Frequently Asked Questions

Your Set of Floor Plans - "The Blueprints"

The following are a brief description of what could potentially go into a set of plans. Different jurisdictions require different drawing needs.

California, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, & Washington need all of these pages. There are other states like Colorado and Arizona that have modified needs. Other states could require all of these pages, but it is best to call your controlling jurisdiction and find out all the info you can about their particular requirements.

The Site Plan
The typical site plan describes how the home and driveway will be placed on the lot. It is also where much of the legal and contact information about the project is located. Many jurisdictions require topographic, streams, wells and septic information on this page.

The Foundation Plan
The typical foundation plan describes the concrete structures that hold up the home and accessory structures like decks, patios and driveway aprons. This includes the perimeter walls of a basement and retaining walls should these conditions exist. Many of the structural details are directly related to the foundation.

The Floor Plans
Floor plans generally show doors, windows, fixtures, walls and cabinetry. Exterior, wall and room dimensions are on these pages. Construction method detail call-outs and some specific notes also appear here.

The Floor Framing Plans
Floor framing plans describe the structural layout methods and materials used in the floor systems. This includes the sizes of beams and girders as well as how they're attached to the foundation and upper walls. Pointers are placed to reference details showing critical areas. Note: a concrete slab 1 story home would have no floor framing plan!

The Roof Framing Plan
The roof framing plan is similar to the floor framing. This plan describe the structural layout methods and materials used in the roof system as well as the pitch of each surface. Sizes of beams, headers and rafters are shown with references to details showing how they're attached to the floor and upper walls.

The Elevations
An elevation is a true to scale 2 dimensional picture of the exterior face of a home. It is used primarily for height infomation, and provides a fair representation of how the finished will appear. Four elevations are usually included in a set of working drawings.

Section Drawings
Section drawings are similar to elevations, but they cut through the interior of the home to show structural layout, support and other items which are difficult to describe in the plan view (floor plans). These are also 2 dimensional drawings with one or two being included in a set of plans. Some plans do not require a section due to their simplicity.

The Electrical Plans
Electrical plans are usually provided to ensure minimum code compliance. Owners often have particular needs which can be included. Sometimes the governing jurisdiction (county or city) will have specific requirements which supercede the code, and are needed on the plans. We generally provide a separate electrical plan rather than crowding it onto the floor plans pages.

The Details
The details are where the nuts and bolts of a project are described. Difficult, unique and vague areas of a plan are shown close-up to eliminate the guesswork. Engineered plans often require specific construction methods to be observed, and these methods are shown in details. Custom details are created to show job specific solutions, while standard details show methods common to many homes. Most plans have a mix of both. Details can be 2D or 3D line drawings, using the most appropriate for the situation.

The General Note Page
The General Notes page has typical notes common to most jobs. It may also contain engineering specific notes and methods that are required to be on the plans. Not all notes pertian to all jobs, engineering and notes on other pages can supercede the general notes. Applicable code sections are often quoted on this page.

The Wall Panels Page
The Wall Panels Package is log home specific. Each wall is coded and separated. This page shows in detail where in your home each group of numbered logs belongs.

The Engineering Package
Many conventional homes (studs and siding) and most alternative method homes (logs, rammed earth, straw bale) will require engineering. Nature can impose massive loads upon a structure and an engineer is specially trained to provide construction solutions to keep your home intact. The engineer will analyze and detail critical areas of the building. These details are transferred to the plans on the appropriate pages. Engineering is generally site specific. The engineer's notes and calculations pages are considered an integral part of the plan.

The Energy Compliance Package
Several States and many jurisdictions now require an analysis of the energy efficiency of a home design to ensure it meets certain performance guidelines. This includes an examination of the heating methods, building orientation and various other factors. The guidelines are usually quite flexible allowing nearly any good design to pass with no adjustment. This package is considered an integral part of the plans.

Please Note:
NOT ALL PLAN SETS INCLUDE ALL THESE PAGES
Plan set pages included are based upon various factors including but not limited to:
-building complexity
-jurisdiction requirements
-engineering requirements
-budgetary constraints
-builder experience and ability