How To Get Floor Plan Of Your House : Plansdiagram

How to Get a Floor Plan of Your House

A floor plan is a scaled diagram that shows the layout of a house. It can be an invaluable tool for various purposes, including planning renovations, redecorating, selling your house, or simply understanding the layout of your home. While getting a professional floor plan can be costly, there are several ways to obtain one without breaking the bank.

1. Check for Existing Plans

Before embarking on the process of creating a floor plan, it's worth exploring whether one already exists. This is the most convenient and often the cheapest option.

Start by checking for any blueprints or architectural drawings that may have been drawn during the construction of your house. If the property has been renovated in the past, there might be plans from those projects. These documents are often stored in the basement, attic, or with previous homeowners.

Another potential source of floor plans is your local municipality's building department or records office. These departments typically keep records of building permits, which often include floor plans. If you can't access the plans yourself, you can contact the department and inquire about obtaining copies.

2. DIY Methods

If you can't find existing floor plans, you can create your own using a combination of DIY methods and readily available tools:

Measuring Tools: The foundation of any floor plan is accurate measurements. Utilize a tape measure, laser distance meter, or even a ruler to meticulously document the dimensions of each room, including length, width, and height. Measure doorways, windows, built-in features, and any other significant details.

Graph Paper: Graph paper is an excellent tool for creating a scaled drawing. Choose a scale that allows for clarity and representation of your home's dimensions. For instance, a scale of 1/8 inch equals 1 foot would be suitable for a typical house.

Software Applications: Numerous software applications are available for creating floor plans on your computer. Options such as Google SketchUp, RoomSketcher, or Floorplanner offer user-friendly interfaces, templates, and drawing tools to facilitate the process. These applications often provide tutorials and community support to guide users.

Drawing Tools: If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can utilize a ruler, pencil, and eraser to draw your floor plan on graph paper. This method requires patience and accuracy, but it can be a fulfilling endeavor for those comfortable with manual drafting.

3. Hiring a Professional

For a highly accurate and professional floor plan, hiring an architect or a draftsman is the most reliable option. Professionals possess the expertise and specialized tools to create detailed and precise plans.

They can use laser scanning technology for accurate measurements, software programs for sophisticated design, and industry-standard conventions to ensure that the final product meets professional standards. The cost of hiring a professional will vary depending on the size and complexity of your house and their experience.