The Definition of a Floor Plan

Floor plans are created for homes, offices and buildings in general.

A floor plan is a diagram that illustrates the details of a room when viewed from above. It can also be used to illustrate the details for the entire floor of a multi-level structure, such as an office building. Floor plans are used primarily in architecture.

The View

The view of a floor plan is from above looking down. The rooms of a floor plan can be labeled according to use. (Living room, dining room, bathroom, etc.)

The view of a floor plan is from the inside, and it usually displays the image around 4 inches from the floor. Only objects below this level (or desired level) are seen in full. Objects above this level can be left out. Objects in the room are typically two dimensional; however, advances in technology have made 3-D floor plans more readily available.

CAD Software

Computer-aided design (CAD) is a popular tool in the world of architecture and design. CAD software can enable professionals to create 2-D or 3-D floor plans. The software is also available for the general public, allowing users to do much of the drafting and designing themselves without any formal training.

Creating a Floor Plan

The person who creates a floor plan is called a draftsperson.

Create a floor plan by either drawing it by hand or creating it digitally using a computer through CAD software. If drawn by hand, a protractor and pencil are useful tools, allowing accurate lines and the ability to erase mistakes. Floor plans are usually drawn on graph paper, and created floor plans are usually drawn to scale. This means that the plan's measurements must be in direct correlation to what it is illustrating, but on a smaller scale. For instance, a plan might be drawn 3-inches-to-a-foot, meaning that 3 inches on the plan equals 1 foot on a full scale.

What is Used

One decision to make when creating a floor plan is whether to create it digitally or use computer software.

It is common to use graph paper when drawing by hand. Because graph paper utilizes small boxes that are 1/4 inches, it is also good measure to use the 1/4 inch-to-a-foot scale. But only one formula should be used, and it must be consistent throughout the diagram.

TurboCAD is a popular drafting software available for Microsoft Windows and Mac operating systems. Floor Planner.com is a popular Web based floor design program available directly online.

What to Include

Details are important aspects of a floor plan. The scale indicator lets others know what measurements to use when building.

Floor plans specify the dimensions of a room (its size and wall length) and where certain fixtures should be installed, like a kitchen sink or a bathroom toilet. Floor plans also show the doors and windows, interior features (such as a fireplace) and major appliances. The title block, or drawing title is a component of the floor plan. It contains several important pieces of information, such as approval signatures and the drawing number, which is used for filing and identification purposes. The floor plan should also include the date, the address of the property, a scale indicator and a directional indicator (preferably a north arrow).

References

• Planning in San Jose