House Plan Drafting 101 ~ Frequently Asked Questions

House Plan Drafting 101

THE ONLINE ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTING CLASS

Frequently Asked Questions

I have not categorized these Q&A's yet but you can still search this page using your Browsers "Find" Feature.

Q. Hi Mr. Davis

Mike Richard Here (One of you Drafting 101students)

First of all, let me thank you for putting together this great online course. I feel fortunate just to have found it. Of course, I was skeptical at first, but now I can see this would have to be about the best value in education that anybody could find.

I have been moving along rather slowly, but I have only so much time to get on my computer and I just recently copied all of my files to a brand new Hard Drive which I installed myself... and that was a course in itself.

I am working on lesson 9 right now, and this is the first email I have sent since I have started.

I have actual enjoyed the lessons, now I am getting a bit anxious to finish up. It has been fairly easy for me to understand all of the lessons. The hardest part for me is learning the cad program (Which I realize isn't part of the course) but by taking this course I have also been learning to use TurboCad.

Questions :

1. In the first lesson one of the instructions is to set the paper size in the cad program to (24 by 36)...in TurboCad I could not find a setting for this size. I wanted to get started so I set the size to the closest selection given in my cad program which is (22 by 34) I thought maybe I would eventually find a way to custom change the size but so far I have not. So will it be ok with you if I finish the course using (22 by 34) ?

2. In lesson 9 you direct us to set one of the text labels to 1' .So I set the text size to 1' but then I noticed when I typed the label on my drawing it looked smaller by contrast than it does on your drawing. I think it's because I am using a different text style (Times New Roman) Is there a particular text style that you use?

3. Should all lines and text symbols be converted to black or should I leave some things in the color that I drew them in ?

Right now the dimensions are blue, the electrical layer is red, the roof plan is green and some of the symbols are yellow.

By the way I never noticed the mistake in the first lesson (The closet doors) However I caught the mistake in lesson 6 before you even pointed it out (the kitchen window). And after reading your hint of a mistake in the floor detail in lesson 7...I checked back to a previous lessons to find the dimension sizes of the floor lumber and thus discovered the mistake (the 2 by 10s instead of the 2 by 12s in the beam)

So if you could get back to me to answer my 3 questions that would be great. I may email you again before I print and send in the drawings.

Thank you,

Mike Richard

A. Mike,

1. No problem on the paper size. TurboCad must be using true sizes instad of general sizes.

2. I use the same text style all over but in my CAD system I can scale the the various text to whatever size I want without changing to another style.

3. Personal preference unless your printer/plotter prints in colors in which case you will need to change all to black.

Hope this answers your questions. If not email back and I'll get deeper.

Tim

My questions and concern is :-

From your descriptions, you mentioned that I can either take these lessons in using a CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) program or a drafting board. If I would use a CAD, do I need to learn to use the program by myself first, or is it included within your lessons ?
I am an IT graduate, but I have no knowledge at all in CAD programs. So, can you please kindly suggest which is the best and easier program for me to start and end with, as I'm also currently working now and I'm unable to file out much of my time to learn too many CAD programs.
Will there be any certificate, testimonials and etc. upon completion of your lessons ?
How long will it takes to complete all the 10 lessons? Approximate time duration?
Upon completion, where can this lessons will end me to? What I mean is that which profession I can venture in with these available skills? eg. Draughman, Consultant, Assistant Home Planner or Etc. ?

I think that's all I wanted to know.

I hope that you could provide me with your best advice as I will be looking forward to your reply.

A. And the answers to your questions is:

Yes, you must first familiarize yourself with the working of the CAD program you have chosen.
CadStd seems to be the easiest to learn so far. The link to download it is near the bottom of the home page.
We offer a Certificate of Completion once you have finished the course to our satisfaction.
Usually the course take around 2 weeks to complete but I've had some finish in a week and some that worked on it for months. Its all at your own pace.
Your skill level will be that of Architectural Drafter.

Q. OK, I don't get it. Kinda cheep ain't it? Is it some tiny tutorial or what?

A. Nope, no tiny tutorial! It's a real, make you think, teach you the real thing, 10 lesson courses that takes some folks weeks to complete. The reason it's so inexpensive is that there are enough students who enroll in the course that I don't have to charge an arm and a leg to make any money. Half of the proceeds actually go to the Parsons Corner Internet Ministries which this is one of the support pages for.

