House plans can look like a foreign language. A few basics make them much easier to read.

Floor Plans and Elevations

A floor plan is a view from above with the roof removed. It shows walls, doors, windows and the layout of each room. Elevations are views from the outside, one for each side of the house.

Look at the floor plan for flow and the elevations for the look from the street.

Sections and Details

A section is a slice through the house that shows floors, ceilings, roof and foundation. Detail drawings zoom in on tricky spots such as where the roof meets a wall.

These drawings are where a builder checks that the design can be built the way it is drawn.

Notes, Schedules and Questions

Notes and schedules list the windows, doors, finishes and special instructions. They are easy to skip and important to read.

Walk through the plans with your builder and ask about anything that is unclear. A good builder welcomes the questions.