Chapter 7 Understanding House Plans Floor Plan Symbols

Understanding House Plans: Floor Plan Symbols

Reading floor plans is essential for understanding the layout and design of a home. Floor plans use symbols to represent various features, which can be confusing at first. However, by understanding these symbols, you can easily navigate and interpret floor plans with confidence.

Basic Symbols

Walls: Solid or dashed lines represent walls, with the thickness indicating the type of wall (e.g., exterior, interior, load-bearing).
Doors: Rectangles or circles with arrows indicate doors. Arcs represent sliding doors or French doors.
Windows: Rectangles or squares with lines or dots inside represent windows. The number of lines indicates the number of window panels.
Stairs: Lines connected by arrows or zigzag lines represent stairs. Ascending arrows indicate staircases going up, while descending arrows indicate stairs going down.
Fixed Fixtures: Bathtubs, sinks, toilets, and kitchen appliances are represented by various symbols. These symbols indicate the location and type of fixture.

Room Types

Bedrooms: Symbols may include beds, headboards, or nightstands.
Bathrooms: Symbols may include toilets, sinks, bathtubs, or showers.
Kitchen: Symbols may include stoves, ovens, refrigerators, or islands.
Living Rooms: Symbols may include sofas, chairs, or tables.
Dining Rooms: Symbols may include tables, chairs, or buffets.
Garages: Symbols may include cars, tool benches, or storage units.

Other Features

Elevations: Measurements or heights are sometimes indicated on floor plans.
Dimensions: Rooms may have dimensions listed on the floor plan.
Notes: Additional information or specifications may be included in notes on the floor plan.
Legend: Some floor plans include a legend that provides definitions for all the symbols used.

Tips for Reading Floor Plans

Start by getting a general idea of the layout.
Focus on specific areas of the plan, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Look for symbols that represent specific elements you're interested in.
Refer to the legend or ask a professional if you encounter unfamiliar symbols.
Measure the dimensions of rooms and furniture to get a sense of scale.

Conclusion

Understanding house plans is made easier by knowing the floor plan symbols. By familiarizing yourself with these symbols, you can effectively interpret floor plans and gain a better understanding of the design and layout of a home.