Q. I see that you recommend this for home schooling. We homeschool our children. I would like to do this with my two sons, ages 7 & 9. I would also like to make hand drawings. Knowing this info, is the material too hard for them? If so, could we design something very basic? I know this would take more of your time. If you are willing, please let me know what the rate would be for the more customized approach.

A. No, the material is actually elementary in type. It gives the drafter the skills needed to draw professionally yet could be understood by a 7th grader. I know, my son when he was in seventh grade took the course and passed with flying colors but asked very few questions. Your children may take the course with you at no additional cost and I posted credit information on the FAQ page. You might want to buy the Residential Architecture book by Kicklighter. Here is one link that I found to the book.

Q. I go thru the process of unzipping it (I have WinZip) and everything seems to work fine. I end up with the file unzipped (it shows the little icon with DFX on it) and then I go to open it using AutoCadLT and when AutoCad opens, it says that it "Cannot find the specified drawing. Please verify that the drawing exists." I click OK and then I go to Insert, Block, File and it shows that I have a folder labeled "hrdwfp" but there is nothing in it.

A. This would be a case where you first need to open a new drawing without any prototype then DXFIN the DXF. Once it is in then you save it as a drawing. This drawing then can be inserted into your work drawing.

Q. I am using your class in conjunction with drawing my first set of real plans for a permit. I have never done a roof plan before and pretty much understand it from reading over the chapter.. One question though.. you have the roof line offset from the house 16", is that just the style of this house or is it standard? I thought the overhang was usually about 12"

A. Standards are different all over the country. Where there is large amounts of snow and rain there is very little overhang to break off from weight and where there is great amounts of sunshine the overhangs are greater to shade the house.

Q. I have access to AutoCad 2000 and would like to take your course, however my knowledge of AutoCad is very limited. I am able to draw lines, circles, arcs and do offsets. Where I need help is in the placement of the lines etc. on the drawing area and the length of the lines etc. as per specifications. In other words, if a wall is 20' long how do I show a 20' line and where do I start drawing on the screen without running out of drawing space? I was told to draw "life size" and then to scale the drawing later. I know that you are teaching how to draw house plans, but can you also teach basics on how to use Autocad?

A. You were furnished a border in the lessons. This can be downloaded from the Master Lessons page. You also should have a paper setup utility in AutoCad which will allow you to set up a sheet prior to beginning a drawing at 1/4" scale with 24 x 36 paper. Once you have the paper size or border on your drawing just start drawing toward the middle of it and then move your plan around on the border as needed with the "move" command.

Q. I am rather cramped for space and I was wondering if I could get by using a drafting board and paper smaller than 24" X 36" and if so, what would be the absolute smallest that you would recommend? Also, I would imagine that the variables are as numerous as the individuals that have enrolled in your course but I was wondering how long it normally takes to complete your course?

A. The smallest preferable size is "C" (18"x24"). Usually on the drafting board part time, (an hour nightly) it would usually take about 3 weeks. Hope this answers your questions.

Q. Hi Tim, I just purchased your lessons yesterday! I have experience in Cad and want to draw house plans for people. (1) In your first lesson in the carport area you use 4x4 and stated that if the roof was steeper then you would use something bigger. (2) How will I know what to use when? (3) When drawing your interior floor plan are there any rules to where there must be walls? Are these questions that will be answered in your advanced class? (4) Is there a book with standards? (5) I live in Kentucky and I know there are standard building codes, how will these effect the plans? What limits are placed on a draftsman when drawing house plans, can a draftsman draw plans without an architect signature? I know this is a lot of questions but I hope you can help me. Thanks!

A. My goodness, you done said a mouthful! Good questions though!

There is a vertical weight/height formula that can be calculated and is available at most building supply companies or in the book "Architectural Graphic Standards". As a general rule, If I have a span of over 12'-0" and a roof pitch above that of greater than 8" in 12" I use 6" x 6" min. columns. See Lesson "6" to understand roof pitch.
If using roof trusses, no. The load is generally carried by the exterior walls. If the roof is stick built then I use the maximum span data for whatever particular ceiling joist size I'm using.
To some degree these questions are answered in the advanced classes.
"Architectural Graphic Standards" and "Architecture" by Clois E. Kicklighter.
The limits in Tennessee are no commercial building over 5000 square feet and no place of assembly (churches, theaters, malls, etc.) with very little restrictions on residential except not to exceed 2 stories. In other words a 3 story is a no no without an architectural seal. Kentucky is probably very similar to Tennessee. Check with your local building inspector. Bear in mind that the govt. folks seem to take these limitations very seriously and the safeguards are there to protect you, the builder and the client.

