Lynn Taylor provides preconstruction planning, custom design plans, and stock plans for your garage apartment, or tiny house (DADU) project.

We have compiled an extensive list of frequently asked questions for homeowners considering building an accessory structure on their property. Enjoy!

An accessory structure or accessory building is a detached structure with a permanent foundation that is secondary to the primary residence on a property. It is a building that is on the same parcel of land as your house, and the use of which is incidental to the use of the principal structure. There is no difference in word use, but it depends on your city’s municipality. According to the Metro Government of Nashville and Davidson County’s building codes (Municode), these structures must be:

  • Located on the same lot as the primary building
  • Customarily incidental and subordinate in size and use

Examples include:

  • ADUs
  • Tiny Houses
  • DADUs
  • Granny Flats
  • Garage Apartments
  • Tiny Homes

These accessory structures are regulated by different zoning laws than your home. Accessory buildings must be subordinate in height and smaller in square footage than the existing house.

The Metro Government of Nashville and Davidson County refers to them as accessory structures or buildings.

Official Definition (Municode 16.24.030 – June 2025):

16.24 – PROPERTY STANDARDS — 16.24.030 – Definitions.
“Accessory building” or “Accessory structure” means a detached building or structure customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal building or structure located on the same lot.

Important Note:

If you build a garage apartment or a tiny house in your backyard, the accessory structure’s footprint will be limited by historic overlays, zoning regulations, and your home’s footprint.

A building footprint is basically the bird’s-eye view of the building’s roof coverage.

Additionally, terminology and regulations for accessory structures can vary significantly from one city to another.

In Nashville, TN, a DADU—short for Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit—is a small, independent tiny house built on the same lot as a primary residence. The tiny house must have a permanent foundation. These are often referred to as ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) in other parts of the country. Sometimes they are referred to as granny flats, garage apartments, mother-in-law suites, or tiny houses.

A DADU is typically located behind the main house and should not be confused with a duplex or a Horizontal Property Regime (HPR), which can be sold separately and follows different zoning rules.

Unlike garages or storage sheds, DADUs are zoned for residential use or an independent living unit. These dwelling accessory structures are permitted to have a full kitchen and bathroom. The stove and shower turn the accessory building into a dwelling unit.

In Nashville, DADUs can be around 700 to 1,000 +/- square feet, depending on your property’s zoning. They must remain subordinate in height and massing to the main house, in accordance with local zoning regulations.

According to the Metro Government of Nashville and Davidson County’s building codes (Municode), DADUs are classified as accessory structures. Below are the official definitions as of June 2025.

16.24 – PROPERTY STANDARDS — 16.24.030 – Definitions.
“Dwelling” means any building or structure, or part thereof, used and occupied for human occupation or use or intended to be so used, and includes any outhouses and appurtenances belonging thereto or usually enjoyed therewith.

Dwelling unit” means a single unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. A dwelling unit shall be construed to include any accessory structure belonging thereto or usually enjoyed therewith.

We can help you understand your zoning and determine the size of a garage apartment or a tiny house you can build.

An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a secondary residential unit located on the same lot as a primary home. The abbreviation ADU is more commonly used in other parts of the country than in Tennessee. We use the acronym DADU in Nashville, TN.

A DADU is a type of ADU. ADU is the broader term and can include attached units, such as basement apartments or short-term rental units.

It can be:

  • Attached to the main house (like a basement or garage apartment), or
  • Detached, standing as a separate building.

A DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a specific type of ADU that is entirely separate from the main house. In Nashville, the term “DADU” typically refers to a small house, often called a “tiny house,” built on a permanent foundation in the backyard.

Please note that terminology and regulations for accessory dwelling units can vary significantly from one location to another. What’s called a DADU in Nashville, TN, might be referred to as a “granny flat,” “secondary suite,” “accessory apartment,” or “garage apartment” elsewhere. Always check your local building codes and zoning regulations to understand what’s allowed in your area.

*If you’re located outside the Nashville area, Lynn Taylor may not be familiar with your local building codes. However, she can provide a comprehensive list of criteria to guide your research and help you consult with your local officials. These types of accessory structures with a permanent foundation often share similar design and construction principles, and Lynn’s expertise can still offer valuable direction as you move forward.

