Lesson 1Parking space dimensions for single-car driveways and covered carportsLooks at standard sizes for parking spaces in single-car driveways and carports. Covers vehicle space needs, turning areas, support posts, drainage slopes, and links to entrances, paths, and 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)Shows how to properly reference and record size sources. Compares building codes, maker specs, and key texts, and demonstrates adding notes to drawings that can be traced 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 basementsCovers usual window sizes, sill levels, and escape rules for bedrooms and basements. Includes light and air flow ratios, shaft sizes, ladder needs, and matching with frame structures.
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 bathroomsOutlines common bathroom sizes for half, three-quarter, and full baths. Checks fixture gaps, door swings, turning spaces, and clearances influenced by accessibility rules, for safe, comfy, and code-approved home bathrooms.
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 thresholdsSets out standard door sizes and needed gaps for inside and outside doors. Covers pocket and sliding types, swing issues, hardware space, and access steps 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 cabinetryExamines common kitchen setups and work triangle ideas. Details appliance gaps, bench lengths, walkway widths, and reach zones, for efficient, safe, and code-conscious home kitchen planning.
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 benchmarksOutlines standard bedroom sizes and plans for single, double, and main suites. Includes furniture setup, movement paths, cupboard spots, window and door positions, and code-based escape and air needs.
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 considerationsDefines smallest corridor and path widths, with access routes in mind. Tackles tight spots, door clashes, turning areas, and ways to keep movement smooth, comfy, and up to standard 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 clearancesExplains suggested sizes for wash rooms, utility storage, and cupboards. Covers machine footprints, service gaps, air flow, shelf depths, and fitting storage into small home layouts.
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 dimensionsIntroduces main home building code groups and finding size rules. Focuses on IRC and ADA advice for rooms, paths, and fittings, teaching how 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
