House Plan Terms
Wall Section
The House Plan Term wall section is a cross sectional view of a wall. The House plans will show all materials that will
used to make up a wall. This will include studs, plates, sheathing, insulation, exterior, and interior finish. In the House
Plans there will also be symbols referring to specific detail notes. Wall sections in the House Plans are very important in
order to get a clear picture of how the architect expected the building to constructed.
The House Plan Term wall section is a cross sectional view of a wall. The House plans will show all materials that will
used to make up a wall. This will include studs, plates, sheathing, insulation, exterior, and interior finish. In the House
Plans there will also be symbols referring to specific detail notes. Wall sections in the House Plans are very important in
order to get a clear picture of how the architect expected the building to constructed.
Electrical Plan
The House Plan Term Electrical Plan is a detailed drawing of all outlets, lights, and switches in a house. The house plans
will show the location of the outside service, inside panel, and any disconnects. Three way switches will be noted on the
House Plans along with any switched receptacles. The location of all lights will be shown on the house plans and it
should note if there will be any specialty switching such as dimmers. The overall new house plans should give a
complete view of everything
The House Plan Term Electrical Plan is a detailed drawing of all outlets, lights, and switches in a house. The house plans
will show the location of the outside service, inside panel, and any disconnects. Three way switches will be noted on the
House Plans along with any switched receptacles. The location of all lights will be shown on the house plans and it
should note if there will be any specialty switching such as dimmers. The overall new house plans should give a
complete view of everything
Roof Plan
The House Plan Term Roof plan is a view of the roof
looking down from above. In this view on the House
Plans you will be able to see the location of all ridges,
hips, and valleys. They are very helpful sometimes in
order to get a clear picture of the overall roof.
The House Plan Term Roof plan is a view of the roof
looking down from above. In this view on the House
Plans you will be able to see the location of all ridges,
hips, and valleys. They are very helpful sometimes in
order to get a clear picture of the overall roof.
Construction Jargon
Truss Plan
The House Plan Term truss plan will show every truss that will make up a roof system.
Each truss will be numbered and will be shown on shop drawing with dimensions and
specifications.
Two Gang Box
Two gang box is an electrical term that refers to an electrical box that will hold two switches
or receptacles.
Typical Detail
The House Plan Term typical detail shows a typical way of construction of a particular item.
This may be a wall section, footing, roof, etc. .
Typical Section
The House Plan Term typical section is a detailed drawing of a particular section of a
house. This can be a wall section, a roof section, a foundation section, or a footing
section. Typical sections in House Plans are details that are typical for normal
construction. Some plans devote one sheet to show typical sections. Sometimes this
makes it easy to get an overall picture of all important details to be considered in the
construction of the house.
Ufer Ground
House Plan Term ufer ground is an electrical term used to refer to a bare piece of copper
wire put in the footing of a foundation. This will be a #4 copper wire and a minimum of 20
feet in length.
Valley
House Plan Term valley is the lowest point in a roof where rafters of different angles come
together. The main member that the valley rafters attach to is called the valley. The valley
board is wider in width than the rafters in order that the rafter cut will not be longer than
the width of the valley board.
Valley Rafter
The House Plan Term valley rafter is a rafter that is attached to the ridge at the top and
the valley at the bottom.
The House Plan Term truss plan will show every truss that will make up a roof system.
Each truss will be numbered and will be shown on shop drawing with dimensions and
specifications.
Two Gang Box
Two gang box is an electrical term that refers to an electrical box that will hold two switches
or receptacles.
Typical Detail
The House Plan Term typical detail shows a typical way of construction of a particular item.
This may be a wall section, footing, roof, etc. .
Typical Section
The House Plan Term typical section is a detailed drawing of a particular section of a
house. This can be a wall section, a roof section, a foundation section, or a footing
section. Typical sections in House Plans are details that are typical for normal
construction. Some plans devote one sheet to show typical sections. Sometimes this
makes it easy to get an overall picture of all important details to be considered in the
construction of the house.
Ufer Ground
House Plan Term ufer ground is an electrical term used to refer to a bare piece of copper
wire put in the footing of a foundation. This will be a #4 copper wire and a minimum of 20
feet in length.
Valley
House Plan Term valley is the lowest point in a roof where rafters of different angles come
together. The main member that the valley rafters attach to is called the valley. The valley
board is wider in width than the rafters in order that the rafter cut will not be longer than
the width of the valley board.
Valley Rafter
The House Plan Term valley rafter is a rafter that is attached to the ridge at the top and
the valley at the bottom.
Sub-Facia
The sub facia is the backing piece for the facia. The sub facia will normally be #2 lumber
and the facia being more of a trim type material.
Switch
Switch is an electrical device used to turn electrical devices on and off. Switches can limit
the amount of current such as a dimmer switch or just be an on and off device.
Symbols
Symbols are graphic drawings that relate to particular items in either a house or outside
site work. These can be used to show bathroom fixtures, electrical fixtures, or appliances.
