Lesson 1Parking space dimensions for single-car driveways and covered carportsThis lesson covers standard sizes for parking spaces in single-car driveways and carports. It explains vehicle space needs, turning areas, support posts, water flow slopes, and how they connect to doors, paths, and land boundaries.
Typical passenger vehicle envelopesSingle driveway width and lengthCarport bay width and post spacingBacking and turning maneuver areasSlope, drainage, and snow storageLesson 2How to correctly cite and document sources: codes, manufacturer tables, and authoritative reference texts (IRC, AIA, NAHB, NFPA)This lesson shows how to properly reference and record size sources. It compares building codes, maker data, and guide books, and teaches how to add notes on drawings that can be checked for approvals and teamwork.
Prioritizing codes versus guidelinesUsing manufacturer cut sheetsReferencing IRC, AIA, NAHB, NFPADrawing notes and keynoting methodsMaintaining a project source logLesson 3Standard window sizes, sill heights, and egress requirements for bedrooms and basementsThis lesson explains usual window sizes, bottom heights, and escape rules for bedrooms and basements. It covers light and air flow needs, pit sizes, ladder rules, and matching with building frames.
Standard window module sizesBedroom egress window criteriaBasement egress wells and laddersSill heights and guard conditionsLight and ventilation area ratiosLesson 4Typical bathroom dimensions and fixture clearances: half, three-quarter, and full bathroomsThis lesson details common bathroom sizes for half, three-quarter, and full baths. It reviews space between fittings, door openings, turning spaces, and spaces influenced by accessibility rules, making sure bathrooms are safe, comfortable, and follow codes.
Minimum half bath footprintsShower and tub clearancesToilet compartment sizing rulesLavatory spacing and counter depthTurning radii and door swing checksLesson 5Standard door sizes and clearances: interior, exterior, pocket, sliding, and accessibility thresholdsThis lesson defines usual door sizes and needed spaces for inside and outside doors. It includes sliding pocket doors, door swing issues, hardware spaces, and accessibility levels for proper home design.
Common interior door leaf sizesExterior entry and patio doorsPocket and sliding door constraintsLatch side and approach clearancesThreshold heights and transitionsLesson 6Typical kitchen layouts and work triangle standards, clearances for appliance access and cabinetryThis lesson looks at common kitchen setups and work triangle ideas. It details spaces for appliances, counter lengths, walkway widths, and easy reach areas, ensuring kitchens are efficient, safe, and code-ready.
Work triangle and work zonesMinimum counter frontage rulesAppliance door swing envelopesAisle widths for one and two cooksTall unit and corner cabinet planningLesson 7Minimum comfortable bedroom sizes and layouts: single, double, and master bedroom benchmarksThis lesson sets standard bedroom sizes and setups for single, double, and main bedrooms. It covers furniture placement, movement paths, cupboard locations, window and door spots, and code needs for escape and air flow.
Minimum single bedroom dimensionsStandard double bedroom proportionsMaster suite zoning and privacyFurniture clearances and circulationCloset placement and door swingsLesson 8Minimum corridor and circulation widths including accessible route considerationsThis lesson defines smallest walkway and movement path widths, including paths for those with needs. It addresses tight spots, door clashes, turning areas, and ways to keep movement smooth and comfortable in homes.
Typical hall and corridor widthsAccessible route minimum clearancesDoor swing and corridor interactionTurning spaces at corners and nodesManaging pinch points in remodelsLesson 9Laundry, storage and closet size guidelines and recommended clearancesThis lesson explains suggested sizes for washing areas, utility storage, and cupboards. It covers appliance spaces, service gaps, air flow, shelf depths, and ways to fit storage in small home plans.
Washer and dryer footprintsService and maintenance clearancesReach ranges for shelving and rodsWalk-in and reach-in closet depthsVentilation and moisture control zonesLesson 10Understanding applicable building codes and where to find ADA and IRC guidance for residential dimensionsThis lesson introduces main home building code groups and how to find size rules. It focuses on IRC and ADA guides for rooms, paths, and fittings, teaching you to read, understand, and check code drawings.
Scope of IRC for one- and two-family homesADA and Fair Housing overlapsLocating dimensional tables and figuresInterpreting exceptions and notesCoordinating local amendments
