the building as a control point, such as a corner of the building or a permanent feature.
Measure and record the coordinates of this control point to serve as a baseline for all subsequent measurements, using a laser distance measurer and input the data into your CAD software.
Use a laser distance measurer to measure the building's exterior dimensions and enter the data directly into your CAD software.
Record measurements for walls, windows, doors, and any significant architectural features
Start at the control point and measure the building's exterior dimensions using a tape measure or laser distance measurer.
Record measurements for walls, windows, doors, and any significant architectural features.
Include details such as heights, widths, and setbacks from property lines.
Start at the control point and measure the interior spaces using the tape measure and laser distance measurer.
Begin measuring the interior spaces from the control point, entering each room one by one.
Measure the length and width of each room, including any alcoves or irregularly shaped spaces.
Measure the height of ceilings, noting any variations or unique features.
Record the locations and dimensions of doors, windows, and other built-in elements.
Input the measurements directly into your CAD software, creating accurate representations of each room.
Measure the height of ceilings, noting any variations or unique features.
Measure and document structural elements, such as columns, beams, and load-bearing walls.
Note their locations, dimensions, and any relevant details.
Use CAD tools to accurately represent their locations, dimensions, and any relevant details.
Document any unique architectural features, such as fireplaces, stairs, or decorative elements.
Measure and record their dimensions, proportions, and any necessary structural details.
Document any unique architectural features using photographs and measurements.
Input the measurements and details into your CAD software to create accurate representations of these features.
Double-check all measurements for accuracy and consistency.
Compare measurements against each other to ensure they align properly.
Double-check all measurements in your CAD software for accuracy and consistency.
Transfer the measurements onto graph paper, using an appropriate scale (e.g., 1/4 inch = 1 foot).
Begin by drawing the exterior walls, including windows, doors, and architectural details.
Proceed to draw interior walls, partitions, and room layouts.
Incorporate dimensions, including heights, widths, and depths.
Label all important features, such as doors, windows, and structural elements.
Utilize CAD tools to draw the exterior walls, including windows, doors, and architectural details based on the digital measurements.
Proceed to draw interior walls, partitions, and room layouts, using the precise measurements recorded.
Incorporate dimensions, including heights, widths, and depths accurately using CAD tools.
Label all important features, such as doors, windows, and structural elements within the CAD drawing.
Add annotations and notes to clarify any specific details or requirements.
Add annotations and notes within your CAD software to clarify any specific details or requirements.
Include a title block with the project name, date, scale, and your name or firm's information.
Prepare a comprehensive index or key plan within the CAD software that lists all the rooms and areas included in the measured drawing.
Review the measured drawing in CAD for accuracy and completeness.
Make any necessary revisions or adjustments within the software.
Seek input and feedback from the client or relevant parties before finalizing the drawing.
Remember to always follow local building codes, regulations, and professional guidelines while conducting your measured drawing.
Using digital measuring tools and CAD software allows for precise and efficient measurements, as well as the ability to easily edit and update the measured drawing as needed. Remember to follow local building codes, regulations, and professional guidelines throughout the process.
The final process using CAD software involves finalizing the measured drawing, ensuring accuracy, and preparing it for presentation or further use. Here's a step-by-step guide for the final process using CAD software:
Carefully review the entire measured drawing in CAD to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Verify that all measurements, dimensions, and annotations are correct and consistent.
If any errors or discrepancies are identified during the review, make the necessary revisions within the CAD software.
Adjust dimensions, positions of elements, or any other details as needed.
Organize and clean up the drawing by removing any unnecessary elements or construction lines.
Ensure that the drawing is visually clear and easy to understand.
Include text and labels to provide additional information or clarify specific features.
Label rooms, areas, doors, windows, and any other relevant elements within the drawing.
Utilize layers within the CAD software to separate different elements of the drawing, such as walls, doors, windows, and text.
Assign appropriate line weights to enhance the clarity and readability of the drawing.
Create a title block within the CAD software, including project name, address, scale, date, and your name or firm's information.
Ensure that the title block is prominently placed and clearly visible within the drawing.
Set up the plotting/layout settings within the CAD software to determine the paper size, scale, and orientation for printing or exporting the final drawing.
Adjust the viewport or sheet size to accommodate the entire drawing or break it into multiple sheets if necessary.
Once the plotting/layout setup is complete, print the measured drawing directly from the CAD software, adhering to the selected settings.
Alternatively, export the drawing to a digital file format (such as PDF or DWG) for electronic distribution or further editing.
Conduct a final quality check of the printed or exported drawing to ensure that it accurately represents the measured dimensions and details.
Verify that all elements, labels, and text are legible and properly aligned.
Use the finalized measured drawing for presentations, design discussions, construction documentation, or any other intended purposes.
Share the drawing with clients, consultants, or relevant stakeholders as needed.
Remember to save the CAD file in a secure location for future reference or potential revisions. Following these steps will help you produce a professional and accurate measured drawing using CAD software.