Often, people ask Lynn this question during a phone call, expecting a simple yes-or-no answer. Since zoning restrictions vary significantly depending on the location of your property in Nashville, TN, it isn’t a simple yes-or-no answer. There has been an update in the zoning codes as of December 2025.

Additionally, there are different historic overlays in Nashville, and the DADU you can build in one overlay may differ from that in another, including whether the property is an interior lot or a corner lot.

The bottom line, eligibility depends on your property’s specific zoning district and whether it falls within a designated DADU Overlay District. It’s crucial to check your property’s zoning and any overlays using the Parcel Viewer.

No, currently DADUs are only permitted on parcels with a single-family dwelling as the principal structure.

A garage apartment is a self-contained living unit, typically built above or attached to a garage. The dwelling unit features a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. In the residential architecture industry, a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) is a type of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) that is a standalone structure on your property. The key to being a legal DADU is that it must be a self-contained living space with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area.

The cost of a garage apartment varies based on its size, location, and materials. At the moment, the typical cost to build a new detached garage with an apartment ranges from $250,000 to $400,00, depending on the size and uailty of construction. However, some cheaper builders omit many items to keep costs down. For instance, consider the shower or tub: the builder will install ceramic tile directly to greenboard drywall, omitting waterproofing. This system will only last around 5 to 8 years, but it’s cheaper than a quality-built waterproof shower or tub.

A dry-in shell might be a cost-effective option. The accessory building appears to be completed on the exterior, but remains unfinished on the interior. The homeowner then hires an experienced handyman and/or a subcontractor to complete the various trades in the building.

Converting an existing garage into a living space can vary greatly depending on the scope of work.

Depending on your plans and your property’s zoning, you may need up to three different permits:

  • Historic overlay permit – enforced by the Metro Historic Zoning Commission
  • Building permit
  • Short‑term rental permit (AirBnB)

Historic overlay permit

If your property is in a historic overlay district, this is the first permit you’ll need. Lynn Taylor handles this permit application when designing a garage, apartment, or tiny house for a client.

Building permit

Next, you’ll need a building permit. You can’t self-permit the construction of a DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) or the conversion of an existing garage into one. A licensed contractor must obtain the permit.

Short‑term rental permit

If your property zoning allows short‑term rentals and that’s your plan, you’ll need a specific permit for that as well.

Yes, you can typically rent a garage apartment; however, this decision is subject to local zoning laws and regulations. You must confirm that the unit is a legal DADU before renting it.

Your options could be short- or long-term rental, but it depends on your property’s zoning regulations. Short‑term rentals require a specific permit.

Some jurisdictions may have specific rules regarding short-term rentals (less than 30 continuous days) versus long-term rentals. Renting an unpermitted unit can expose you to significant legal and financial risks, including fines, denied insurance claims, and potential lawsuits.

Often, homeowners only ask whether it can be designed or built. With enough time and money, any idea can be designed and built.

The real question is: what are your family’s needs, now and for the next five years? Is the construction cost feasible and realistic for your goals and your property?

Understanding the cost and time associated with short-term rentals is very important. Lynn owns a duplex and has used one side for short-term rental for about two years. She currently rents out the other side on a long-term basis. Lynn can share her experiences with both types in a preconstruction consulting meeting.

We can help you understand the difference between the two options above.

A restrictive covenant for an accessory building or structure is a legally binding agreement that restricts the use of an accessory building, such as a DADU, garage apartments, or tiny house, on a property, often preventing it from being used for commercial purposes. These covenants are recorded with the county register of deeds. They are required by local authorities in places like Nashville, TN, to ensure compliance with zoning ordinances, especially when utility permits are issued.

Yes, you will need one before the Building Permit is issued. The document must be filled out, and a Restrictive Covenant for any accessory structure or building must be recorded with the Nashville Davidson County Register of Deeds Office. However, Lynn recommends waiting until you are close to signing the contract with the building contractor, as it changes your deed.

Nashville Davidson County – Restrictive Covenant: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/construction-and-permits/land-use-and-zoning-
information/zoning-examinations/restrictive-covenants

Budget is an essential part of the decision-making and planning process. We cannot provide exact budget parameters because costs vary by area, and this will be defined once we have established your design scope. Additionally, we need to review the property or site conditions.

