Understanding Blueprints

Objectives Demonstrate the ability to measure with an architectural scale ruler List the various types of plans or views represented in a set of blueprints Discuss the information represented on various pages within a set of blueprints Identify the sizes of objects on a drawing using the dimensions given and using a scale. Interpret the various lines, symbols and notations used on drawings.

Reading a Architects Scale PDF Scale printout How to use a Scale Ruler Video

¾” Scale 1 Inch 1 Foot 1” 2” 3” 4” 5” 6” 7” 8” 9” 10” 11” 28 2 26 16” 12” = 1’ 0” 1’

The Plans Plot Plan Foundation / basement plan Elevation Plans Floor plans Section views

Plot Plan Shows the location of all the structures on a given site The drawing simulates a view looking down from a considerable height It is made at a small scale because of the relatively large area it represents The plot plan shows information about the lot, such as the laction of the building, wals, and driveways. The drawing simulates a view looking down from a considerable height. It is made at a small scale because of the relatively large area it represents.

Plot Plan Example

Plot Plan Example

Foundation / basement plan Shows footing placement and size Shows foundation wall placement and size A mistake in reading the foundation plan will affect the whole structure. The foundation plan is drawn at the same scale as the floor plan. A mistake in reading the foundation plan will affect the whole structure.

Floor plans Show size and outline of a specific story of the building Show location and size of walls, windows, doors, and stairs Locations of fixtures for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC may also be shown here Separate drawings specifically for electricians, plumbers, etc may also be available Schedules for specific information on doors, windows, plumbing and electrical fixtures will be available to supplement the info on the floor plan

Section Views A cut-a-way of a section of the home Shows information that can’t be seen from a view above

Elevation View Show what the building should look like when construction is completed Shown from a normal standing position Showing no depth Tell locations of windows, doors, types of wall finishes, exterior trim, location of exterior cooling and heating equipment, and other vital information Shown for each face of the building (front side, left side, right side, and rear)

Elevation View

Understanding the Lines Object lines – are lines that outline the object being viewed Hidden lines – are lines that used to indicates objects not visible Centerlines – are indicated by fine long dash then a short dash line and so on Break line – is line used to shorten the over length of a drawing (can only be used if there is no change taking place) Dimension line – is a fine solid line, it is terminated by arrows at each end Extensions lines – are fine solid lines projecting from an object to show the extent of a dimension

And will lead you to something like this on another page Section lines – identifies where the cut-away section of the house is cut-away from And will lead you to something like this on another page

Object lines – are lines that outline the object being viewed Hidden lines – are lines that used to indicates objects not visible Centerlines – are indicated by fine long dash then a short dash line and so on Break line – is line used to shorten the over length of a drawing (can only be used if there is no change taking place) Dimension line – is a fine solid line, it is terminated by arrows at each end Extensions lines – are fine solid lines projecting from an object to show the extent of a dimension

Understanding symbols Since plans are drawn to scale symbols are used in place of actual appearances Architects use short-cut symbols called conventional representations for everything from wood to glass

Basic Widow Symbols

Basic Door Symbols

Schedules Available for various ordering purposes Doors, windows, plumbing and electrical fixtures, HVAC components, etc

Review Name the different plans used during the building process? Which of the dimensions below would be found on a blueprint? a) 3’ b) 3 ft. c) 3’-0” d) 36” 3. If you need information about the footings, which plan would you need? 4. If you need to know information about the exterior look and finishes of the house, what plan would you need? 5. If you need to see a cut-away of a house what type of plan would you need? 6. Residential plans are usually drawn to a scale of ____in. = ft.____in 7. Explain the purpose of a window and door schedule. Plot plan, foundation, floor plan, and detail plans (elevation, elevation, floor ceiling and roof plans, framing plans, window and door schedules) C is the correct answer