Why a Professionally Designed Floor Plan is so Important to the Results of Your Design Project

When designing a space, never underestimate the importance of a professionally designed floor plan. Whether you’re doing a complete renovation or simply replacing furnishings and smaller design elements, this is an important step to take early in the design process.

You may be asking: What exactly is a floor plan and why is it so important?

A floor plan is a detailed scale drawing that allows a designer to properly plan space within a room. Here are several ways that a professionally designed floor plan will assist with the final outcome of the space.

the importance of a professionally designed floor plan

1.

It allows you to plan all of the elements going into a space, showing all clearances and space allotment for all items. It also allows you to plan accordingly for all of the necessary elements in the room.

2.

It helps you determine the final electrical plan and layout. For instance, if you plan to have a side table with a lamp next to a sofa, then you also will know where you need to locate electrical outlets. It is these small details that give you the look and function of a professionally designed space. Have you ever been in the dining room where the ceiling fixture doesn’t align with the table? Having a professionally designed floor plan means these situations have been planned in advance so that the lighting fixture will be in the proper place in the end.

3.

Having a professionally designed floor plan will help with estimating the amount of materials needed to successfully complete your project. If you are using an element, such as tile, your floor plan will help you determine the number of tiles, their placement, and elements such as edge details you will need for a beautifully finished room.

4.

Having a floor plan and detailed elevations of a proposed design will assist all contractors with accurately quoting a project. Knowing the exact placement of design elements, and what is expected of the finished product, will help any contractor to accurately quote product amounts, the time and labor that will be needed, and the overall estimated cost of fully implementing your design. This means you can go into a project fully prepared for the cost so that you won’t be caught by surprise.

5.

Having a professionally designed floor plan is absolutely necessary when furnishing a space. Most homeowners overestimate the number of items that can fit into a room. Having a floor plan that takes into account all of the necessary space planning allotments will allow homeowners to see exactly what items will fit into space properly and be comfortable to use. This will prevent buying items that will not fit into the space properly, and that you may later regret purchasing.

As a designer, a well-thought-out floor plan is the best first step in my design process. This happens before anything is purchased, any items are selected, or any work is scheduled. Unfortunately, homeowners are so excited to get to the step of purchasing products that they can get ahead of the process. This is understandable because homeowners are bombarded with so many product options that it is very easy for a homeowner to jump right into buying furniture or elements without thoroughly designing the space. This may ultimately result in a project with a lot of decision regret, stalled work to correct issues, and backtracking.

Don’t skip the necessary steps that lead to a successful design project, one that you will love and that will function for you and your family for many years to come.

Until Next Time,
Gia