More house systems, in order of construction. Note the importance of the quality of each system. If the system is mentioned, than there is an associated quality metric.
Core structure (maps, data sheets):
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Ground
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Foundation
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Concrete block
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Concrete slab (sometimes done late in the process)
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Post and lintel structural frame (studs, beams)
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Roof rafter
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Outside wall panel/sheathing/sheeting
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Roof panel/sheathing/sheeting
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Insulation
Core structure that is also a utility line or appliance (maps, data sheets):
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Indoor ventilation.
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Air vent
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Air return vent
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Ventilation between indoor and outdoor.
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Fireplace chimneys
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Furnace exhaust vents
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HVAC air intake vents
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Laundry dryer air vent
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Bathroom exhaust vents
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Kitchen exhaust vents
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Attic air vents
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Doors
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Windows
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Window screens
Outside finishing (maps):
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Home wrap
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Outer siding
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Roof shingles
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Roof flashing
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Gutters and water drainage
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Gutter screens/shields
Inside finishing (maps):
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Drywall
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Wall finishing
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Wall painting
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Wall trim (bases, crowns)
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Ceiling finishing
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Ceiling bump texture
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Ceiling painting
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Floor finishing
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Carpet
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Carpet underpad
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Carpet mounting spikes
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Carpet
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Hardwood floor
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Hardwood floor boards
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Hardwood floor finish
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Tile floor
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Rubber/metal mounting pad
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Floor tiles
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Grout
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Window shades
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Attic finishing
Non-core structure, utility lines (maps, data sheets):
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Electrical wiring
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Water plumbing
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Sewage plumbing
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Gas pipes
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Air conditioning heat exchanger
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Fire sprinkler system
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Fire alarm system (and other emergency or safety-critical signals)
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Telecommunications (all non-safety critical signals)
Non-core structure, simple built-in appliances (maps, data sheets):
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Doors
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Windows
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Cabinets
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Counter tops
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Lighting fixtures
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Fans
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Light switches
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Electrical outlets
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Telecommunications jacks
Complex built-in appliances (maps, data sheets, manuals):
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Bathroom fixtures
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Toilet
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Sink
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Faucet
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Bathtub
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Shower
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Kitchen fixtures
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Stove
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Oven
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Kitchen sink
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Kitchen faucet
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Dishwasher
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Furnace
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Air conditioning
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Fireplaces
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Garage door
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Gardening fixtures
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Backyard faucet
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Garage faucet
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Garden hose
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So now you’re wondering, how does this integrate with the plans? Well, of course each such mentioned item can be modeled as a separate layer, and layers can be grouped into the higher levels as mentioned above. Also, for ease of use, it’s important that two-dimensional diagrams of each can be produced, so that computers are not required to understand the information and store it away compactly. Finally, each such item can be numbered, and regions can also be numbered.
Again, I reiterate, because this is important! How do you make sure that this information gets documented up-front during initial construction. Be clear that you want a “survey crew” of a sort to follow through the construction process.
Logs! So, now you’re wondering about logs. We have a few different types that need to be discussed separately:
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Service and repair log (supply side)
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Use log (demand side)
Unfortunately, logs can become a sticky situation in terms of data volume, especially use logs. Because of this, digital computer systems might be the only feasible way to convey such information.
There should be a dedicated storage cabinet to store all the information pertinent to the home. But where should it be located? Okay, here are some design considerations:
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Near the electrical breaker box and fire alarm control panel is the ideal location.
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The cabinet should probably be located up high on the wall for convenience, and to keep it out of (easy) reach of children.
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The cabinet should not be in a location that is too likely to get flooded. Mounting the cabinet off the floor can satisfy this requirement.
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The cabinet needs to be large enough to house rolled up blueprint sheets.
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Another idea to consider: There might be “satellite” cabinets in other locations, such as the kitchen, garage, etc. Note, however, that satellite cabinets are not necessary: if the user has a preference for using paper manuals, they may be convenient to place duplicates within, but the originals need not be contained within the satellite cabinets. Especially in the case that the user has a preference for digital information systems, satellite cabinets are not necessary.
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A word must be said on digital computer data: The ideal form of digital computer data that most people are accustomed to is that which is a very close mapping reduction to paper and appliance control panels: PDF documents (word processor document, presentation), spreadsheets, and web UIs. Also, the format of computer data access that is most future resistant are those used to access the Internet today: the digital data host should be a computer server, not merely a digital storage media such as an USB external hard drive or SD card. CAD file formats and other more detailed data is a bonus feature of a digital computer system, not a required feature.
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When possible, it is more ideal to have documents in a “born digital” format. For example, PDF documents generated directly from computer document authoring software rather than scanned from analog documents.
Other appliances:
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User-owned long term appliances: Cookware, Dishes, Microwave Oven, Refrigerators, Laundry washing machine, Laundry dryer.
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Everything else: consumer electronics, fast moving consumer packaged goods, office supplies, etc.