Understanding Your Plans

Scale

Most floor plans and elavations in a set of residential plans are drawn at a scale of
1/4" = 1' - 0". This means that every inch on the paper is equal to one foot in the real world. Your plans should be dimensioned well enough that you shouldn't have to scale the drawings to find out how big a space is, but if you like, an architects square can be purchased for a few dollars at anyplace that sells blueprinting supplies and larger office supply stores.

Sample Floor Plan

Common Symbols Found on Plans

Here are some common symbols you will find on your set of plans. (Note: Symbols are not drawn to scale)

Kitchen Symbols

Kitchen Sink

Double-bowl Kitchen Sink

Range

Side by Side Refrigerator

Bathroom Symbols

Bathroom Sink

Standard Bathtub

3' x 3' Shower Stall

Water Closet

Interior Doors

Hinged Door

Bi-fold Door

Bi-pass Door

Pocket Door

Miscellaneous

Washer/Dryer

Water Heater

Door and Window Marks

Information about doors and windows are commonly referenced in two different ways. The first way is by use of a door or window "mark". This is a geometric shape such as a circle, diamond or square with a letter or number inside. Each different letter or number denotes a different type of door or window. Important information concerning the door or window, such as size, manufacturer, style, etc., is then detailed in a door or window schedule which will be found on the plan. Another way, preferred by some builders, is to simply put the door or window call size near the door or window being referenced. Other details are then detailed in a written document called the specifications.