Get matched with top drafting or cadd pros in Pittsburgh, PA

A floor plan is a simplified drawing of the layout of rooms on one floor of a home. These are usually created by designers for arranging furniture and appliances. These are not technical drawings or blueprints and should not be used in place of them.

Draughtsman is simply the European spelling of draftsman. The terms are interchangeable.

If you have a complete design idea for a residential property and either you or your contractor employs an engineer, you can hire a draftsman to make your design into usable technical drawings. This is typical for simple additions and remodels like adding a bathroom, finishing a basement or adding a garage.

Traditionally, blueprints are technical drawings in white on blue paper. The term is now used interchangeably with any type of digital construction plan. Classic blueprints are still in use for older homes. Drafters translate these paper plans into digital representations when remodeling or adding on to older homes.

Little similarities exist between draftsmen, engineers and designers. They all complement and often work on teams with each other.

• Drafter – creates technical drawings from design ideas. Usually works for engineers, designers and architects.

• Engineer – designs and oversees the technical aspects of a construction project. Where an architect thinks of design aspects, the engineer works on making it a reality. They are mostly concerned with environmental issues and meeting all codes and regulations for the safety aspects of the project. They also manage projects.

• Designer – only concerned with the visual aspects of a project. They often create their own technical drawings though sometimes work in conjunction with engineers, architects and draftspersons.