All of us have a dream home we aspire to build and live in someday. When it comes down to our dream home, there are many specific details that we desire. It is therefore important to plan wisely and have a complete idea of the specifications we require before construction. This is where a floor plan comes into play. Floor plans in house construction is undeniably a crucial aspect that needs much thought. A floor plan is often the first step taken towards our dream home.
How to develop Floor Plans in House Construction
Floor plans in house construction are basically diagrams drawn with respect to a scale, of the building or specific rooms, which provides the view from above. It is possible to develop the floor plan of an entire building or even a single room. Floor plans in house construction can also depict furniture, appliances, measurements, or anything else to give you a precise idea. Floor plans may be developed in two dimensions or three dimensions as per your requirement.
What is the importance of floor plans in house construction?
A floor plan is the fundamental document based on which your house will be designed. Floor plans in house construction give a realistic image in all aspects. It will give you a clear idea of the amount of space in the house. They also provide a perspective on how your home will appear on the inside. Floor plans form the basis for the development of elevation drawings, structural drawings, blueprints and all the further steps in construction. A floor plan also serves as a basic document for handling finishing works like wiring, plumbing, painting, tiling etc.
Once the floor plan has been developed, you can easily analyse it and address the areas that require change. The early modifications in the design save a lot of time and rework effort. Floor plans are also beneficial when you plan to sell the house. It gives the buyer a better idea of the space and facilities rather than photographs. Floor plans often serve as the best way of communication between you and your architect.
What are the factors to consider before developing a floor plan?
Floor plans in house construction are often the first big step towards your dream home. Hence, this aspect requires much thought. There are many factors you must consider when developing a floor plan. Here are a few important factors:
Budget
Budget is an indispensable factor when it comes to developing a floor plan. The floor plan is definitely influenced by the amount of money you will be able to afford. Plan your finances wisely. If you plan to avail a home loan, make sure that the EMI is affordable. Always account for the additional expenditures, that might come along in the course of construction, when preparing a budget.
Size of the house
Size of the house is an important factor you must consider while developing floor plans. Have a clear idea of the number of floors, rooms and bathrooms you require. Consider the future plans of your family to arrive at a better decision. If your family is growing, you will definitely need a larger house.
Another aspect you must consider is privacy. You may want certain areas of the house to be more private. The floor plan must take these requirements into account. You will also have to consider whether an open floor plan or a closed one suits you better. Open floor plans allow space utilization while closed ones guarantee privacy.
To know more on whether an open floor plan suits you, also read: Open Floor Plans: The Modern Trend
Shape of the plot
For a hassle free construction, always design your floor plan considering the specifications of the plot. Make sure that the floor plan uses the plot size and shape to advantage. If not, the construction may be costlier. For example, a regular rectangular shaped floor plan may not be feasible in an irregular shaped plot.
Also, ensure that there are adequate setbacks to avoid congestion.
Learn more about setbacks in building construction.
Environmental factors
You should also consider the environmental factors while developing a floor plan. You must consider if the north or the south side of the plot is more preferable for specific rooms. This must be decided based on the direction of sun and wind as well as the requirements of the room. Maximize the use of daylight by placing windows and doors at apt locations.
Another factor that requires consideration is sound. It is always wise to design the bedrooms towards the side with lesser noise and traffic so as to ensure peace. The consideration of Vaastu is one good way to ensure that the environmental factors benefit the floor plan by allowing adequate light, air etc.
Also Read: Tips in Vaastu for House Construction
Placement of rooms
Placement of rooms should be such that it allows ease of construction. Consider functions of each room and place them in a manner such that safety, comfort features, ventilation, wiring, plumbing etc are easier and better. For example, placing the bathrooms together will allow easy plumbing. Placing the study room at a quieter end of the house will offer peace when at work.
Traffic flow from one room to another is also a factor that affects the placement of rooms. Place the rooms in a manner which allows ease of movement. For example, place the kitchen and dining close to each other.
Compare with your current home
You definitely have knowledge of the problems which make life at your current home uncomfortable. Avoid these in your new home. Always consider your family’s daily routines when developing a floor plan. Each family is unique and comes with its own set of requirements. Account for these in your floor plan.
Search the web or magazines that provide ready to use floor plans. Evaluate them and use pointers from each of them to develop your dream floor plan.
Read more: How to evaluate a floor plan?
When you have a clear idea of what you want your new home to be like, you are ready to approach an architect. Research your options and take feedback before you choose an architect. Make sure that you convey your requirements clearly to the architect.
Read more: How to choose an architect?
Here is a checklist of the factors you must consider for a quick glance: 
- Prepare a budget – Understand what you can afford
- Check if the floor plan suits the shape and size of the plot
- Decide the size of your house – The number of rooms and floors
- Decide on the placement of rooms – Must allow easier traffic flow, plumbing, wiring etc
- Compare with your current home – Avoid problems of the current home in new home
- Consider environmental factors – Direction of sun, wind.
- Vaastu considerations.
- Review and analyse as many floor plans as you could manage to get.
- Evaluate your floor plan
- Choose an appropriate architect – Convey your requirements.
Developing a floor plan is the basic and most crucial step in house construction. Ensure that you take a final decision only after careful consideration to avoid remorse in the future. When it comes to your dream home, go for nothing but the best!
