How to Read House Plans: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners
- Chris Morris
- Dec 22, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
If you’ve ever looked at a set of house plans and thought “I have no idea what I’m looking at”, you’re not alone. House plans are packed with information, symbols, and technical notes. However, once you understand how to read them, everything starts to make sense. This guide will walk you through the basics in plain English.
1. Start With the Title Page
The title page is your roadmap. It usually includes:
Project name and address
Designer or draftsperson details
Scale of the drawings
Drawing index (list of all pages)
Notes and abbreviations
Tip: Always check the drawing index first so you know what sheets exist and where to find things.
2. Understand the Floor Plan
The floor plan is the most recognised drawing. It shows the layout as if the roof has been removed, and you’re looking down. Key things to look for include:
Room names and sizes
Wall thicknesses
Doors and windows (including swing direction)
Fixtures (kitchen, bathroom, laundry)
Common mistake: People focus on room sizes only. Don’t forget to look at wall thickness and circulation space.
3. Learn the Symbols and Abbreviations
House plans use standard symbols to save space. Here are some examples:
WD = Wardrobe
FFL = Finished Floor Level
DP = Downpipe
CL = Ceiling Level
Doors, windows, and fixtures are shown using symbols rather than words. A legend or notes page usually explains these.
Tip: If a symbol isn’t explained, ask before building starts.
4. Read the Dimensions Correctly
Dimensions tell you exact sizes, not what “looks right” on paper. Important rules include:
Always trust written dimensions, not scale measurements.
Dimensions are usually in millimetres (Australia).
External dimensions are shown separately from internal ones.
Example: A room drawn “large” may be smaller than it appears—dimensions override visuals.
5. Check the Elevations
Elevations show what the house looks like from the outside. They include:
Roof shape and pitch
Window heights
External materials
Overall building height
These drawings are critical for:
Council approval
Streetscape compliance
Understanding the final appearance
6. Review the Sections
Sections are vertical “cut-through” views of the house. They show:
Ceiling heights
Roof construction
Floor levels
Relationships between spaces
Sections are where many construction details live—don’t skip them.
7. Look at the Site Plan
The site plan shows how the house sits on the land. It includes:
Setbacks from boundaries
Driveways and crossovers
Easements and services
North point (very important for energy efficiency)
Pro tip: Always confirm setbacks match council requirements before construction.
8. Don’t Ignore the Notes
General notes and construction notes often override drawings. They may specify:
Timber sizes
Framing systems
Energy efficiency requirements
Engineering coordination
Builders and certifiers rely heavily on notes—homeowners should too.
9. Understand What’s NOT Shown
House plans don’t always include:
Engineering details
Electrical layouts
Landscaping
Interior finishes
These are usually separate documents or later stages.
10. Ask Questions Early
If something isn’t clear before construction, it can become expensive later. Good questions to ask include:
Is this dimension internal or external?
Is this wall load-bearing?
Can this window be moved?
Is this plan council-approved or concept only?
Final Tip: Plans Are a Communication Tool
House plans are not just drawings—they’re instructions. The clearer you understand them, the smoother your build will be. If you’re planning to build, invest, or modify a design, learning to read plans is one of the smartest steps you can take.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information, check out our How to Read House Plans Guide. This resource will provide you with further insights and tips to help you navigate your house plans effectively.
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