Exterior and Interior Walls
When drawing, try to set your dividers to the right dimensions of wall thickness, rather than measuring it every time with your scale.
Use this thickness chart to help you:
Wood Frame Walls
Exterior walls (with sheathing and siding) - 6 in.
Interior walls (with dry wall both sides) - 5 in.
Concrete Block Walls
Exterior Walls - 8, 10, 12 in.
Interior Walls - 4 or 8 in.
Brick Veener Exterior
Veener on frame - 10 in.
Veener on concrete block - 12 in.
Brick Exterior Walls
Two courses of brick - 8 in.
Two courses with 2 in. space - 10 in.
Three courses of brick - 12 in.
Build-in Cabinets and Appliances
The sizes of kitchen cabinets, fixtures and appliances must be indicated in the floor plan. These features are drawn using standard symbols which represent sizes.
Always examine local codes in your area!
Size and Location of Windows and Doors
When locating windows and doors on the drawing, use a center line through the middle of the opening. The sash opening is shown for windows and the actual door width is used for doors. Sils are indicated for windows and exterior doors and the door swing must be indicated on the floor plan!
When the opening is not a door or window (does not extent to the ceiling), hidden lines are used.
Permanent Fixtures
If a stairway or fireplace is included, you only have to include basic size and location information. Details must be included in the set of drawings for these two features.
Information to be included in floor plan:
Stairs
-
direction of flight
-
number of risers and
-
width of staris
Fireplace
-
width
-
location
-
length
-
shape of the opening
Room names and material symbols
Room names help communicate information to others. The room name should be lettered slightly larger (3/16 in.) The ideal place for the name is the middle of the room. The approximate size of the room can also be added below the name.
Rather than trying to describe materials with words, use material symbols. If the symbol is not a standard one, do not forget to identify it.
Walks, patios and decks
Size and materials to be used should be indicated!
Location and size dimensions
Size and materials to be used should be indicated!