How to Read a Floor Plan
Are you thinking of buying your first home? Wondering whether to buy a pre-existing home, new construction or work with a builder on a custom floor plan? All of these options are pretty exciting, but with each one, there is one thing you need to know how to do: read a floor plan. While knowing how to read a floor plan is less important when purchasing a pre-existing home that is ready for you to move into, chances are that you’ll get a copy of the blueprint or original floor plan from the seller. This is an important document to hold onto for the future. And if you are purchasing a new construction home or going custom, that floor plan can provide you with some super important information. Let’s go over what you should know.
High-Level Details: Bedrooms, Bathrooms, and Living Spaces
The first things to note on any floor plan are the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. This information helps determine if the home is right-sized for your family. For example, if you have three kids and you’re looking at a two-bedroom floor plan, you might want to consider a different option with more bedrooms. Additionally, look at the living spaces, such as the living room, dining room, and kitchen, to confirm they have the space you want in your new home.
Windows and Placement
Natural light is a big aspect of your home. It adds curb appeal, makes your home more appealing inside, and is good for our health. Clearly, windows play a big role in a home's ambiance and energy efficiency. Check the floor plan for the number and placement of windows in each room. This can help you envision the natural light and ventilation the space will receive.
Square Footage and Furniture Planning
Understanding the square footage of each room is also a must for planning your furniture layout. We’re not saying that you should sell off your favorite pieces if they don’t fit, but this is a good opportunity to manage your expectations and determine whether the floor plan is the right one for you.
Larger rooms provide more flexibility, while smaller spaces may require more strategic furniture placement. Measure your existing furniture and compare it with the room dimensions to ensure that everything will fit comfortably.
Positioning of Key Features
Some features are less within our control unless we are building a custom home. Even then, water features and electrical spaces need to be planned carefully to make your home the most efficient.
Sinks and Toilets: Look at the placement of sinks, toilets, and other fixtures. Their location can affect the plumbing and overall functionality of the home.
Kitchen Appliances: Check where the stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher are situated. A well-designed kitchen layout can make meal prep and cooking more efficient.
Laundry Room: The positioning of the laundry room is a must for convenience. Is it upstairs near the bedrooms? Or is it in the basement? A centrally located laundry room can save time and effort.
Definitions to Help You Read Floor Plans
To help you navigate a floor plan, here are some key terms and symbols you might encounter:
Doorways: These are indicated by lines that break through walls, often with an arc showing the door swing direction.
Stairwells: Shown as a series of parallel lines or a set of steps, indicating the direction of the stairs.
Open Spaces ("Open to Below"): Areas without a ceiling on the floor plan level, usually part of multi-story homes, are often labeled as "open to below" to indicate the space continues to the floor below.
Why Oza Sabbeth Can Help
Reading a floor plan can be overwhelming, but knowing how to do so will help you find the perfect home. At Oza Sabbeth, we specialize in assisting prospective homeowners in understanding floor plans and making well-guided decisions. Our team is here to walk you through every step of the custom-designed home process. We all win when you find a home that fits all your needs and wants.
Ready to find your dream home? Contact us today to get started!