Decoding Floor Plans: What Every Buyer Should Know
When you’re looking at a new house or apartment, you’ve probably heard of the floor plan. But what is a floor plan? And more importantly, how does knowing one benefit you in making a savvy purchase decision? If you’re a first-time homebuyer or just want to level up your living arrangements, a floor plan is an important skill to know. This blog will take you through the fundamentals. Keep reading…
What is a Floor Plan?
A floor plan is a bird’s eye view of a home’s layout. It shows the arrangement of rooms, doors, windows, walls, and other fixed installations like kitchen counters and bathrooms. You’ll often see it as a 2D drawing with dimensions and labels such as “Bedroom”, “Balcony”, or “Living Area”. Some builders also provide 3D versions to help buyers visualize the space better.
Why Floor Plans Matter
Reading a floor plan allows you to do more than simply notice room dimensions. It enables you to:
- Imaginally visualize how you’ll occupy the space
- View natural light and ventilation
- Assess privacy and room flow
- Plan furniture arrangement
- Compare alternative layouts for more informed decisions
Most people skip this step and use only sample apartments or online tours. But an enlarged floor plan provides you with clarity that marketing photographs might not.
Key Features to Watch for in a Floor Plan
1. Carpet Area vs Built-Up Area vs Super Built-Up Area
- Carpet Area refers to the actual usable space within the flat.
- Built-Up Area adds to the carpet area the thickness of internal and external walls.
- Super Built-Up Area adds to your flat’s built-up area a proportionate share of common areas (such as the lobby, staircase, etc.).
Always inquire from your builder how much carpet area, because that’s what you’ll be using.
2. Room Sizes
Do not simply glance at the room designations. Examine the sizes (such as 10×12 ft) to determine if your current furniture will fit or if you will have to scale down or upgrade.
3. Orientation
Which way do the balconies and windows face? South-facing houses receive more sunlight, north-facing houses can be cooler. Also, consider how the house will feel at different times of the day.
4. Flow and Functionality
Is the dining room too far from the kitchen? Is the guest room too close to the living room? Ideal floor plans are logical and functional, with smooth movement from one area to another.
5. Privacy
Bedrooms must ideally not open directly to the living room. Bathrooms must not open towards the dining space. Search for intelligent design decisions that maximize your comfort and privacy.
Beware of These Mistakes
- Overlooking the scale: Always ensure the plan is scaled correctly. It’s simple to err regarding room size from a drawing.
- Not asking questions: Ask for explanations in confusing sections such as what common space includes and what the wall thickness is.
- Overlooking storage: Search for wardrobes, utility rooms, and kitchen storage in the plan.
Final Thoughts
A floor plan is not merely a technical drawing, it’s a valuable aid that can assist you in making the right investment. If you are purchasing for your own use or for rental income, it is worth taking time to learn the layout in depth.
At Pruthvi Projects, we make sure our floor plans are clear, well-thought-out, and designed to suit the lifestyle of today. Our specialists would be delighted to guide you through every aspect and assist you in getting your ideal home that suits not only your functional needs but also your tastes.
Seeking a new home that suits your dreams?
Discover our well-thought-out residential developments at Pruthvi Projects and schedule a site visit today. We will assist you in identifying a place where each square foot works for you.
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