Q. I was so happy to find your site tonight. My son, who is in 8th grade and homeschooled is very interested in drafting and architecture. We just started using a book called The Blueprint for Geometry which teaches the student how to draw house plans. Since you homeschool you might be familiar with it. We plan to finish it this school year. I was searching the web for something else for him to do in this area and came across your site. After reading through the information on your site, I'm sure he'll want to take the class once we finish this other book. I noticed in the FAQ that you mention if he completes a CAD program and this course that he should be given high school credit. This is just what I was looking for. I've ordered the CadStd program and we'll start by learning how to use it. My question is about assigning credit.

I give 1 credit for Drafting and 1 credit for ? (do I call the CAD class - computer software, CAD, high school architecture or what?) After reading what you posted for the other homeschooler I still wasn't sure.

A. The credit question is 1 credit for drafting and 1 for computer sciences under CAD training. You might also have your son learn to draw the lessons assignments on the drafting board utilizing the book "Technical Drawing" as a guideline. The books authors are Giesecke, Mitchell, Spencer, Hill, & Dygdon. Doing this will give him not only 1 more credit for drafting on the board but 2 credits for full general drafting class.

Should the bathroom walls with vent stacks be shown as 2x6?
Lesson 4 is electrical. Should the HVAC equipment location be shown on the electrical? I'm not talking about a duct layout, just electrical equipment.

A. The HVAC is not part of the lessons but if it were to be drawn it would be placed on a totally different sheet containing a blank floor plan. As for the bathroom walls, some do place the stacks in 2x6 walls but they can also be placed in the 2x4 walls with no problem.

Q. I am enjoying your 1st lessons but I have run into a problem with downloading the HRDWFP dxf. file. I am using AutoCAD 14, it saves in either a dwg. or dwt. format. Is there some way around this, I am very interested in taking your online class.

A. No problem! For AutoCAD 14, start a new drawing with no protype drawing. Next go to file and then import. You'll see the import DXF there.

Q. I just signed up for your course and tried to download your HRDWFP and got an error message: Access forbidden or authentication method not supported. I'm using Turbocad V7 pro that came with many symbols already. Could I use them or is there another place I can download your file?

A. Yes, TurboCad symbols will do fine!!! I'll in the mean time try to figure out why you got that error...

Q. I have down loaded the file and trying to insert this file to my drawing. The messages I am getting are as follows:

(a. This is not a block name) ( b. cannot find the name) ( c. it is an illegal name)

This after trying several ways of inserting this file. How or what is the best way to insert this file to my drawing. I am using acadR14.

Please, your help will be much appreciated. I am first time student in AutoCad, but have some drafting courses during my younger years. I am planning to use this technology maybe a year from now as part time when I retire and work from home. This could be the lessons or instructions I needed to pursue this study. Looking good from where I am sitting now.

A. First, don't treat hrdwfp as a block. Create a blank drawing and "DXFIN" the file. The DXF stands for Drawing eXchange File. Then save it as a drawing. Does this help???

Q. I am a sales rep for a mosaic stone company. One of the other sales girls and I are in need of some architectural education. We receive floor plans all the time to incorporate our mosaics and would like to be more worthy of reading them. (ha ha). Is this class something that would help us in reading them and "talking the talk" with architects.

A. The CAD isn't necessary but handy to learn. You could complete the course on paper if you like... The class will give you the familiarity your looking for I believe!!!

Q. Dear Pastor Davis, Is this the proper greeting for you? I am a Christian and have been since the age of 12. I had parents that truly loved the Lord and I was raised in a Christian home. My parents went home to be with our Precious Lord when I was 17. My precious husband also went to be with the Lord last year. We were married 30 years and have three beautiful children who love Jesus and are serving him.

I am a registered nurse and I have also sold Real Estate in Ga. for 4 years. I will be going back to nursing for a couple of days a week but I also want to build houses.

