How Has House Plan Printing or Blueprinting Changed?
Technology has had a considerable impact on house plan printing. Also known as blueprints and named for the dark blue pages they were once printed upon, house plan printing has come a long way in the last 15 years.
Not too long ago, most home plans were printed on paper treated with chemicals and developed with ammonia (blueprints). Today, they are made of bond paper and printed on a large format digital printer. Or, for another scent-free option, they can be made into a PDF or CAD and sent electronically.
The result of these changes is of better quality.
What Size Paper Are House Plans Printed On?
House plans / blueprints also referred to as builder plans show the builder how to construct the house and what building permits are needed. They focus on the architecture of the building itself and don’t usually include hardware, appliances, or finishes.
House plan printing comes in four standard sizes, including:
- 24″ x 36″ (most common)
- 18″ x 24″
- 30″ x 42″
- 36″ x 48″
The following larger sizes are mostly used for larger, more expansive homes.
House Plan / Blueprinting Packages
There are a few packages available to choose from. They are most often sold in sets of five or eight, although you will likely need at least eight. The permit office needs two sets, one for their files and one for the job site. The bank who holds the mortgage will also require a set. Then, you should have a set, and the builder will need a few copies. Make sure you have enough original sets. If you later find yourself in need of copies go to a large format scanning shop.
Digital Formats
Many house plans are now available in PDF and CAD format. This allows them to be delivered almost instantly by email, which saves you both the time and effort of having to deliver physical copies.
While more expensive, the CAD format allows your local builder to make any major changes necessary, which can end up saving you money in the long run.
What Does House Plan Printing Include?
Exterior elevations – exterior drawings of the home
Floor plans – interior drawings of the home (one for each floor), electrical elements, structural details, and more
Foundation/Basement plans – the foundation of the home, including structural beams and footings, stairs, and basement windows
Building section and details – shows how the different levels of the home relate to one another
Roof plan – bird’s-eye view of the building
General notes – separate sheet noting any requirements to comply with building codes
The changes in technology have made house plan printing easier than ever. If you have any questions, or you’re ready to start printing, we would love to help. Contact us today.
