Planning to draw a home remodeling? Follow these steps to create the sketches, measurements, and photos needed to start a set of remodeling drawings.
Tools You’ll Need
- Tape Measure: A 25-foot tape measure works best.
- Grid Paper: At least 8 ½” x 11” in size. Each square on the grid will represent one foot.
- Pencil: For clear, erasable sketches.
- Digital Camera or Smartphone: To capture photos of your home’s interior and exterior.
Step 1: Measure and Sketch the Interior
- Room Dimensions:
- Start with the interior of your home. Measure the length and width of each room and draw them on grid paper. Use the grid squares as a guide (e.g., one square = one foot).
- Doors and Windows:
- Mark door and window openings on your sketches, noting their width and height (e.g., W x H).
- Special Features:
- Include details like cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms.
- If certain features (e.g., decorative moldings or custom built-ins) are hard to sketch, take clear photos instead.
Step 2: Photograph the Exterior
Take photographs of your home from these angles:
- Front View
- Front Right Corner
- Right Side
- Right Rear Corner
- Rear View
- Rear Left Corner
- Left Side
- Left Front Corner
Additionally, photograph any special exterior features (e.g., porches, chimneys) and try to capture as much of the roofline as possible.
Step 3: Document the Foundation or Floor System
- For Homes with Basements or Crawlspaces:
- Photograph the floor joists or trusses underneath.
- Measure the depth and spacing of the joists or trusses.
- For Homes on Slabs:
- You can skip this step.
Step 4: Gather Site Information
- Obtain a Survey or Plat Map:
- If a site plan is required by your local municipality, obtain a copy of the surveyor’s plat or a tax map. This may show the general location of the home on the property.
- Include Additional Details:
- Note driveway and sidewalk sizes and locations.
- Mark any trees or landscaping you’d like to preserve or remove during the remodel.
Step 5: Sketch the Additions
On a new sheet of grid paper, draw the clients ideas for the remodel or additions. Include approximate dimensions and clearly label each feature.
By following these steps, you’ll have everything you’ll need to create accurate and detailed remodeling plans for a home.