An artist’s rendering of the exterior of the house shows you approximately how the house will look when built and landscaped.

This plan gives the foundation layout, including support walls, excavated and unexcavated areas, if any, foundation notes and details. First floor framing is also included.

These plans show the layout of each floor of the house. Rooms and interior spaces are carefully dimensioned and keys are given for cross-section details provided later in the plans, as well as window and door schedules. These plans may also show the location of kitchen appliances and plumbing fixtures, and may suggest locations for electrical fixtures, switches and outlets.

The interior elevation drawings show a suggested layout design of cabinets, utility rooms, fireplaces, bookcases, built-in units and other special interior features depending on the nature and complexity of the item.

The roof plan shows a birds eye view of the overall layout of the roof, ridges, valleys and slopes.

Included are front, rear, left and right sides of the house. Exterior materials, details and measurements are also given.

Important changes in floor, ceiling and roof heights or the relationship of one level to another are called out. Also shown, when applicable, are exterior details such as railing and banding.

These sections specify the home’s construction, insulation, flooring and roofing details.

Overall layout and necessary details for the ceiling, second-floor framing (if applicable) and roof construction.

If trusses are used, it’s suggested that you use a local truss manufacturer to design your trusses to comply with your local codes and regulations.