Kit mfg's run the gamet on instructions in thier kits. The old Royal kits had instructions that read something like; " Build wing and sand to shape." Then there are mfg's that detail out ever step with photos. Great Planes, Top Flite, Goldberg and possibly others have thier plans avialible to download off the net. This will give you an idea of the amount of detail in the instructions.

For your Lanier kit, it's always a good idea to spread all the pieces out on a table or floor and identify each piece and label it. Look at the plans and lable each piece. Even the stock balsa sticks and sheets should have the dimension written on them and what that piece is used for. Do this before you start any kit and the build will go much smoother and with less confusion.