Metric Labeling ?

[Joe_Carrick]

I know that for most building materials metric dimensions are shown as "mm".

What are the differences (if any) for the:

• lengths of joists and rafters?
• areas of rooms and lots
• lengths of property lines, etc

IOW, when would a dimension be shown as "m" and when would the area be shown as "sq.m"

 

[portrait]

Hi Joe,

The choice of measurement units typically depends on the country and the context of the project. Here’s a breakdown of common practices:

• Precision Measurements: For cases where precision is critical (e.g., joist and rafter lengths, or riser heights), millimeters are preferred.

• Room and Lot Areas: Room and lot areas are generally specified in square meters (sqm). For larger lots, hectares or acres (commonly used in the UK and Australia) may be more suitable.

• Floor Plans: The choice of units for floor plans often depends on the region:

  • Continental Europe (e.g., France, Germany, Spain): Centimeters are commonly used.
  • Australia: Millimeters are standard.
  • Large Projects (e.g., airports, commercial developments): Meters are typically used.

• Property Line Lengths: These are usually indicated in meters.

• Height Datum: Height datum is commonly expressed in meters.

• Setback Distances: While there isn’t a universal standard, millimeters or centimeters are often used due to the need for precision.

Hope this helps.

[SHCanada2]

in alberta, for residential, the floor plans are imperial feet inches, the site plan is in metric (metres to 2 or 3 decimals), or can be both

 

storey poles can be either or both, although geodetic elevations are always metres ASL.

 

for multifamily mid rise (4 storeys or more) it is typically it square feet and sq metres. rooms are typically both

 

Actual surveys are always metric in metres

 

6 storey midrise:

 

storey pole