1. Interpreting Floor Plans

What is a Floor Plan?

In architecture and building engineering, a floor plan is a technical drawing to scale, showing a view from above, of the relationships between rooms, spaces and other physical features at one level of a structure. Dimensions are usually drawn between the walls to specify room sizes and wall lengths. Floor plans may also include details of fixtures like sinks, water heaters, furnaces, etc. Floor plans may include notes for construction to specify finishes, construction methods, or symbols for electrical items and other appliances.

Door Symbols

Window Symbols

Stairs Symbols

Appliance Symbols

Plumbing Symbols

Heating and Air Conditioner Symbols

Electrical Symbols

Wall Symbols

Floor Plan Abbreviations

In addition to symbols, floor plans contain abbreviations for different elements and materials. These abbreviations can include (but are not limited to) the following:

AC or A/C = Air Conditioner
B = Basin
BC = Bookcase
BV = Butterfly Valve
CAB = Cabinet
CBD = Cupboard
CF = Concrete Floor
CL = Closet
CLG = Ceiling
COL = Column
CW = Cavity Wall
CT = Ceramic Tile
D = Door (Usually followed by a number)
DP = Down pipe
DW = Dishwasher
EF = Exhaust Fan
FD = Floor Drain
GM = Gas Meter

HTR = Heater
HW = Hot Water Tank
KIT = Kitchen
LIN = Linen Cupboard
LTG = Lighting
MSB = Master Switchboard
O or OV = Oven
REFRIG or REF = Refrigerator
SD = Smoke Detector (Often a symbol instead), Sliding Door or Sewer Drain
SHR = Shower
WC = Toilet
VENT = Ventilator
VP = Vent Pipe
WIC = Walk in Closet
W = Window (Usually followed by a number)
WH = Water Heater
WR = Wardrobe

Page updated

Report abuse