Blueprint Basics: Understanding Floor Plans, Elevations, and Sections

If you’ve ever looked at a set of construction documents and felt overwhelmed by the lines, symbols, and measurements—you’re not alone. Blueprints are the visual language of a building project, and understanding them is key to making informed decisions about your home or remodel.

At DeLay Drafting and Design Solutions, we believe the design process should feel empowering—not confusing. In this post, we’ll break down the basics of what’s inside a blueprint, so you can read your plans with confidence.

1. Floor Plans: The Bird’s-Eye View of Your Space

A floor plan is a horizontal slice through your home—typically drawn as if you’re looking down from about four feet above the floor. It shows the layout of rooms, walls, windows, doors, and key fixtures like kitchen appliances or bathroom sinks.

Think of this as your map for the entire project. You’ll be able to see:

• Room dimensions

• Traffic flow

• Door swings

• Wall thicknesses

• Placement of built-ins and structural elements
  

Why it matters: This is often the first drawing you’ll review and approve. It sets the stage for everything else.

2. Elevations: A Straight-On View of Each Wall

Elevations show what each vertical surface looks like from the front, side, or back. These drawings don’t show the floor layout—they focus instead on the exterior or interior face of a structure.

For example, an exterior elevation might show:

• Roof pitch

• Window and door placement

• Siding materials

• Heights of walls, soffits, and trim

Interior elevations might include:

• Custom cabinetry layouts

• Fireplace surrounds

• Bathroom tile patterns
  

Why it matters: Elevations provide the detail that brings style, symmetry, and personality to your project.

3. Sections: A Cut-Through Look at the Details

A section drawing slices through the building to reveal what’s inside the walls, floors, ceilings, or roofs. It’s like looking at your house as if it were cut in half.

Sections show:

• Wall construction

• Floor and ceiling framing

• Stair details

• Roof structure

• Ceiling heights and transitions
  

Why it matters: These drawings help your builder understand how everything connects behind the scenes, and they’re often required for permit approval.

4. Symbols and Notes: The Language of the Blueprint

Every set of plans is filled with standardized symbols, abbreviations, and notes that guide construction. Some common ones include:

• ⊥ for outlets

• ⌂ for a ceiling fan

• W/D for washer and dryer

• Dimension lines to show spacing between walls, windows, and fixtures
  

Your drafting professional provides a legend or key to help you interpret them. If you’re working with us at DeLay Drafting and Design, we’ll walk you through each one so nothing gets lost in translation.

5. The Power of a Clear Set of Plans

Blueprints do more than guide construction—they streamline communication, reduce errors, and keep your project on time and on budget.

At DeLay Drafting and Design Solutions, our plans are tailored, accurate, and easy to understand, even if you’ve never seen a set of blueprints before. We’re here to walk you through every line, symbol, and page—so your build starts with clarity.

Ready to See Your Vision in Blueprint Form?

If you're planning a remodel, addition, or new construction, understanding your blueprints is essential. Let DeLay Drafting and Design Solutions help you bring your project to life—on paper and in reality.

Reach out today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our design process.