Blueprint Symbols

Understanding what blueprint symbols mean can help you make the necessary home renovation decisions when reviewing architectural plans.

If you are in the process of reviewing plans with an architect, designer or contractor, be sure to ASK if you do not understand what a certain drawing symbols denote.

It is better to be fully informed about the plans you are examining, than to feel silly about asking questions about architectural drafting symbols.

After all, no question is silly when it comes to your money.

Try to remember that certain symbols belong to certain disciplines, or trades.

For example on computer aided drafting plans, drawing symbols that represent doors, windows, stairs, appliances and furniture, can generally be considered as architectural symbols. 

House plans can also contain electrical symbols that denote items such as wall receptacles, ceiling fans, light fixtures, light switch, electrical switchbox, smoke detectors and more.

Some floor plans may even contain plumbing symbols such as hot and cold water pipes, sanitary pipes, plumbing fixtures (toilets, sinks, hot water tank), etc.

When you inform yourself about what drawing symbols mean on a blueprint drawing, you will be able to relay to the designer or building contractor how you would like to arrange certain architectural, electrical and plumbing items in your home.

You can view sample Architectural Symbols here.

Electrical Symbols samples can be seen here.

To see Plumbing symbols visit here.

Learn how to read blueprints here.

Download CAD symbols.