When homeowners order house plans, one of the most common questions is:
“What exactly am I getting?”
A complete residential drawing set is more than just a floor plan. It’s a coordinated group of drawings that builders, inspectors, and engineers rely on to understand how the house is laid out, how it’s built, and whether it meets code requirements.
Below is a clear breakdown of what’s typically included—and why each sheet matters.
1. Floor Plans (The Core of the Set)
Floor plans show the layout of the house as viewed from above.
They usually include:
-
Room sizes and labels
-
Wall locations and thicknesses
-
Door and window sizes
-
Stair layouts
-
Plumbing fixture locations
-
Basic dimensions
This is the drawing homeowners recognize most, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.
2. Exterior Elevations
Elevations show what the house looks like from the outside—front, rear, left, and right sides.
They communicate:
-
Overall building height
-
Roof pitch and shape
-
Window and door placement
-
Exterior materials (siding, brick, stone, etc.)
-
Grade lines and foundation exposure
Inspectors often rely on elevations to confirm zoning, height limits, and exterior compliance.
3. Foundation Plan
The foundation plan shows how the house sits on the ground.
Depending on the project, this may include:
-
Slab-on-grade
-
Crawl space
-
Basement foundation
Typical details shown:
-
Footings and foundation walls
-
Slab thickness
-
Anchor bolts
-
Load-bearing points
This sheet is critical for structural review and often ties directly into engineering requirements.
4. Roof Plan & Framing Information
The roof plan shows:
-
Roof layout
-
Ridges, hips, and valleys
-
Roof pitch
-
Overhang dimensions
Some projects also include framing plans that indicate:
-
Floor joist direction
-
Beam locations
-
Bearing walls
Even when full framing plans aren’t required, basic roof information is almost always needed for permits.
5. Electrical Plan (Basic Layout)
A residential drawing set typically includes a basic electrical layout showing:
-
Outlet locations
-
Switches
-
Lighting fixtures
-
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
This isn’t an electrician’s wiring diagram—it’s a coordination plan that helps inspectors and contractors understand intent and placement.
6. Building Sections & Details
Sections cut vertically through the house to show:
-
Floor-to-ceiling heights
-
Roof structure
-
Foundation depth
-
Wall assemblies
Detail drawings may include:
-
Stair details
-
Wall sections
-
Typical construction connections
These drawings answer the question: “How is this actually built?”
7. Construction Notes & Specifications
Notes are where many plans succeed—or fail.
Good construction notes clarify:
-
Materials
-
Structural assumptions
-
Code references
-
General building requirements
Clear notes help prevent misunderstandings between homeowner, builder, and inspector.
8. Optional Sheets (Project-Dependent)
Some projects may also require:
-
Site plans
-
Energy code documentation
-
Truss layouts
-
Engineering sheets
Local requirements vary, which is why working with someone familiar with residential drafting standards matters.
Why a Complete Drawing Set Matters
Incomplete plans can lead to:
-
Permit delays
-
Redesign costs
-
Construction errors
-
Inspection failures
A complete drawing set saves time, reduces risk, and gives everyone involved a clear roadmap from permit to final inspection.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to build, remodel, or add onto a home, understanding what’s included in a residential drawing set helps you:
-
Ask better questions
-
Avoid surprises
-
Get accurate pricing
-
Move through permitting faster
If you’re unsure what your specific project requires, that’s where professional residential drafting services make a real difference.