About Builder Floor Plans
Whether you're considering the use of commercial space for your business, or you're having a house built for your family, a builder floor plan will be a crucial element in your decision-making process. You need to know how the space flows, or indicate where you want things located and in what dimensions. The following information will help you to understand the elements of a floor plan, so that you can easily read and understand one. Does this Spark an idea?
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Function
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A floor plan designates the dimensions of a floor of a building and the placement of walls (and rooms) and fixtures, designed by an architect or builder. Its purpose is to guide a builder or contractor during the building process. It also helps individuals looking to use or purchase the building to see whether it will serve their needs and desires. The angle of a floor plan is as if you are looking downward upon the level of a structure from directly above, typically equivalent to about three feet above the floor.
Scale
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Every floor plan has a clearly listed scale. A scale indicates what a portion of a line is equivalent to in real-life dimensions. For example, a scale of "¼ inch = 1 foot" used on a floor plan means that ¼ of an inch on the floor plan drawing would equal 1 foot of space in reality. So, a wall that is 3 inches long on the floor plan, would be 12 feet long in the actual building, according to the example scale.
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Windows/Doors
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The placement of windows and doors is very important. Outer doors and doors to rooms/offices should open inward, so they don't hinder what limited walking space is available in entryways and hallways. Doors to storage, such as closets, pantries and small rooms (laundry), should open in an outward direction, since there is little to no space inside for the door, stored items and you. There should be plenty of windows on any given floor to optimize lighting from the outdoors, as well as to provide an open feel to the structure. Keep in mind in what direction the windows face and how much light will come in throughout the day. For example, a lot of windows on the eastern or western side of a structure will make it much hotter in the morning or afternoon due to direct sunlight.
Flow
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While designing or examining a floor plan, consider how well the design flows. In other words, the most heavily trafficked areas of the design, such as entries and hallways, should optimize movement and minimize the wear on floor treatments. It's important that people can move quickly to exit the structure in case of a fire or other emergency. Additionally, the placement of rooms adds to the flow of a structure. Most people don't want guests to look straight into the bathroom when they enter a house--instead, a front door should enter into a living space. Kitchens and formal dining rooms should connect or be relatively close to each other; otherwise your goal of convenient placements is defeated.
Dimensions
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Most floor plans list room dimensions in the center of the drawn room, between the walls. However, some floor plans list the room dimensions on a Plan Detail Page, a separate page included with the plan. Dimensions help you to make sure that you can fit all furniture, fixtures and other necessities into the allotted space. Average-size bedrooms are around 10x10 feet, to give you an idea of the dimensions you should look for or suggest.
Recommendations
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When looking at floor plans or helping a builder design what you want for your house, determine what space is the most vital and start there. Also, if you already have furnishings that you need to fit into a structure, draw them to the same scale as the floor plan, cut out the drawings and then place them on the floor plan to ensure they will fit, while keeping the flow of the structure in tact.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit University of California, Irvine