For several years I have had a house plan in my head and was looking for someone to draw the plans and found your site. I just can't believe( or yes I can believe I found your site and to think you are a Christian. I know that God led me here!!!!

I want to learn. I had just told my children that I wanted to learn CAD for houses. I knew that there was such a thing. I love Tenn. My father was killed in an explosion in Franklin, Tenn. when I was 3 years old and my mother passed on when I was 17. I would love to live in Tenn. again some day and I am from North Alabama.

God bless you and I will be praying for the little child who was burned. I worked at the Univ. of Ala. Hospital in B'ham, ( that is where I graduated ) and I took care of many little children who were burned. I will pray equally hard for the family also.

A. One of the joys I've had since we started the online class is that some of my students are born again Christians. You've had a hard road and you are still praising God. Now that's just plumb special. It sure lifts my heart to receive a letter such as yours. I hope we can be of help to you. If you need anything, just let me know.

Your servant in Christ Jesus,

Tim Davis

http://parsonscorner.8m.com

http://homedesign.8m.com

Q. I have been searching about for some way to learn more about residential drafting practices and found your web site during an internet search. It sounds interesting and looks like a good place to start. However it is not immediately clear to me how to practice these drafting techniques off line. I opened up your demo lesson and printed it with the intention of trying it out. None of the sketches or drawings came out. I would like to try your package but I want to be able to do it off line. Any suggestions?

A. Yours is the first I've heard about not being able to print but I expected such because of different configurations on various printers. The best solution would be to load the page, then once it's completely loaded, turn off your dialer and get offline leaving your browser loaded. This way you could toggle between your browser and your CAD program.

Q. Just what and how much am I going to learn here about Architecture?

A. The basis for almost all architectural drawings. You are going to be given the opportunity to learn and hopefully understand how to draw:

Basic Floor Plans with dimensions and electrical symbols. Not all the architectural electrical symbols but the most common! The dimensioning process taught here is also the standard used for the United States and many other countries.
Standard Elevations (exterior views) with notes and symbols.
Foundation Plans with dimensions.
Sectional views of a home.

Q. What method of teaching are you using here?

A. I call it "Progressive" teaching. I have chosen the one style of residential home to draw, The Rancher, that once you understand how such a home is put together, you'll be able to grasp the more complicated styles of houses such as multi level and sprawling mediteranian. The methodology we are using here in House Plan Drafting 101 is my stepping stone to more advanced classes which I'll be publishing on the internet in the near future.

Q. What do I need to know before starting your class?

A. It sure would be nice if you have at least had High School Drafting classes but not necessary. If you understand how to operate your computer and can learn a CAD program, you've got a good start! CAD programs today are so user friendly that most anyone can draw on them, here you will learn what to draw!

Q. What are your qualifications for teaching this class Tim? Just curious!

A. In 1976, while in the U.S. Navy I did quite a bit of private study in drafting. Technical & Architectural drafting has always been a passion of mine. In the 1980's, I was the office drafter for a Surveying company in Marietta, Ga and was taking refresher courses in Drafting thru the North American School of Drafting.

In 1989, I moved to Tennessee and had secured a job with Superior Homes of Madisonville, TN as their Resident Designer and Quality Control Supervisor. Superior Homes was a leading Modular Home manufacturer.

After a year with Superior Homes, I opened up a general drafting office and began my advanced Architectural training under Anthony Kampwerth, Architect of Knoxville, Tennessee who, over the years, completed my training as a designer and I have had the priveledge of completing many projects in the East Tennessee area as his apprentice and later as his partner.

I continue on today as an Architectural Drafter and Designer. I have personally completed over 350+ residential home plans over the years and have trained drafters for Davidson Textron, Beginning Point Plan Services, Automated Drafting Services, Athens Design Drafting, and Plastic Industries to name a few. The process I am implementing here in these architectural classes and our entire Drafting School is the result of the principles I have used to train these drafters.

Q. What about all those new programs that put the house together for you in 3D? Why would I need to learn this if it's already automated?

A. That automated program really only puts out what you put into it. The professional drafter is still very needed. The professional programs are lacking one thing, the ability to free think and trouble shoot using reason and knowledge combined. That's something even the most sofisticated programs can't do. You, on the other hand, can!

