Chapter 18

Floor Plan Layout

Introduction• Commonly drawing sheets sizes for

residential plans:– 17" × 22", 18" × 24", 22" × 34", and 24" × 36"

• This chapter explains floor plan layout techniques using 22" × 34" sheets

• Layout methods: – Can be used with any sheet size large enough

to fit the desired floor plan

Steps for Laying Out a Floor Plan

Steps for Laying Out a Floor Plan (cont’d.)

• Finally, add title block information– Project name and number– Address– Sheet number– Scale– Other items (e.g., company logo)

Second-Floor Plan Layout• Second-floor plan must be scaled to fit over

main-floor plan– Exterior walls, continued interior bearing

partitions, and stairs must line up• Only exceptions are portions of second floor that

are cantilevered or supported beyond main floor

Second-Floor Plan Layout (cont’d.)• Technique for aligning:

– Make a print of main-floor plan – Tape it to your table– Check the scale of print for accuracy– Place new drawing sheet for second-floor plan

over print– Adjust new sheet so drawing area for second

floor is over first-floor outline

Second-Floor Plan Layout (cont’d.)• Technique for aligning (cont’d.):

– Tape second drawing sheet to the board after adjusting to desired position

– Lay out second-floor plan using previous steps

Basement Plan Layout• Drawn using same methods described for

first- and second-floor plan layouts– Unfinished basements

• Can be drawn in conjunction with foundation plan

– Finished basements • Best to draw a separate basement floor plan, so

foundation and floor plan characteristics are isolated

Basement Plan Layout (cont’d.)• Basements may be:

– Partial• Designed under any portion of foundation area

– Full• Occupies entire area inside foundation walls

– Below grade or partial below grade• Underground or beneath ground level• Requires window wells located at the windows

Basement Plan Layout (cont’d.)• Daylight basements

– Used when ground slopes enough to provide a full wall height at rear or side of a house

– Allows you to enter and exit the basement directly from ground level

Floor Plan Drawing Checklist• Refer to the text for a floor plan drawing

checklist – Ensures all of necessary items are included– Not all items on the checklist are found on

every set of floor plans• Check off features used