How To Read House Plans : Gallery House Plans

How to Read House Plans

Reading house plans can be intimidating, but it's a valuable skill for anyone considering building or remodeling a home. By understanding the symbols and conventions used in plans, you can visualize the layout, size, and features of a house before it's built.

Here are some tips on how to read house plans:

1. Familiarize yourself with the symbols.

The first step to reading house plans is to familiarize yourself with the symbols used to represent different features. These symbols are standardized and used by architects and builders around the world. You can find a key to the symbols on the plan itself or in a reference book. Once you know what the symbols mean, you can start to understand the layout of the house.

2. Start with the exterior walls.

The exterior walls are the foundation of the house plan. They define the shape and size of the house and show the location of windows and doors. Look for the thick lines that represent the exterior walls. These lines may be solid or dashed to indicate different types of walls. For example, solid lines may represent load-bearing walls, while dashed lines may represent non-load-bearing walls.

3. Identify the rooms.

Once you have a sense of the exterior walls, you can start to identify the different rooms in the house. Rooms are typically represented by different shapes and sizes. For example, bedrooms are usually rectangular, while living rooms are often L-shaped or U-shaped. Look for labels or numbers on the plan to help you identify the different rooms.

4. Pay attention to the dimensions.

The dimensions of the rooms and other features are indicated on the plan. These dimensions are typically given in feet and inches. They will tell you the length, width, and height of each room. The dimensions are important for determining the size and layout of the house.

5. Look for the electrical and plumbing plans.

In addition to the floor plan, most house plans also include electrical and plumbing plans. These plans show the location of electrical outlets, light fixtures, switches, and plumbing fixtures. They are important for understanding how the house will function once it's built.

Reading house plans can be a challenge, but it's a skill that can be learned with practice. By following these tips, you can gain a better understanding of the plans and make more informed decisions about your home.