It is essential to determine your MAXIMUM budget. And is it realistic for today’s construction market? The design and construction industry in Nashville is currently experiencing significant growth, with construction costs continuing to rise.

Other additional costs that should be considered are:

  • Civil land survey: “Why do I need a survey of my property?”
  • Yard prep: fencing and any tree removal;
  • Custom design or stock plan fees;
  • Excavation work of a sloping lot versus a flat lot;
  • Separate electric meter, or will my house handle the new electric load?
  • Rare: Pad-mounted transformers needed with underground power lines

Financing Options for a DADU in Nashville

There are several ways to finance a garage apartment or tiny house project, and the best choice depends on your home’s equity, project scope, and long-term goals. Common options include:

  • Home Equity Loans or HELOCs: Tap into your existing equity for flexible funding. However,
    HELOC may not provide enough money on its own for a DADU.
  • Cash-Out Refinance: Refinance your mortgage and access cash based on your home’s
    current value.
  • Construction Loans: Products like FHA 203(k) or HomeStyle loans cover building costs and
    often convert to a mortgage after completion.
  • Personal Loans: For smaller projects or when equity is limited.
  • Cash

Some newer loan products calculate borrowing power based on your property’s future value after the DADU is added, which can help you secure more capital without refinancing your current mortgage.

You can also work with local banks or specialized lenders, which offer tailored construction financing. These lenders typically focus on your project plans, financials, and available equity.

Step 1: Determine the Building’s Primary Function and Zoning

Start by identifying the building’s intended use and zoning classification. What is the maximum allowable size for an accessory building on your property? Are you located within a Historic Overlay? Zoning research will answer these questions. We assist property owners in reviewing their needs and zoning requirements.

Step 2: Decide on Your Design Approach

Will you hire an experienced design professional, purchase a stock plan, or design it yourself? Keep in mind that the last two options require you to research all zoning regulations and building codes, which can be time-consuming and costly.

Step 3: Establish Your Maximum Budget

Determine your budget and confirm whether it’s realistic for today’s construction market.

Step 4: Define Your Needs for the Detached Garage Apartment or Tiny House

Consider the primary function of the space—parking, storage, living area, workshop, studio, office, or a combination of these.

Understanding “Use” and Restrictions

“Use” refers to what you plan to do in the building: dwelling unit, park cars, store items, create a playroom, workshop, office, mother-in-law suite, or rental property. Sometimes, the size of the accessory building is dictated by its intended use.

In Nashville, you must sign a Restrictive Covenant when building an accessory structure. If you’re building a garage or outbuilding, the Department of Codes will require this covenant, which prohibits using the structure as living quarters, for commercial activity, or for any use inconsistent with current zoning regulations. This restriction applies to you and future property owners.

‘Use’ (or zoning) is what you are going to ‘do in’ or what you will use the building for: park cars, storage, play room, workshop, office, mother-in-law suite, short-term or long-term rental property, etc. Sometimes the size of the accessory building is dictated by the ‘use’. Currently, in Nashville, you must sign a Restrictive Covenant when building an accessory building or structure. If you are just building a garage or outbuilding, then the Department of Codes will require you to sign a Restrictive Covenant. This binds you and future owners to not use the garage or outbuilding as living quarters, for commercial activity, or for any use inconsistent with the current Zoning Regulations.

Nashville Davidson County – Restrictive Covenant:
https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/construction-and-permits/land-use-and-zoning-
information/zoning-examinations/restrictive-covenants

We can help you with this process!

Zoning regulations play a major role in planning your garage apartment or DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit). These rules vary by district and can change without notice, especially in areas with historic overlays. Always confirm your property’s zoning requirements with your local government before paying for design and construction drawings.

Zoning impacts key factors such as the size, footprint, and height of the structure you’re allowed to build. You can usually find zoning details through your city’s online property records search. Each zoning classification has specific development parameters, so knowing your property’s status is the first step in planning.

