Houseplan or "Blueprint" Reading

Historical Note: Because house plan copies are given to many people, up to 10 or 12 copies of each plan are required. Duplicates typically go to city permit people, building manager, house leader, masons, layout framers, construction supervisors, plumbers, electricians, etc. Today’s quick-copy method (xerography) allows black lines on white paper. Older methods of plan reproduction employed the "ozaild" process and featured awful ammonia odors and long drying times. These methods produced plan with white lines on blue background….hence the name blueprints.

Habitat Louisville House Models: Volunteer architects have produced many original plans- some have won nationwide awards and have included two story houses as well as handicapped models. Today’s designs are simple yet elegant and effectively meet the needs of out partner families. These designs include: 3J, a popular three bedroom, single bath for a narrow lot; 3G, a wider three bedroom layout with a single bath and front offset; 4B for larger families has four bedrooms and two bathrooms; 4F, three bedroom, side entrance for very wide or corner lots; 3HC, handicap model with two no-step entrances. Common to all these homes is modest square footage of approximately 1100 sq. feet, one covered entrance, large front porch, energy efficient construction, inside storage space with exterior entry, all new range and refrigerator, large kitchen cabinets, some attic storage, a hurricane-proof truss roof system and $1000 worth of options including washer/dryer, concrete patio, dishwasher, etc.

House Plan Essentials: Each page of each plan always includes: house model type, street location, scale (usually ¼’ inch equals one foot), and date for revisions.

1. Floor plan- the most important page of all for framers. Used for layout and wall framing, contains all necessary dimensions and information for each room (wall lengths, closet sizes, window and door info, etc.).
2. Foundation plan- used for layout with site plan. For digging the footer; masons also use it to lay block foundation and piers. It shows block opening for foundation vents and rear storage door.
3. Front/rear/side elevations- this page shows what the final structure will look life from the front, back, and both sides. The rooflines are shown and the pitch of the roof is given, 5/12 (12 units in, 5 units up), finish details (vinyl siding, windows, porch railings, steps, gutters, and downspouts).