How to Read Construction Drawings

Construction drawings help to understand how a building project comes together.

Construction drawings are prepared by an architect and are an important communication tool used by contractors and construction crews as they work on a building project. There are usually five to six pages of these blueprints which contain symbols, abbreviations, specifications, materials, locations and dimensions. The purpose of this set of drawings is to provide the builder with detailed instructions for the project. Interpreting construction drawings may seem intimidating. Knowing how to read the plans helps the homeowner understand the building process and envision the finished project.

Things You'll Need

• Construction plans
• Guide to blueprint symbols
• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Read the cover page, sometimes called the title page. This page usually has elevation drawings. These show how the project looks from the front, back and both sides. Pay attention to the scale that is used on the drawing. Find this near the bottom of the page. Locate the legend for the entire blueprint packet on this page. This describes the terms and symbols used on the drawings. Individual pages may contain a legend for symbols used on that specific page. A guide to blueprint symbols describes the meanings of these symbols in greater detail.

2. Review the foundation plan. This shows the location of the foundation, posts, support walls, piers, areas of excavation and the first floor framing.

3. Look at the floor plans. All rooms, doors, windows, plumbing and electrical detail will be included on this page.

4. Examine the cross-section plans. This specifies the dimension of lumber, type of insulation and the type of flooring and roofing materials that the home builder is to use.

5. Viewing the interior elevation plan reveals the design and layout of cabinets, built-in units, fireplaces and any other special features included in the project.

6. Review the structural plans. These plans provide all details necessary to construct the ceilings, framing, second floor and roof construction.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unsure of the meaning of a symbol or drawing, ask the architect or contractor.

• The scale of each drawing is found on the pages of the plan and may differ from page to page or even on different drawings on the same page.

References

• ehouseplans.com: Learn to Read Blueprint Symbols and Understand Blueprint Terms
• Home Design Directory: How to Read House Construction Plans