The "Floor Plan" for a residential structure is a horizontal, fully sectioned, top view drawing that is plotted at a scale of 1/4"=1'-0" (1/48 size). This plan is the basis for all of the other plans (foundation, elevations, sections and mechanicals) and is drawn as if the roof was removed and the walls were cut at a height of 48" above the floor. All dimensions, notes and labels needed to order materials and to construct the frame work of the building must be provided in a standardized fashion.This plan shows:

• the layout of exterior and interior walls
• the locations of windows and doors
• the placement of bathroom fixtures
• the placement of kitchen and laundry appliances
• the placement of mechanical equipment
• the location of stairways
• the placement of built-in cabinetry
• the location of fireplaces
• the names of rooms
• the thicknesses of walls
• the sizes of windows and doors
• the direction of stairways
• the ceiling or floor joists specifications

Listed and shown below are the standard sizes for drawing most of the components of a residential "Floor Plan":

WALLS

• EXTERIOR WALLS
  3.5" - 2x4 stud walls with no exterior sheathing and no interior drywall*
  5.25" - 2x6 stud walls with no exterior sheathing and no interior drywall*
  4" - 2x4 stud walls with no exterior sheathing and .5" interior drywall*
  5.75" - 2x6 stud walls with no exterior sheathing and .5" interior drywall*
  4.75" - 2x4 stud walls with .75" exterior sheathing and .5" interior drywall*
  5" - 2x4 stud walls with 1" exterior sheathing and .5" interior drywall*
  6.5" - 2x6 stud walls with .75" exterior sheathing and .5" interior drywall*
  6.75" - 2x6 stud walls with 1" exterior sheathing and .5" interior drywall*
  12" to 18" - solid logs
  *Thickness of siding material is NOT included
  
• EXTERIOR BRICK OR STONE
  Add 4.5" to the outside of an exterior walls for standard brick (includes 1" of air space)
  Add 6.5" to the outside of an exterior walls for cut field stone (includes 1" of air space)
  
• INTERIOR WALLS
  4.5" - 2x4 stud walls with .5" drywall on both sides
  4.625" - 2x4 stud walls with .5" drywall on house side and 5/8" drywall on garage side
  
• PLUMBING WALLS
  6.25" - 2x6 stud walls with .5" drywall on both sides
  8" - double 2x4 stud walls with .5" drywall on both sides

DOORS

• EXTERIOR DOORS
  36" w. x 80" h. x 1.75" t. (standard) up to 48" w. x 84" h. x 2.25" t. for main entrance
  Add 12" or 14" to one or both sides of door for sidelites
  32" w. to 34" w. for rear entrance or to garage (door to garage must be fire-rated)
  60", 72", 90", 96", 108", 120", or 144" w. x 80" h. x 1.5" t. for Sliding, French, or Patio Doors
  34" or 36" w. x 80" h. x 1.375" t. for Dutch Doors (upper & lower halfs can be opened separately)
  
• INTERIOR "PASSAGE" DOORS
  30" w. x 80" h. x 1.375" t. (standard)
  26" w. to 28" w. for powder rooms
  32" w. to 34" w. for utility or laundry rooms
  15", 18", 30", or 36" w. x 80 h. x 1.375" t. for Double Swing
  30" or 36" w. x 80" h. x 1.375" t. for Pocket Doors (need 30" to 36" of additional wall)
  30" w. x 80" h. x 1.375" t. for Dutch Doors (upper & lower halfs can be opened separately)
  
• CLOSET DOORS
  36", 48", 60", or 72" w. x 80" h. x 1.25" t. for Bifolds
  60", 72", or 90" w. x 80" h. x 1.375" t. for Sliders
  12", 18", or 24" w. x 80" h. x 1.375" t. for Linen Closets
  24" to 30" w. x 80" w. x 1.375" t. for Pantry Closets
  
• GARAGE DOORS
  8'-0" or 9'-0" w. x 7'-0" or 8'-0" h. x 1.5" t. for single, overhead, 5 or 6 panels
  16'-0" or 18'-0" w. x 7'-0" or 8'-0" h. x 1.5" t. for double, overhead, 5 or 6 panels

