The Design Process - Carpenter's and Builder's Math, Plans, and Specifications - page 241

the heating plant); how many closets in each bedroom; will there be
kitchen conveniences (such as a garbage-disposer unit, dishwasher,
and room for a home freezer).
These are just a few of the problems for the designer. The owner
probably does not know how to understand and handle such prob-
lems. The designer should know how to handle these problems and
guide the owner so that the home environment will be more than
satisfactory when the work is completed.
It is, of course, necessary that a designer know the dimensions of
the equipment, furniture, and other appurtenances found in a home.
Electrical codes occasionally seem to be unreasonable, but the build-
ing designer must follow them. Plumbing is often seriously skimped,
unless local authorities have some kind of a ruling enforcing certain
regulations.
Many times the future owner prefers to deal only with a carpenter
or builder, and asks him or her to prepare the drawings and give an
estimate on construction. The builder then calls the designer in for
advice on the preparation of the drawing.
Review Questions
1. What must a designer know from the client before drawing up
plans for a house?
2. Is it generally a good idea to change floor plans after construc-
tion has started?
3. Is the kind of material used in the construction important to
the designer?
4. Are wall thickness, plumbing, and electrical wiring considered
when drawing up plans?
5. Why are some localities limited to slab houses?
6. What is the difference in price of a slab foundation and a
basement?
7. Where is the air-conditioning and heating placed if the house
is built on a slab?
8. What are some of the concerns of someone who is trying to
have a house built?
9. What is the purpose of a plumbing code?
10. What is the purpose of an electrical code?
11. Why can't you use a copy of a blueprint found in a magazine
to build a house?