For example, in Nashville, TN:

  • Properties within an Urban Zoning Overlay (UZO) cannot have a detached accessory
    building taller than the main house or higher than 27 feet.
  • Historic overlays are stricter, typically limiting accessory structures to 25 feet or less—and
    in some cases, no taller than the primary house. Requirements vary widely across Nashville’s
    historic districts, making it essential to review the specific rules for your property’s overlay.

Understanding your zoning first ensures your design complies with local regulations and avoids costly revisions later.

Yes. A civil land survey is mandatory.

Once you know your property’s zoning regulations, your budget, and that you are serious about building a garage apartment or tiny house, invest in a General Property Survey.

Most municipalities require a professional survey before they will even review your permit application. Without one, you cannot accurately confirm property boundaries, verify setback compliance, determine the square footage of existing buildings, or locate critical easements.

For a garage apartment or tiny house, you specifically need a General Property Survey. Unlike an Existing Conditions Survey, this detailed General Property Survey provides the technical data required to:

  • Confirm “Lot Coverage”: Zoning laws strictly limit how much of your land can be covered by buildings and impervious surfaces (pavement). A survey is the only way to help your Residential Designer calculate this accurately and avoid permit rejection.
  • Protect Your Investment: We have seen owners build structures costing $30,000 or more, only to find they’ve encroached on a neighbor’s land or an easement. Don’t risk a forced demolition and a legal battle.
  • As well as this list of items:
    • Property boundary lines with dimensions
    • Lot area
    • Boundary monuments (pins)
    • Building footprints tied to boundaries
    • Required setbacks
    • Recorded easements
    • Rights-of-way
    • Encroachments (yours or neighbors’)

We will not start any design project without a professional civil survey. This document ensures your project respects property corners, easements, floodways, and significant trees you wish to preserve.

Do not let anyone, including a contractor or design professiona tell you a survey is optional. If they do, they are asking you to gamble with your project’s legality.

We provide a ready-to-use email template to help you request one, and share recommendations for reputable surveyors you can contact. The email includes a short video to help you understand the process and what you will receive.

There are side yards and rear setbacks for all buildings on your property. Accessory structures, like garage apartments, tiny houses, or garages, have different setback requirements than your primary house. Setbacks are the dimensions you must locate your building from your property line.

Setbacks are based on footprint size and determined in THE CODE OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE – ‘17.12.040 – Other setbacks.’ The minimum required rear-yard setback could be 10′-0″ to 20′-0″ from the rear property line. The minimum required side yard setback is usually within 3’-0″ to 5′-0″ from the rear property line. However, setbacks vary depending on property zoning regulations.

Properties located in a historic overlay will be subject to setbacks, size limitations, and design requirements enforced by the Metro Historic Zoning Commission in Nashville.

Please check with zoning regulations to verify the requirements specific to your Property. We can always assist in navigating this confusing process!

We recommend building the largest tiny home you can reasonably afford. None of our clients has ever said, “I wish I had built a smaller garage apartment or tiny home.”

Zoning regulations will determine the maximum size allowed for your garage apartment or tiny home. Currently, the living area is limited to 700 square feet. However, if your lot is over 10,000 square feet, Metro Nashville updated the regulation in December 2025 to allow up to 850 square feet of living space.

When deciding between a one-story tiny house, a 1½-story, or a two-story garage apartment, the first step is to confirm what your property’s zoning allows. This will determine the maximum footprint and height permitted for your accessory structure.

Your budget is also a key factor. Is it realistic for quality construction in today’s market? Understanding both zoning limitations and financial constraints will help you choose the best option for your property.

When a client’s goals and budget don’t align, we work together to brainstorm alternative solutions and explore creative ways to approach the challenge.

Stock Plans are pre-drawn construction drawings for a tiny house (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) that you can order as-is from a designer or website. Stock plans can be more affordable than custom tiny house plans, as they are pre-drawn and ready for immediate construction. Usually, there are no drafting changes to the set of construction drawings.

Some Residential Designers and builders may offer stock plans from which you may choose. Stock plans cannot be returned or exchanged. Please ensure your order is accurate before placing it, including verifying the dimensions of your building lot.

Our stock plans are a complete set of construction drawings, not vague conceptual plans. We have a choice between stock plans and custom design. Select a stock plan and then customize it to your needs.