WINDOWS

• DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS - Slide up and down (approximate glass sizes)
  16", 20", 24", 28", 32", 36", or 40" w. x 36", 42", 48", 54", 57", 66", 69", or 78" h.
  4 9/16" standard jamb width can be extended for thicker walls
  can be combined into double and triple units
  
• CASEMENT WINDOWS - Pivot outward from side (approximate glass sizes)
  12", 16", 20", 24", 28", or 32" w. x 20", 30", 36", 42", 48", 56", 60", or 68" h.
  4 9/16" standard jamb width can be extended for thicker walls
  can be combined into double, triple, and quadruple units
  
• AWNING WINDOWS - Pivot outward from top (approximate glass sizes)
  20", 30", 36", 42", 48", 56", 60", or 68" w. x 12", 16", 20", 24", 30", or 36" h.
  4 9/16" standard jamb width can be extended for thicker walls
  can be combined into double and triple units horizontally and vertically
  
• HOPPER WINDOWS - Pivot inward from bottom (approximate glass sizes)
  20", 30", 36", 42", 48", 56", 60", or 68" w. x 12", 16", 20", 24", 30", or 36" h.
  4 9/16" standard jamb width can be extended for thicker walls
  can be combined with fixed unit above
  
• SLIDING WINDOWS - Slide side to side (approximate glass sizes)
  12", 18", 24", or 30" w. x 14", 28", 32",40", or 52" h.
  4 9/16" standard jamb width can be extended for thicker walls
  
• PICTURE WINDOWS - Fixed in place nonopening (approximate glass sizes)
  32", 36", 42", 48", 56", 60", or 68" w. x 12", 16", 20", 24", 30", or 36" h.
  4 9/16" standard jamb width can be extended for thicker walls
  can be combined with double hung, casement, awning and hopper units
  
• TRANSOM WINDOWS - Fixed in place above other units or doors (approximate glass sizes)
  20", 30", 36", 42", or 48" w. x 12", 16", 20", or 24" h.
  4 9/16" standard jamb width can be extended for thicker walls
  can be combined with double hung, casement or other fixed units
  
• BAY WINDOWS - Three units that project outward from wall (approximate rough openings)
  30 deg, 13" proj., D.H. & Pict., 7'-0", 8'-0", or 9'-0" w. x 4'-6", 4'-10", or 5'-10" h.
  30 deg, 15" proj., D.H. & Pict., 7'-7", 8'-7", or 9'-3" w. x 4'-6", 4'-10", or 6'-6" h.
  45 deg, 18" proj., D.H. & Pict., 6'-6", 7'-6", or 8'-2" w. x 4'-6", 4'-10", or 5'-10" h.
  45 deg, 21" proj., D.H. & Pict., 7'-0", 8'-0", or 8'-8" w. x 4'-6", 4'-10", or 6'-6" h.
  30 deg, 14" proj., Case. & Pict., 5'-9", 7'-9", or 9'-8" w. x 3'-1", 4'-6", or 6'-1" h.
  45 deg, 20" proj., Case. & Pict., 5'-2", 7'-2", or 9'-2" w. x 3'-6", 5'-0", or 5'-6" h.
  
• BOW WINDOWS - Multiple units that project outward from wall on an arc (approximate rough openings)
  6'-1" w. x 3'-1", 3'-6", 4'-2", 4'-6", 5'-1", 5'-6", or 6'-1" h. with 5" proj. (3)
  8'-1" w. x 3'-1", 3'-6", 4'-2", 4'-6", 5'-1", 5'-6", or 6'-1" h. with 10" proj. (4)
  10'-0" w. x 3'-1", 3'-6", 4'-2", 4'-6", 5'-1", 5'-6", or 6'-1" h. with 14" proj. (5)
  11'-10" w. x 3'-1", 3'-6", 4'-2", 4'-6", 5'-1", 5'-6", or 6'-1" h. with 20" proj. (6)
  13'-7" w. x 3'-1", 3'-6", 4'-2", 4'-6", 5'-1", 5'-6", or 6'-1" h. with 26" proj. (7)
  