Q. I don't want to use a CAD program but would like to use my drafting board. Is this a problem?

A. No problem! If you have experience using a drafting board, more power to ya! These lessons will suffice just as well with the drafting board! You'll just need to mail copies to me for grading!

Q. Can you email me with the nessessary on on to start your class?

A. What you need to do is go to http://homedesign.8m.com and click on the paypal button. From there you can pay the $20.00 tuition. You may also mail in a check or money order. The address is on the web page. Once the payment is received I'll email instructions as to how to finish the course.

Q. I was interested in your course but did not have the program to do it with. I have a Macintosh and Turbocad did not have a version for me that I saw. I have the program Design your own home suite... would that help at all and what other kind of program can I buy?

A. Check and see if that particular program has DXF output. If so, give it a try with the course.

Q. I would like to take your on-line drafting course. I would like to know if I would be able to use Visual Cadd for the work?

A. I just visited their site. The program seems full featured enough to handle the class.

Q. I am a teacher at a continuation high school and would like information on the classroom price for your course. It sounds like what I'm looking for. These students are hard to reach but seem to be interested in drafting.

A. The course is $20.00 initially for the class and $1.00 per student taking the course.

Q. I'm 14 and i'm very interested in drafting! the problem is that i can't take a class at my school yet,(for a couple years.)! My grandma and mom bought me a drafting table,desk,and tools for my b-day and i can't draw houses,floor plans,etc. and i work on it almost every night.The thing is we can't find any books on starting to learn to draw plans,and your sight is the only thing i've found and i'm going to do it,but i also wanted a book or something to study from.So we were wondering if you new any one or any place that would sell those kinds of books.If you have any info on it please e-mail me!

A. The best book to get to follow this course is "ARCHITECTURE, residential drafting and design" by Clois Kicklighter. You should be able to order it at a book store.

Q. Hi, my question is will I be able to take this course using Autocad R14?

A. No problem using Autocad R14. My CAD program, (CADVANCE) will only read up to R12 though, so when you send in you drawings they will have to be saved downwards.

DO YOU CONSIDER TURBOCAD v7 A WORTHY OPERATING SYSTEM?
DO YOU TEACH THE BASIC FUNCTIONS OF A CAD PROGRAM?
I AM RETIRED AFTER 28YRS IN THE MILITARY AND NOW RETIRED FROM MANY CAD PROGRAMS, SUCH AS: KEYCAD PRO, SCHEMATICAD, AND SMARTCAD, BUT ONLY IN TERMS OF CONSRUCTING ELECTRONIC SCHEMATICS (2D), AND I NEED TRAINING, AND THE DISCIPLINE, OF LEARNING TO ACCOMPLISH OTHER CAD FUNCTIONS, ESPECIALLY 3D. SHALL PROBABLY BE TAKING FORMAL AUTOCAD COURSES THIS SUMMER, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO GET A JUMP ON THESE COURSES.
ARE YOU AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE TUTORING, IF NECESSARY? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, AND I AWAIT YOUR REPLY, HARRY MYERS.

Turbocad is a good program, I personally don't like the interface.
General CAD commands are given in the lessons.
I'm re-entering the Navy Reserve myself as an Engineering Aide. The discipline is included in the course. 3D is in the more advanced class.
These classes will give you more than a primer. They should put you ahead of the class.
Call on me anytime!

Q. I am very interested in taking your course. I am presently a design drafter (Mechanical Engineering) and have been in the business for about seventeen years. I use AutoCad 13 and LT. I have been thinking of getting back to my first love: Architectural drafting, which started me off in my career in engineering. I would like to be able to supplement my present income by being able to draw up plans for builders etc. Can I get such knowledge though your course? Please let me know, I would like to get started as soon as possible.

A. Sounds like you have what you need to take the course and once you have this information should give you the knowledge you are wanting. Let me know if I can be of any help.

Q. I need help drawing a roof plan with different slopes and plate heights. Do your lessons explain how I can draw semi complicated roof plans or do you know where I can get some online help? Any advice would be appreciated.

A. The roof in the lessons is simple therefore the plan is also simple. Though instruction is given on how to draw this plan.

Q. Tim, I'm pouring over Cadtsd. I think I'm finding answers to some of my own questions. Is the SNAP on the GRID, the distance between dots? Whatever I set,i.e. 1/2" or 2" or 4", becomes the distance between the dots on the Grid?

