Many house plans are drawn today where the drafter or designer is a long distance away. Most often it’s because the process is being handled over the internet. If this be the case and you are having your house remodeled long distance, here are a few things that’ll get the ball rolling for you.
You will need to have the following:
a. Tape measure. 25′ would be the best choice.
b. A pad of grid paper. 8 1/2″ x 11″ minimum.
c. A pencil.
d. A Digital Camera.
Step #1. They will need to know how the home is laid out. Go to each room of the house and measure the depth and width. Draw the rooms on the grid paper using the grid squares as a guide. If you are using small paper (8 1/2″ x 11″), each grid will equal one foot (12″). Show the door openings and windows on the grid paper relative to their position in the room. If you draw in a door, place the width inside the opening. If it’s a window, place the width then height (w x h) near the window. Where ever possible, photograph special items in the house that are hard to sketch. You will probably need to sketch the Kitchen and Bathroom in the same manner including the cabinets.
Step #2. Go to the exterior of the home and photograph the following views.
- Front
- Front Right Corner
- Right Side
- Right Rear Corner
- Rear Side
- Rear Right Corner
- Left Side
- Left Right Corner
- Photo any special exterior item that is hard to sketch. Try your best to photo as much of the roof as possible.
Step #3. If your home is built on a foundation or basement it would be good to know what type of floor system you have. Take pictures of underneath the floor of your floor joists or trusses. Then measure the depth and spacing for me. If your house is on a slab, you can skip this step.
Step #4. Many municipalities require a site plan even with a remodeling. If this be the case you will need to get a copy of a surveyors plat or tax map showing the general location of your home on the property. It would be nice to know driveway and sidewalk sizes and locations too. Also the locations of any trees you are wanting to save or remove as a result of the remodeling.
Step #5. On a separate sheet of grid paper, sketch out what additions you are wanting to make to the home.
Step #6. Send these to the drafter or designer via mail or email and you’ve begun the process.