• ROOF WINDOWS - Also called skylights (approximate rough openings)
  22", 28", or 44" w. x 27", 38", 49", or 54" h., may be fixed or hinged at the top
  can be grouped in multiples 4" between horizontally and 3" between vertically
  
• BASEMENT WINDOWS
  27" or 30" w. x 18" or 24" h., sliding
  27" w. x 10", 14", or 18" h., hopper
  27" w. x 32" h., emergency exit

CABINETRY

• KITCHEN
  Base Units, 24" deep x 35" h. x widths from 12" to 36" in 3" increments
  Wall Units, 12" deep x 12" to 30" h. x widths from 12" to 36" in 3" increments
  Note: Walls cabinets are placed 18" to 30" above the counter tops
  
• PANTRIES
  24" deep x 84" h. x various widths from 18" to 36" in 6" increments
  
• PLANNING DESKS
  Base Units, 24" deep x 27" h. x widths from 36" to 72" in 6" increments
  Wall Units, 12" deep x 36" to 48" h. x widths from 36" to 72" in 6" increments
  
• BARS
  Tops, 12" to 16" deep x 42" to 48" high x variable lengths
  Base portion, 24" deep x 30" to 35" high x variable lengths with or without water and electrical outlets
  
• ISLANDS
  24" to 48" deep x 35" high x 24" to 96" long
  minimum of 36" walking space on all sides
  
• BATHROOM VANITIES
  Base Units, 22" deep x 29" h. x widths from 24" to 48" in 3" increments

COUNTER TOPS

• Kitchens - 25" w. x 1.5" t. with a 3.5" to 4" back splash
  Bathrooms - 23" w. x 1.5" t. with a 3.5" to 4" back splash
  plastic laminate over wood base or solid plastic

FIREPLACES AND CHIMNEYS

• MASONRY STYLES
  Single, two-sided, three-sided, see-thru, and four-sided openings
  Opening widths from 28" to 72" with 36" standard
  Overall length equals opening plus a minimum of 12" on each side of opening
  Overall depth 28" to 36" depending on facing materials
  Hearth in front of opening, 16" to 20" deep x a minimum of 12" on each side of the opening
  Hearth may be flush with floor or raised 2" to 16"
  
• METAL PREFABRICATED STYLES
  Single, two-sided, three-sided, see-thru, and four-sided openings
  Opening widths from 28" to 48" with 36" standard
  Overall length equals opening plus a minimum of 4" on each side of opening
  Overall depth 22" to 26" depending on firbox materials
  Hearth in front of opening, 16" to 20" deep x overall length, maybe flush with floor or raised 4" to 16"
  Surround materials maybe wood paneling, painted drywall, ceramic tile, veneer brick or stone, as well as full size masonry products
  
• CHIMNEYS
  16" square for masonry unit with 8" flues and no face brick (gas furnace & water heater)
  24" square for masonry unit with 8" flue and standard face brick (same as above)
  24" x 36" for masonry unit with 6" and 8" flues and standard face brick (firepalce and furnace flues)
  8" to 14" for metal "B" vents 6" to 12" in diameter with 1" clearance on all sides

PLUMBING FIXTURES

• BATH TUBS
  30" w. x 60" l. x 14" h. with or without shower (standard)
  36" w. x 72" l. x 14" h. (includes whirlpool)
  See manufactures catalogs for larger sizes
  
• SHOWERS
  30" to 36" square freestanding in metal, plastic, and fiberglass
  32" to 42" w. x 36" to 48" one-piece, molded plastic and fiberglass
  36" to 42" w. x 36" to 60" custom, all glass
  
• TOILETS & BIDETS
  20" to 24" w. x 26" to 30" l. in a variety of styles
  Allow 30" to 36" of space along the walls and 48" of space out from the wall for cleaning and maintaining the toilet
  
• SINKS
  18" to 24" l. x 16" to 20" w. in a variety of round, square, or oval styles using cast iron, porcelin, fiberglass, or molded plastics for use in bathrooms
  24" to 36" l. x 18" to 22" w. in single or double bowl styles using cast iron, porcelin, or stainless steel for use in kitchens and bars
  22" to 44" l. x 22" w. in single tubs using cast iron, fiberglass, or ceramics for use in laundry or utility rooms
  
