Ahouse plan[1] is a set of construction or workingdrawings (sometimes calledblueprints) that define all the construction specifications of a residentialhouse (home ordwelling) such as the dimensions,materials, layouts, installation methods and techniques.
The principal information provided in a set of blueprint drawings is as follows:
Site plans are detailed drawings that show a home's position on its property, viewed from above. They illustrate how the home relates to the lot's boundaries and surroundings. Site plans should outline location of utility services, setback requirements, easements, location of driveways and walkways, and sometimes even topographical data that specifies the slope of the terrain.
Afloor plan[2] is an overhead view of the completed house. On the plan, you will see parallel lines that scale at whatever width the walls are required to be. Dimensions are usually drawn between the walls to specify room sizes and wall lengths. Floor plans will also indicate rooms, all the doors and windows and anybuilt-in elements, such asplumbingfixtures,cabinets,water heaters, furnaces, etc. Floor plans will include notes to specify finishes, construction methods, or symbols for electrical items.
Elevations are a non-perspective view of the home. These are drawn to scale so that measurements can be taken for any aspect necessary. Plans include front, rear and both side elevations. The elevations specify ridge heights, the positioning of the final fall of the land, exterior finishes, roof pitches and other details that are necessary to give the home its exterior architectural styling.
Asection provides a cross-sectional view of a building,[3] illustrating a "cut-through" at a specific location indicated on the floor plan. It reveals details about the construction process and showcases the intended appearance of internal finishes. Sections are used because they explain certain conditions in more detail. These conditions may includeceiling height, ceiling type (flat orvault), and window and door dimensions.
Foundation plan outlines the dimensions and precise locations offootings, providing a detailed guide for the building’s structural base.
Framing plan details the wall construction, specifying the size of thelumber to be used, typically usually 2x4 or 2x6.
The sub-floor plan provides construction details for this area, including the arrangement of services (such asplumbing and framing structures).
Roof plans outline the type of roof and materials to use, itspitch andframing structure required.
Interior elevation drawings provides detailed views of interior walls that showcase their design and layout.
Detail drawings highlight specific features like built-in shelving,moldings, andcolumns, providing precise construction guidelines.
Schedules list specifications for various elements such as windows and doors, including dimensions and materials.
Structural layouts present the arrangement of critical load-bearing components to ensure stability.
Electrical andtelecoms drawings show locations of all theoutlets,TV sockets,switches and fixtures. They also indicate which switches operate which lights and where the electric lines should be run.
Window, small breaks between exterior walls often indicate a window
Toilet, often indicated as a circle adjacent to a rectangle in the bathroom
Bathtub, often indicated as a large oval or rectangle when indicating a tub/shower combination
Shower, a rectangular or square shape with an X running through it
Bathroomsink, a rectangle with an oval and a dot in the center if it is a single vanity.
Kitchensink, typically shown as a rectangle with a dividing line (if double-basin) and placed within a counter outline, representing the primary location for dishwashing and food preparation.
Kitchen range, illustrated as a square or rectangle with four small circles (representing burners) on top, indicating the stove and oven unit in the kitchen.
Refrigerator, a small square with 'ref.' worded on it to signify the location placement of the refrigerator
Washer/Dryer, depicted as adjacent labeled squares or rectangles, sometimes with a “W” and “D” inside, representing the location of laundry appliances.
Tree, represented by a circular shape with radiating lines or branching patterns, symbolizing large outdoor vegetation in landscape plans.
Shrub, shown as a smaller, denser circular or cloud-like shape, representing low-growing, bushy plants in exterior or garden layouts.
An open floor plan emphasizes large, unobstructed spaces by minimizing or eliminating interior walls between the main living areas—typically the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. This layout creates a more spacious feel and promotes better interaction and flow among family members and guests.
The design is made possible by modern building technologies such ascurtain wall technology,engineered lumber andtruss systems, which allow for greater clear spans without the need for supporting walls. Open floor plans are especially popular for their flexibility, natural light, and ease of movement, making homes feel more modern and connected.
