Architectural Jargon Explained: Common Terms Every Homeowner Should Know

Planning a renovation or home addition is exciting, but it also introduces homeowners to a world of architectural terms that can feel unfamiliar. Understanding these concepts makes communication easier and helps you make confident decisions throughout the design and construction process. Whether you are planning a custom home in St. Louis County or updating an older home in a neighborhood like Webster Groves or Kirkwood, knowing the basics can help your project run smoothly.

Below is a clear and friendly guide to the architectural terms homeowners encounter most often, what they actually mean, and why they matter.

Floor Plan vs. Elevation

A floor plan is a bird’s eye view of your home layout. It shows room sizes, wall placement, door swings, traffic flow, and how the spaces connect.

An elevation is a straight-on view of an exterior or interior wall. It shows height, materials, windows, doors, and design details.

Why it matters: Floor plans help you understand how you will move through the home. Elevations help you visualize what the building will look like from the outside or what cabinetry layouts and built-ins will look like inside.

Architectural floor plan

Architectural elevation drawing

Setbacks

A setback is the required distance between your home and the property lines. Each municipality in the St. Louis region has its own rules. For example, the setbacks in Glendale may differ from those in Crestwood or Shrewsbury.

Why it matters: Setbacks determine how large your addition can be and where it can be placed. Getting these wrong can delay a project or require redesigns.

Load Bearing vs. Non Load Bearing Walls

A load bearing wall supports the weight of the structure above it. A non load bearing wall divides rooms but does not support weight.

Why it matters: Removing a load bearing wall requires structural planning and may involve beams or posts. This affects cost and design possibilities.

Building Envelope

The building envelope includes everything that separates the inside of your home from the outside. This includes walls, windows, insulation, roofing, and foundations.

Why it matters: A strong envelope improves energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and long-term durability. EMS Architects places special emphasis on improving the envelope during additions and renovations.

Schematic Design

Schematic design is the early conceptual drawing stage. It explores layout options, form, and general direction before finalizing details.

Why it matters: This phase helps you decide what you want from your addition or renovation before money is spent on construction documents.

Construction Documents

These are the fully detailed drawings and written specifications used for permits, bidding, and building. They include floor plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, and notes.

Why it matters: Accurate construction documents help contractors price your project correctly and reduce costly surprises during construction.

Section Drawings

A section drawing is like slicing through the home to see what is inside. It shows ceiling heights, structural details, floor levels, and relationships between spaces.

Why it matters: Sections help you understand how rooms feel vertically, not just horizontally.

Footprint

The footprint is the outline of the home or addition on the land.

Why it matters: It explains how much of your lot the structure occupies and how the building sits on the site.

Punch List

A punch list is created near the end of construction. It notes any items that need adjustments or finishing touches before the project is considered complete.

Why it matters: It ensures your contractor wraps up all remaining details to your satisfaction.

Change Order

A change order is an official modification to the project after construction has already begun. It includes changes requested by the homeowner or required due to unforeseen issues.

Why it matters: Change orders affect cost and schedule. Many can be avoided with complete architectural planning up front.

Why Understanding These Terms Matters

When you understand architectural terms, you communicate more clearly, make faster decisions, and have more control over your project. Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps your renovation or addition on track.

If you are working on a custom home, planning a major home addition, or updating your current layout, an architect helps you navigate every phase of the process with clarity and confidence.

Work with EMS Architects to plan your St. Louis area renovation or addition with expert guidance and a smooth design experience. Contact us with any questions.