A Plans (Architectural) Cheat Sheet
Quick Reference Guide for Understanding and Navigating Architectural Drawings
1. What A Sheets Include
- Floor Plans
- Roof Plans
- Reflected Ceiling Plans
- Elevations (Interior and Exterior)
- Sections and Wall Details
- Door and Window Schedules
- Room Finish Schedules
- Wall Types and Partition Legends
- General and Keynotes
2. How to Navigate A Plans
- Begin with the floor plan to understand layout and orientation
- Follow section symbols to study vertical relationships and heights
- Use elevation views to verify materials and openings
- Refer to the door/window schedules for types and quantities
- Compare finish schedules against room names and keynotes
Use a colored highlighter to track scope items by trade during plan review
3. Key Symbols & Markers
- Section Cut Symbol: Circle with arrow showing cut direction and sheet reference
- Elevation Tag: Circle with arrows pointing toward building sides or rooms
- Door & Window Tags: Typically numbered, referring to respective schedules
- Room Names: Labeled directly within the floor plan with finish notes nearby
- Wall Type Markers: Letter/number codes referencing the wall legend
4. Estimating Tips for A Plans
- Use floor plans for wall length, ceiling height from section views
- Check ceiling plans for light layout and height consistency
- Finish schedules drive paint, tile, and flooring scope
- Door/window schedules help count frames, hardware, and glazing
- Review all notes and revisions to avoid missed scope
Always compare A Sheets with M, E, and S sheets to resolve plan conflicts
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring ceiling height changes between rooms
- Missing door hardware sets or specialty finishes
- Overlooking transition areas (e.g. floor to stair)
- Not using elevations for trim/casing clarification
- Forgetting to verify wall types with structural plans