The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

How To Remodel Basements And Attics

How To Visualize Plan Views Of Basements

IN CONNECTION WITH PLAN VIEWS of basements, and for the purpose of this discussion, we can assume that the word "visualize" has the same meaning as the term "mental picture." Or, we can say that visualization is the process of forming mental pictures. For example, as we read a story, mental pictures of the characters and localities described by the author take form in our minds. Thus, we visualize what the author describes.

As an architect plans a house, he makes drawings which enable the builders to visualize his ideas. Those same drawings constitute the directions for erecting the house. Without such drawings, plan views of basements for example, no one else could visualize the house exactly as the architect planned it. Thus, such drawings are absolutely necessary in order to be sure that all aspects of the structural work can be done correctly and to the best advantage. This is especially true in cases where remodeling work is being planned.

In order to understand many of the illustrations in this book and in order to create such drawings, you must learn how to visualize existing, new or remodeled basements by means of their plan views.

We know that the drawings made by architects are generally 1/48 the actual size of the house the drawings illustrate. In other words, such drawings are made to the 1/4 in.=l ft. scale. When using this scale, 1/4 in. represents 1 ft., Vs in. represents 6 in., etc. At such a small scale it is impossible to draw most structural or equipment items as they actually appear. Therefore architects employ what are called symbols. A symbol is a simple sketch that represents a door, a window, a wall, etc.