A. Exactly. Thats why they call it snap to grid.

Q. TIM, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ANSWERING MY E-MAIL. I HAVE A CAD PROGRAM THAT I JUST PURCHASED AT STAPLES FOR $9.99 IT IS CALLED CAD 3D BY EXPERT SOFTWARE. WILL THIS WORK FOR NOW? I TRIED TO DOWN LOAD CADSTD FROM YOUR WEB SITE BUT IT WOULDN'T WORK. MESSAGE STATED PAGE NOT FOUND? THE BOOK YOU MENTIONED "RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE" WOULD THAT BE AVAILABLE AT MY LOCAL LIBRARY OR AT A BOOKSTORE? I'M VERY INTERESTED IN STARTING YOUR COURSE. I WILL BE ORDERING IT WITH MY VISA SOMETIME TODAY NO LATER THAN TOMORROW. I ALSO LOOK FORWARD TO LEARNING THIS COURSE YOU HAVE TO OFFER! PLEASE GIVE AN IDEA OF WHAT I WILL SPEND ON A AUTO CAD PROGRAM. THANKYOU.

A. CAD 3D isn't acceptable. It's an automate program and not a true CAD program. To answer your question about price, AutoCad itself costs around $1500.00 I believe. Defiantly a major investment but your choice. CadVance is a bit less for a professional CAD program. Turbocad is a bit less too.

Q. I have after looking at your first lesson. My program has several of it's own symbols, will I be able to use them or do you feel I will be missing part of your lessons by using them?

A. The symbols are only a small part of the lesson. If they resemble the furnished ones, no problem.

Q. Dear Sir, could be used by the homeschooler and be equivalent to possibly a half year (.5 credit) or a whole year (1 credit). Our son would like to take drafting, but of course we do not offer it. other electives that our basic curriculum (School of Tomorrow) does not offer. We found your program on the internet searching for drafting courseware. Thank you for your time!

A.I homeschool my children also and would be more than happy to help. The House Plan Drafting class would offer a full credit. Learning the CAD program, which I would suggest using CadStd, would offer another credit as a computer software course. You'll find the link to their site on my home page. The class is actually what is taught in a full year in High School Architecture condensed to a few weeks of continuous study.

The course is in plain language and simple to understand. If there are any problems I'm available most all the time via email. For all 7 students the price is $60.00 with tech support. Let me know if I can be of further help.

Q. I'm interested in taking your on-line drafting class and have never done any drafting. I'd like to use CAD and avoid the drafting table-necessity-for-steady-hand-drawing-thing (I'm a klutz!), if possible. Would you please direct me to the best CAD software?

A. CadStd is about the best CAD program for a beginner. Go to my homepage at http://homedesign.8m.com and click on their link. After you've become comfortable in the CAD environment. Taking the course gives you CAD instructions to a certain degree to further assist you.

Q. Hi Tim. I'm just getting started and my husband ordered the CAD program which is TurboCAD Pro. I think it might be a little advanced for me. Do you agree that there is a simpler program or should I start out with this advanced one. I've played a little bit with it, but can't even quite set up the grid squares for my measurements. I also can't find the steps for progressing through it. I guess I'm a little lost, but don't want to give up. Can you give me some encouragement with the CAD program I've purchased? Thanks.

A. The solution is to go thru the tutorial once your CAD package arrives. Once you get the environment figured out, the rest will be a snap with the class. It'll be ok. Just apply yourself to the CAD program first then tackle the course.

Q. I just signed up for the lessons and bought all of my equipment...I bought 18x24 paper by accident. will this be big enough to do the lessons??

A. That will work fine!

Q. Dear Mr. Davis, I downloaded hrdwfp. I extract the file. It created Hrdwfp, 55Kb, DXF File, 4/3/97 1:31 PM. How can I use this with Autocad R13. How can a PKZIP file be sentback to you. It would be nice to have a copy of the HOUSE PLAN DRAWING that all dimension can be read.

A. First open a new drawing called hrdwfp.... Next, at the command line type DXFIN.... Third, load hrdwfp.dxf.... Fourth, save this drawing on your hard drive.... Sixth, insert hrdwfp into your house drawing and the components will be loaded.