• WATER HEATERS
  20" to 24" in diameter in gas, electric, or solar powered models with 30 to 60 gallon capacities
  allow minimum of 6" of clearance around units
  electric, natural gas or propane gas powered
  
• WATER SOFTENERS - Removes hard minerals from water used for cleaning and bathing
  16" to 30" in diameter by 48" to 60" in height
  110 v of electricity needed for timer
  
• VENT STACK - Extend through roof to releases sewage fumes from waste lines
  4" diameter in plastic requires a 2 x 6 stud wall behind or next to toilet
  6" diameter in cast iron requires a double 2 x 4 stud wall or a 2 x 8 stud wall behind or next to a toilet

APPLIANCES

• REFRIGERATORS
  24" l. x 24" w. - apartment size model
  32" l. x 25" w. - standard size model
  42" l. x 25" w. - side-by-side model
  allow minimum of 2" clearance on each side
  
• COOKTOPS
  32" l. x 22" w. - standard four elements in gas or electric (110 or 220 v) models
  36" l. x 22" w. - down-draft fan or grill surface in gas or electric models (110 or 220 v)
  
• FREE-STANDING RANGE
  24" l. x 25" w. - apartment size model four elements, oven and broiler in gas or electric (110 or 220 v) models
  30" to 36" l. x 25" w. - standard size models in gas or electric (110 or 220 v) models
  NO clearance on sides required
  
• BUILT-IN WALL OVENS
  24", 27" or 30" l. x 24" w. - single or double ovens with or without microwave units in gas or electric (110 or 220 v) models
  
• MICROWAVE OVENS
  24" to 30" l. x 14" to 22" w. - free-standing, built-in, or suspended models, 110 v
  
• DISHWASHERS
  24" l. to 24" w. - standard size, portable or built-in, 110 v
  
• TRASH COMPACTORS
  12" to 16" l. x 24" w. - under counter units, 110 v
  
• CLOTHES WASHERS & DRYERS
  30" to 32" l. x 25" w. - standard sizes, gas or electric dryers, 110 v
  allow 3" of clearance in back
  
• FURNACES
  16" to 24" l. x 24" to 32" w. - sizes vary by manufacturer using gas, electric (110 - 220 v), or solar power for forced-air, heat-pump or radiant models
  locate near center of building for maximum efficiency and economy
  
• AIR-CONDITIONING CONDENSERS
  16" to 36" in dia. x 30" to 36" h.
  locate outside of structure at rear or side

STAIRWAYS

• STRAIGHT STYLE
  36" to 48" w. x 11'-8" l. using a 7" riser and a 10" tread (14 treads & 15 risers for 8'-0 ceilings)
  allow 36" of landing space at top and bottom
  
• STRAIGHT w/3 STEP "L" TURN
  36" to 48" w. x 12'-2" l. using a 7" riser and a 10" tread (14 treads & 15 risers for 8'-0 ceilings)
  allow 36" of landing space at top and bottom
  
• STRAIGHT w/2 WAY LANDING
  36" to 48" w. x 13'-10 l. using a 7" riser and a 10" tread (14 treads & 15 risers for 8'-0 ceilings)
  allow 36" of landing space at top
  
• "U" STYLE w/6 STEP TURN
  76" to 100" w. x 6'-4" l. using a 7" riser and a 10" tread includes 4.5" for wall between runs
  allow 36" of landing space at top and bottom (14 treads & 15 risers for 8'-0 ceilings)
  
• "U" STYLE w/2 STEP LANDING
  76" to 100" w. x 8'-0" l. using a 7" riser and a 10" tread includes 4.5" for wall between runs
  allow 36" of landing space at top and bottom (14 treads & 15 risers for 8'-0 ceilings)
  
• "U" STYLE w/LANDING
  76" to 100" w. x 8'-10" l. using a 7" riser and a 10" tread includes 4.5" for wall between runs
  allow 36" of landing space at top and bottom (14 treads & 15 risers for 8'-0 ceilings)
  
• SPIRALS
  48" to 72" diameters using a 9" riser (12 treads & 13 risers for 8'-0 ceilings)
  
