Are you planning a home renovation, selling your property, or simply curious about the layout of your space? Creating a measured floor plan is a crucial first step. A precisely measured floor plan provides a foundation for design, helps avoid costly errors, and significantly improves property valuations. At Sova Surveys, we’ve seen firsthand the difference that accurate floor plans make.
While you can always hire a professional like Sova Surveys to create a measured building survey for you, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to measure your own floor plans accurately, using both traditional and modern techniques.
Why Accurate Measured Floor Plans Matter
Before diving in, let’s understand why accuracy is paramount:
Informed Design Decisions: Accurate dimensions are essential for planning renovations, furniture placement, and interior design. Avoid the frustration of ordering materials that don’t fit!
Realistic Property Valuations: A professional floor plan provides potential buyers with a clear understanding of the space, leading to more informed offers and faster sales.
Cost Savings: Accurate measurements help prevent mistakes in construction, material orders, and design, saving you time and money in the long run.
Compliance: Some architectural or legal submissions require accurately measured floor plans to meet regulations.
Tools You’ll Need
To create an accurately measured floor plan, you’ll need the following:
Laser Measure: A laser measure (also known as a laser distance meter) provides the most accurate readings, especially for longer distances.
Measuring Tape: A sturdy measuring tape (at least 25 feet) is essential for shorter distances and detailed work.
Notepad and Pencil: For sketching the layout and recording measurements.
Eraser: For making corrections.
Architectural Scale Ruler (Optional): If you plan to create a scaled drawing by hand, an architectural scale ruler is indispensable.
Digital Floor Plan App (Optional): Several apps are available for smartphones and tablets that allow you to create floor plans digitally as you measure. Examples include [Mention specific app names – research popular apps].
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring
Follow these steps for accurate measurement:
- Sketch the Basic Layout: On your notepad, create a rough sketch of the room or building you’re measuring. Include walls, doors, windows, and any fixed features like fireplaces or built-in cabinets. Don’t worry about scale at this point.
- Measure the Walls: Using your laser measure or measuring tape, measure each wall. Record the measurements on your sketch, clearly labelling each wall. For longer walls, consider measuring in sections to minimise errors.
- Measure Openings: Measure the width of each doorway and window opening. Also, measure the height of the windowsills and the height of the top of the window/door frame. Record these measurements on your sketch.
- Measure Fixed Features: Measure the dimensions of any fixed features like fireplaces, built-in cabinets, or columns. Note their position relative to the walls.
- Account for Irregularities: Pay close attention to any irregularities in the walls, such as alcoves, niches, or angled walls. Take multiple measurements to capture these details accurately.
- Take Diagonal Measurements: To ensure accuracy and verify the overall shape, take diagonal measurements across rooms. These diagonal measurements will help you check that your measurements are consistent.
- Double-Check Everything: Once you’ve completed all the measurements, double-check everything. It’s easy to make mistakes, so take the time to verify your work. Use your diagonal measurements as a key indicator of overall accuracy. If the diagonal measurements don’t add up based on your wall measurements, you’ve made a mistake somewhere.
Tips for Accuracy
Use the Right Tools: Laser measures are generally more accurate than measuring tapes, especially for longer distances.
Measure Straight: Ensure your measuring tape is straight and taut. Avoid sagging or bending.
Measure at the Same Height: When measuring walls, maintain a consistent height for your measurements.
Take Multiple Measurements: For critical dimensions, take multiple measurements and average the results.
Be Aware of Obstructions: Ensure there are no obstructions (furniture, etc.) interfering with your measurements.
Use a Consistent Unit of Measurement: Stick to either metric or imperial units throughout the entire process to avoid confusion.
When to Hire a Professional
While this guide provides a solid foundation for measuring floor plans, some situations warrant hiring a professional:
Complex Buildings: Buildings with intricate layouts, multiple levels, or historical features require specialised expertise.
Legal Requirements: For legal or architectural submissions, a certified surveyor’s floor plan is often required.
High Accuracy Demands: If you need extremely precise measurements, a professional surveyor with advanced equipment (like laser scanners) is the best choice.
Time Constraints: If you’re short on time, hiring a professional can save you valuable time and effort.
Creating a measured floor plan is a valuable skill that can save you time, money, and frustration. By following this guide and practising accurate measurement techniques, you can create floor plans that empower your design decisions and support your property goals. Whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional, the key is to prioritise accuracy!
At Sova Surveys, we offer accurate and reliable measured building survey services. Contact us today for a free quote.
