A house plan[1] is a set of construction or working
drawings (sometimes called blueprints) that define all the construction specifications of a residential
house such as the dimensions, materials, layouts, installation methods and techniques.
Drawing set
The principal information provided in a set of blueprint drawings is as follows:
Site plans are drawn to show the location of a home on the property in its context. It is an overhead view of the construction site and the home as it sits in reference to the boundaries of the lot. 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.
A floor plan 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 any
built-in elements, such as
plumbingfixtures,
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.
A section cuts through the dwelling and the location of this 'cut through' is noted on the floor plan. It describes how the building will be constructed and discusses how the internal finishes are to look. Sections are used because they explain certain conditions in more detail. These conditions may include
ceiling height, ceiling type (flat or
vault), and window and door dimensions.
Detail drawings, such as built-in shelving,
moldings, and
columns.
Schedules for elements such as windows and doors.
Structural layouts.
Electrical and
telecoms drawings show locations of all the
outlets,
TV sockets,
switches and fixtures. They also indicate which switches operate which lights, and where the electric lines should be run.
An open floor plan is one which values wide, unenclosed spaces. They are made possible by
curtain wall technology,
engineered lumber and
truss systems, and thoughtful structural design which allow for larger clear-spans than formerly possible in residential construction.
An open floor plan limits or excludes walls separating the main living areas of the house (living room, dining room, kitchen) to allow for entertaining or interaction between family.