• PULL-DOWNS
  28" to 32" w. x 42" to 48" l. opening in ceiling for access to attics or storage above a garage
  
• SCUTTLE TO ATTIC
  22" to 30" square opening in ceiling to provide access to attics from hallway or large closet
  
• CRAWL SPACE ACCESS
  30" to 36" square opening in floor to provide access to crawl space from a large closet or utility room
  30" to 36" square opening in foundation wall to provide access to crawl space from full basement
  30" to 36" square opening in foundation wall to provide access to crawl space from a 36" x 42" area way on the exterior foundation wall

CLOSETS

• BEDROOMS
  48", 60", or 72" l. x 24" w. (wall-to-wall) with clothes bar and upper shelf
  72" l. x 72" w. for standard walk-in with clothes bars and upper shelves
  
• ENTRYS
  36" to 48" l. x 24" w. (wall-to-wall) with clothes bar and upper shelf
  
• LINENS
  24" to 36" l. x 12" to 24" w. (wall-to-wall) with fixed or adjustable shelving
  
• PANTRIES
  24" to 48" l. x 16" to 24" w. (wall-to-wall) with fixed or adjustable shelving
  
• UTILITY
  24" to 48" l. x 16" to 24" w. (wall-to-wall) with fixed or adjustable shelving as well as vertical space for cleaning equipment
  
• LAUNDRY
  66" to 72" l. x 28" to 36" w. (wall-to-wall) with wall shelving or cabinets
  90" to 96" l. x 28" to 36" w. (wall-to-wall) with wall shelving or cabinets and utility sink
  
• GENERAL STORAGE
  96" to 108" l. x 96" to 108" w. (wall-to-wall) with wall shelving or cabinets

DIMENSIONING & LABELING

• EXTERIOR WALLS
  Locate the centers of "window and door openings" from "corners of walls"; put dimensions 1/2" out from wall
  Provide "sub-total" of individual walls; put dimensions 1/2" out from "openings" dimensions
  Provide "overall total" of building; put dimensions 1/2" out from "sub-total" dimensions
  Add window and door schedule codes outside of openings
  
• INTERIOR WALLS
  Start on the outside of an exterior wall; go to the surface of an interior wall; then from interior surface to interior surface; and end on the outside of an exterior wall, including closets (PERFERRED METHOD)
  Start on the outside of an exterior wall; go to the center of an interior wall; then from center to center of interior walls; and end on the outside of an exterior wall, including closets (Optional Method)
  Passage and closet doors are dimensioned to their centers
  Wall thickness are indicated in a GENERAL NOTE with variations labeled with a leader
  
• JOIST SPECIFICATIONS
  Thick line with arrowheads at ends showing the direction of "ceiling" and "floor" joists plus size, length, spacing, strength, and material required to support loads
  
• SYMBOLS
  Dimension lines - solid no gap for dimension values
  Extension lines - slight gap at corners, extends throught exterior walls for windows and doors, and extends beyond last dimension line by 1/8"
  Leaders with arrowheads should be curved so as not to be confused with walls or other symbols
  Slashes at 45 degrees should be used in place of arrowheads on dimension lines
  Stair direction - use line with arrowhead and label UP or DN
  
• LABELS
  Major titles use 1/2" to 3/4" letters and add double underlines
  Sub-titles use 1/4" to 3/8" letters and add underline
  Room names and numbers use 3/16" letters and underline or box in
  Dimension values, specifications, and notes use 1/8" letters
  Appliances, fixtures, and built-ins use 3/32" letters
  
• LINE QUALITY
  Visible or Object Lines - Dark & thick - "H" lead or .5 pen (.7 optional choice)
  Hidden Lines - Dark & thin - "4H" lead or .35 pen
  Leaders, dimension and extension lines - Dark & thin - "4H" lead or .35 pen
  Guide lines - Very light - "6H" lead
  Wall sectioning symbols - Med. & thin - "2H" lead or .35 pen
  Lettering - Dark & crisp - "H" lead or .5 pen
  
• TITLE BLOCK
  Place in lower right-hand corner of drawing
  Provide all pertinent information about client, project, and company
  Identify drawing and add sheet/page numbers
  Complete signatures and completion dates