The answer to the completed drawing file is no. It's best that you generate your own! You'll learn more that way.

Q. I register for houseplan 101 is there more that one way to dim a floor plan if so why do we dim for the center of the wall.

A. The three methods of dimensioning walls are outside wall to center wall, outside wall to left or right inside wall, and outside wall to wall thickness to inside wall. The center wall method is the oldest and most common.

Q. One more thing tim when laying out a floor plan you draw the perimeter of the house first then off set the wall 3.5 or 5.5, then for the interior wall you draw the center line of the rooms first then off set each side 2.75 and erase the center line giving you 3.5' wall is that how you late house plans...

A. Your drawing should be on a 2 inch snap. Review your lessons! Don't draw walls the real life size but draw them 4" thick. Then dimension to the center which is 2 inches!

Q. Hey Tim, I'm really enjoying the lesson but am having a problem with the HRDWFP file. I'm using CADStd Lite v3.1a. The program has an "Include File" that when clicked brings up a box that allows me to select file hrdwfp.dxf but when I click open, nothing happens. If I do File, Open and select Hrdwfp.dxf a blank screen appears. What am I doing wrong?

A. CadStd has problems sometimes bringing in a DXF file. Import the file into a new drawing that you haven't edited yet and see what happens.

Q. I have two programs Home Design 3D By Expert. Also I have CAD 3-d By Expert. I also have a drafting board,. I am planning on taking your course house plans. Can I use the any of these program for you course. Thank you.

A. You can use either program although it would be better to use a CAD program instead of an automate. The automate programs allow very little input on you part except for the floor plan section of the lessons. Using the drafting board would do just as well!

Q. I am on lesson #2. I agree that most professors don't have the practical experience or common sense to guide anyone in drawing house plans. I have had a couple of courses in architectural design and AutoCad. I also have about 10 years experience with AutoCad and now use AutoCad 2000, on the job. My experience has been mostly mechanical drafting. Architectural drafting and design,however, has always been of interest to me and I have studied and drawn a few plans on my own. The possibility of communicating with someone with practical experience is what attracted me to your course.

The thing that really bothers me with house plan drawing is the lack of precision and also the lack of a standard method of dimensioning. I have several sets of house plans and there seems to be at least 4 general approaches with varying amounts of detail.

I understand that a house is designed from the inside out and that room size and arrangement of the interior will dictates its outside perimeter measurements. Is the outside measurement in your example a nominal dimension which includes all siding, sheathing, masonry etc? If so, shouldn't you take into consideration the total wall thickness, if known? It seems that an 8" perimeter wall could produce a good size error in room measurements etc.
How much attention is paid to standards sizes of construction materials in determining items such as room size?
Since a house plan normally uses a precision to the nearest inch. A 4" dimensioned wall thickness would seem to be acceptable in most cases. Your plan shows centerline measurements which would make wall thickness irrelevant. I have seen many plans which dimensions the wall thickness with measurements off the wall face and also thicker outside dimensioned walls. Assuming the plans are dimensioned correctly, in your opinion which is easier for the builder to interpret and layout at construction time?

A. OK, I guest the first place for us to start is that no, the dimension is actually to the un-sheathed exterior wall before the siding. This dimension carries down to the foundation then the sheathing slightly overlaps the foundation by say, depending on the builders methods, 1/2 inch. So the overall dimension is actually to the rough framing then the sheathing and the siding or brick is outside the overall.

Next we have to consider that yes there are national standards that are most times adhered to by the lumber manufacturers. There are also times when they aren't. So, this being the case, it's best not to put the thickness of the 4" or 6" wall in your dimension string as you would in mechanical drafting. Not placing this thickness actually saves the framer time if his lumber isn't dimensional. If you remember, I mentioned the K.I.S.S. rule in lesson #1 I believe.

Again though, I believe the best of all dimensioning practices is on the center of the interior wall which eliminates any possible error on your part. You could use either side of the wall dimensions and your error then will usually be less then 1/2" per room which can easily be made up in the field. Choose in your own mind which is better. In my opinion and from the testimony of the builders I've drawn plans for, center is better!

Good questions BTW!!!

No refunds are offered on this course.

Email me (Tim Davis), I'll be more than happy to get back with you and most probably use your question here in the F.A.Q.! With your permission that is!

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