How To Read Architectural Plans: If You're About To Start Building Your Dream Home - Part 1

Clean Bed - How To Read Architectural Plans: If You're About To Start Building Your Dream Home - Part 1. A good news is that most people find it a challenge to visualise what their home will look like so you're not alone. Generally house designs are presented in two dimensions so the front of the home looks flat. It often won't have shadow lines or any sense of depth. Luckily most home designers are now making use of 3D software which can make it easier to assess the front elevation of the home. But what about the floor plans?

It may be the first time you're looking at architectural drawings and you might not have great spatial skills as you may have never really needed to develop them. Spatial skills allow you to be aware of space, within a room or area which is a skill that is typically highly developed by new home designers and architects. These skills will  help your understand the size of rooms.

I'll give you the same advice I give to everyone I meet that is going to build their new home; take your time and follow these simple steps which will assist in visualising how a plan will translate into your dream home.

Step 1
The first thing you should do is just walk through the home visually as if you were visiting someone. Start at the front portico area and see yourself walking into the entry area. Then follow the path you would normally take to walk through each room.

Imagine opening each door as you enter the room. Think about the way the doors swing and then imagine you're standing in the doorway looking into the room. Picture in your minds eye the furniture that will be featured in the room. Where is the lounge, the coffee table, the dresser and corner tables. What paintings are on the walls. When you're standing at the doorway you're now able to look out the window - what do you see?

Allow your mind's eye to picture a room you're already familiar with and things will start to fall into place. Keep walking around the plans and stand in different areas looking in opposite directions, so you get a complete understanding of the home from all angles.

This simple walk through will start to highlight some areas you can consider changing or raise some questions you never thought of before. It's common for clients to have an 'aha!' moment, like realising there is nowhere to hang their favourite piece of art or wondering where their bathroom towel rail will be, or thinking about the suns effect on their favourite lounge and if it will fade.

If you have any doubts, you should speak with your custom home designer and they will assist you in making necessary changes to ensure your home meets your requirements.

See Part 2 of this article for more practical advice about reading architectural plans.