Tee
A tee is a pipe fitting in the shape of a “T”.
Ton
Ton is an air conditioning term used to specify the size of an A/C unit. A ton of air is equal
to 12000 BTU’s of air.
Top Plate
The top plate is the horizontal member on top of a wall section. There are normally two top
plates that make up a wall section.
Topographical
House Plan topographical plan is also called a “topo”. This plan will show all the different
elevations across a construction site. Depending on the site, it may show existing as well
as future elevations.
The sub facia is the backing piece for the facia. The sub facia will normally be #2 lumber
and the facia being more of a trim type material.
Switch
Switch is an electrical device used to turn electrical devices on and off. Switches can limit
the amount of current such as a dimmer switch or just be an on and off device.
Symbols
Symbols are graphic drawings that relate to particular items in either a house or outside
site work. These can be used to show bathroom fixtures, electrical fixtures, or appliances.
Tee
A tee is a pipe fitting in the shape of a “T”.
Ton
Ton is an air conditioning term used to specify the size of an A/C unit. A ton of air is equal
to 12000 BTU’s of air.
Top Plate
The top plate is the horizontal member on top of a wall section. There are normally two top
plates that make up a wall section.
Topographical
House Plan topographical plan is also called a “topo”. This plan will show all the different
elevations across a construction site. Depending on the site, it may show existing as well
as future elevations.
Sight-Hearing
Site & hearing impaired refers to particular requirements necessary for individuals with
disabilities with sight or hearing. These might be special strobe lights that blink when
someone rings the doorbell or the phone rings for someone who is hearing impaired.
Site Details
The House Plan Site details are specific details that are important for site work. These
details might be specific for a particular site or typical details that would be common on
most sites.
Site Plans
House Plan Site plans give an overall view of what will be required during construction for a
particular site. It will show existing as well as future grades, structures, utilities, and
improvements.
Soffit
House Plan Term soffitt or overhang is the horizontal section at the lower part of the roof.
This overhang can be different widths depending on the design and preference. This will
provide protection from the weather as well as add to the aesthetics of the home.
Square Footage
The square footage is the product of the length and width of a room or house.
Structural Notes
The House Plan Structural notes are notes in a set of plans that give important information
concerning structural items or procedures.
Stud
A stud is the vertical structural member in a wall and can be either wood or metal. Studs
are spaced either on 16 centers or 24 inch centers. There will be one bottom plate
attached to the bottom and two top plates attached to the top. The stud length will be
determined by the ceiling height.
Site & hearing impaired refers to particular requirements necessary for individuals with
disabilities with sight or hearing. These might be special strobe lights that blink when
someone rings the doorbell or the phone rings for someone who is hearing impaired.
Site Details
The House Plan Site details are specific details that are important for site work. These
details might be specific for a particular site or typical details that would be common on
most sites.
Site Plans
House Plan Site plans give an overall view of what will be required during construction for a
particular site. It will show existing as well as future grades, structures, utilities, and
improvements.
Soffit
House Plan Term soffitt or overhang is the horizontal section at the lower part of the roof.
This overhang can be different widths depending on the design and preference. This will
provide protection from the weather as well as add to the aesthetics of the home.
Square Footage
The square footage is the product of the length and width of a room or house.
Structural Notes
The House Plan Structural notes are notes in a set of plans that give important information
concerning structural items or procedures.
Stud
A stud is the vertical structural member in a wall and can be either wood or metal. Studs
are spaced either on 16 centers or 24 inch centers. There will be one bottom plate
attached to the bottom and two top plates attached to the top. The stud length will be
determined by the ceiling height.
Bottom Plate
The bottom plate is the bottom board in a wall. The
bottom plate is usually a 2x4 or 2x6, depending on the
wall thickness. On a concrete foundation the bottom plate
will be pressure treated lumber. The bottom plate will be
regular lumber on a wood floor system.
Breaker
A breaker is a electrical device used to protect electrical
circuits from overload. Breakers are rated in the maximum
amperage (20 amp) they will allow to pass. If the current
exceeds the rating of the breaker, it will trip the breaker.
In order to turn the circuit back on, the breaker will have
to be reset.
The bottom plate is the bottom board in a wall. The
bottom plate is usually a 2x4 or 2x6, depending on the
wall thickness. On a concrete foundation the bottom plate
will be pressure treated lumber. The bottom plate will be
regular lumber on a wood floor system.
Breaker
A breaker is a electrical device used to protect electrical
circuits from overload. Breakers are rated in the maximum
amperage (20 amp) they will allow to pass. If the current
exceeds the rating of the breaker, it will trip the breaker.
In order to turn the circuit back on, the breaker will have
to be reset.
Attic insulation
Terms refers to insulation put in the attic. This is usually
either batt insulation or blown insulation. The thickness
will vary depending on the “R” value that is specified in
the plans.
Terms refers to insulation put in the attic. This is usually
either batt insulation or blown insulation. The thickness
will vary depending on the “R” value that is specified in
the plans.
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House Plan Terms