subject: Do It Yourself Shed Plans/Reading a Set of Plans [print this page] Do It Yourself Shed Plans/Reading a Set of Plans
Learning to build correctly,from a good set of plans is not rocket science. However there are some basic factors that make the whole system work well. Reading plans, is to some people, scary. As soon as they here the words plans, or blueprints they get the heebie- jeebies. Actually reading plans and blueprints is easy. The best way is to just jump in with both feet.
It is really interesting, more than anything else. These do it yourself shed plans should be classified as documents more than anything else. Usually created by draftsmen, architects, and engineers. These plans and blueprints are progressively laying out each aspect of the building process step by step.
First what scale are the plans in? More often than not I've found that the scale is in 1/8 th scale. I'm sure you under stand the concept of having to use scale. It would be awful hard to draw plans at full scale.
The first page would be the Index. This index will tell you which pages are in the set.The symbols, references and abbreviations are also explained here. Give them a good look. Go over the whole thing,then come back as need be go over the floor plans and get a general feel for the whole picture, don't worry you can come back and go over it several times.
Understanding the column lines is easy, just think of the column lines like the earths latitude and longitude. With that analogy it really starts to make sense. After a few times then it just becomes simple shed plans, or blueprints.
It wont take but a short time before you are an expert.This is something you can get a handle on, very quickly. This is one of those subjects, the more you use it the better you will become. It really Is easy. In only a few short minutes you too will become very comfortable with it.
So to sum it all up
1.Scale=
All building plans or construction plans and blueprints are drawn to scale. Knowing the scale can tell the contractor what dimensions to build any peticular item. At 1/4 scale every 1/4'' on the plan equals 1' in actual length,
2.Elevations=
Elevations are for exterior architectural styling. Elevation show roof pitches, exterior finishes, final grade of the lot or lots.and of course other details, depending on the complexity of the proposed project.
3.Electrical Layout=
There is a legend on the page explaining all the symbols and what they represent
4.Floor plan=
Floor plans are easy to understand. they will explain things such as,walls, fixtures,sinks,central air,water heaters, etc.
5.Mechanical and plumbing=
These blueprints and drawings and designs are for the plumbing or engineer specialist
6.Changing field
The design of blueprints and plans in these modern times is an ever changing scenario although basically things stay the same, with new technology comes new designs and regulations