Our garage apartments, or tiny house stock plans, are pre-drawn, standardized designs that are sold multiple times. They are more affordable and readily available, making them a great option for clients on a budget or with a tight deadline.

However, pre-drawn stock plans are not site-specific and may need to be modified by a design professional to comply with your property’s conditions and local codes, which can add to the cost and time. Custom plans are designed from scratch for you and your property.

While custom plans are more expensive, they are tailored to your lifestyle and the unique conditions of your property, resulting in a plan that suits your goals.

Another option is to select a stock plan and customize it to your needs; this could be a better way to save money and time.

Our stock plans are a complete set of construction drawings, not vague conceptual plans.

A set of drawings for a garage apartment, or tiny house plans (DADU), includes:

  • Detailed floor plans, including wall placement showing room dimensions, door and window
    sizes and placement, location of plumbing fixtures, and stairway dimensions
  • Electrical layout plan, showing types and location of fixtures;
  • Exterior elevations, including exterior materials specification, details, and measurements
  • Wall sections and details
  • Foundation and details
  • Framing plans: Ceiling, floor, and roof framing plans

Our plans are a complete set of construction drawings, not vague conceptual plans. A short video of what you receive with your Construction Drawings for the garage apartment.

Construction Drawings: Why They Matter

Anyone can draw a floor plan. However, detailed construction drawings are the essential visual roadmap for any building project. They detail dimensions, materials, layouts, and specifications; guide contractors, ensure code compliance, communicate your design intent, and help control your costs. These drawings transform your ideas into a buildable reality with precision.

At Taylor Made Plans, we produce detailed construction drawings, not vague conceptual plans. This level of detail allows contractors to bid accurately and build smoothly. We never rely on statements like, “The contractor will handle that.” Instead, our drawings help you secure accurate bids, reduce costly change orders, and minimize construction delays.

Construction drawings provide clear communication as the primary language between you, your residential designer, and the contractors. They ensure everyone shares the same vision.

These drawings are part of the legal documentation for the legally binding contract between you and your builder.

Detailed drawings also support quality control, reducing errors, minimizing RFIs (Requests for Information), and ensuring the final product matches your design intent.

Builders and contractors consistently praise our plans for their clarity and thoroughness. Many have told us our drawings eliminate guesswork, making the construction process smoother for everyone.

Finally, a comprehensive set of construction drawings reduces frustration for both the contractor and you, the homeowner, throughout the build.

In Nashville, TN, building and fire-proofing requirements for a living space above a garage are governed by the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC), which was recently adopted by the Metro Government of Nashville and Davidson County (effective late 2025/early 2026). If you are building or renovating a garage with a habitable room above it, the following fire separation and zoning standards apply:

1. Fire Separation Requirements (Building Code)

The primary goal is to create a “fire-separation” barrier to slow the spread of fire and fumes from the garage into the living area.

  • Ceiling Protection: You must install at least 5/8-inch Type X gypsum board (fire-rated
    drywall) on the garage ceiling. This is the standard for habitable rooms located above a
    garage. (Fire Separation (Section R302.6)
  • Wall & Structural Support: Any walls, columns, or beams supporting the floor/ceiling
    assembly must be protected with at least 1/2-inch gypsum board.
  • Door Requirements: If there is a door connecting the garage to a stairwell or the living space:
    • It must be a 20-minute fire-rated door, or a solid wood/honeycomb-core steel door at least 1 3/8 inches thick. (Section R302.5.1)
    • It must be equipped with a self-closing and self-latching device.
    • Crucial: A door from the garage is never permitted to open directly into a sleeping room.
  • Penetrations: Any vents, pipes, or ducts passing through the fire-rated ceiling must be made
    of 26-gauge sheet metal (or approved material) and sealed with fire-blocking sealant.

2. Additional Safety Requirements

  • Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors: Because of the attached living space, CO detectors are required on both the garage and living levels. (Section R315)
  • Interconnected Alarms: Smoke and fire alarms in the living space must usually be interconnected so that if one triggers, they all do.

Check with YOUR local building codes and the government’s zoning requirements.

