Now that your floor plans are finalized, it’s time to move on to the next phase of design: the exterior elevations. Think of this as the visual personality of your home. This stage is where functionality from the floor plans meets aesthetics to create the overall look and feel of your project.

And here’s the good news—this process is no different from your floor plans. It’s iterative, collaborative, and designed to ensure that the final result aligns with your vision.

What Are Exterior Elevations?

Exterior elevations are flat, two-dimensional drawings that show the exterior sides of your home:

• Front (Street-facing)

• Rear (Yard-facing)

• Side elevations (Both left and right)

These drawings include critical details such as:

• Rooflines and slopes

• Window and door placements

• Exterior materials (siding, brick, etc.)

• Design features like porches, eaves, or trim details

• Heights and proportions

How the Design Process Works

1. Start with the Basics
   Just like the floor plans began as rough drafts, your exterior elevations will start simple. These initial concepts may be hand-drawn or digitally sketched to explore overall shapes, rooflines, and design styles.

2. Incorporate the Vision
   Your designer will take cues from your style preferences—modern, traditional, farmhouse, etc.—and layer them into the elevations. If you shared inspiration photos earlier, this is where they’ll shine.

3. Feedback and Revision
   Just like with floor plans, this is a collaborative process. If something feels “off” or doesn’t match your vision, now is the time to voice it. Adjustments are expected, whether it's resizing windows, shifting rooflines, or tweaking materials.

4. Finalized Exterior Elevations
   Once you’re happy with the revisions, the exterior elevations will be finalized, forming the blueprint for your contractor or builder to bring your vision to life.

What to Look For When Reviewing Exterior Elevations

Here’s how to approach reviewing these drawings:

• Proportions: Does the home feel balanced? Are windows and doors in the right scale for the house?

• Rooflines: Are they too busy or too simple? Do they match the style of your home?

• Curb Appeal: Does the front elevation feel inviting and in harmony with your neighborhood (if that matters to you)?

• Materials: Are the materials listed in line with your preferences and budget? Would you like more contrast or consistency?

• Think Long-Term: Exterior design isn’t just about looks; it’s also about functionality and maintenance. Make sure materials and design choices fit your lifestyle and climate.

What Comes Next