No. All of our plans are protected by copyright in whole or in part. Reproduction in their original form or as modified without prior written permission of Taylor Made Plans is prohibited and is a violation of federal copyright law; the Architectural Works Copyright Protection Act of 1990. You cannot share, give away, or claim the purchased plan documents as your own. Please be an honest person and do not copy our plans or ideas without purchasing!

By accepting these Drawings, Property owners signify their agreement that Residential Designer shall remain the owner of the Drawings and non-standard design concepts produced in connection with this construction project. Property owners understand and agree that the Drawings and non-standard design concepts may be used exclusively for purposes of this project and that the Drawings and non- standard design concepts may not be used in connection with any extension of this project or any other project in whole or part. Property owners may retain copies of the Drawings for information and reference regarding the use and occupancy of the Property.

Most locations require a building permit for any new building or for modifications to an existing structure. In Nashville, TN, the Department of Codes and Building Safety requires a registered contractor to submit the building permit application. The homeowner cannot obtain the building permit for a DADU.

This is an area or neighborhood designated as a Historic Overlay District, with specific zoning regulations based on its historical, architectural, or cultural significance. It is another layer of design and building requirements on the property. The primary goal is to maintain the neighborhood’s historic appearance.

Some detached garage apartments, or tiny house plans, may be acceptable on your property, but not your neighbor’s property.

When designing a plan for these areas, we appeal not only to the homeowner but also to the local historic zoning governing municipalities, providing a plan that blends well with the historic character of your home and the district.

From Wikipedia:

“A historic overlay district is a layer of local planning regulation in the United States which incorporates the restrictions of the underlying zoning for a given geographic area, with the main goal of preserving the historic character of the neighborhood.”

If you’re building in the Nashville, TN area, we’re always happy to recommend trusted builders. We also assist our clients with contractor interviews and guide them through the bidding process.

That said, it’s important to do your own due diligence, even when Lynn Taylor provides recommendations for contractors or other professionals. Occasionally, a contractor may deliver excellent work for years, only to suddenly stop meeting expectations. Over time, we’ve had to remove contractors from our list for this reason.

Not at this time. The contractor will handle obtaining bids for labor and materials. If you are building yourself, we recommend taking the prints/PDFs to your local lumberyard for material takeoff.

A “CAD File” is a Computer Aided Design 2-dimensional digital copy of the Plans that can be changed or modified with the appropriate software. The file formats, DGN, DWG, or DXF, can be opened with professional drawing software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, etc. Blueprint copies can be made from a CAD or a PDF file. These days, blueprints are now large photocopies.

“Portable Document Format (PDF) is a file format used to present and exchange documents reliably, independent of software, hardware, or operating system. Invented by Adobe, PDF is now an open standard maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)…” per Adobe Acrobat website.

Our “PDFs” are digital copies of the plans from which paper (blueprint) copies can be made. A PDF file cannot be changed or modified.

All residential designs by Taylor Made Plans are protected as intellectual property. Sharing these files or building projects multiple times without Taylor Made Plans’ written permission violates the Architectural Works Copyright Protection Act of 1990.

Architectural Works Copyright Protection Act of 1990.

“By accepting these Drawings, Property owners agree that the Residential Designer shall remain the owner of the Drawings and any non-standard design concepts produced in connection with this construction project. Property owners understand and agree that the Drawings and non-standard design concepts may be used exclusively for purposes of this project and that the Drawings and non- standard design concepts may not be used in connection with any extension of this project or any other project in whole or part. Property owners may retain copies of the drawings for information and reference in connection with their building use and occupancy.”

This copyright law applies to contractors and subcontractors building the project.

Here are a few examples of our abbreviations:

DADU – Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit.
ADU – Accessory Dwelling Unit.
THOW – Tiny House On Wheels
N.T.S. – Not To Scale
AFF – Above Finish Floor
O.C. – On Center.
M.O. – Masonry Opening.
BLD. – Building
CAD – Computer-Aided Drafting
DR. – Door
WIC – Walk-In Closet
dw – Dishwasher
FLR. – Floor
SH – Single Hung (window)
DH – Double Hung (window)
sq. ft. – Square Feet
s.f. – Square Feet
ref. – Refrigerator
elec. – Electric
wh – water heater
P.T. – Pressure Treated
HVAC – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
MECH. – Mechanical