Can You Draw Up Your Own House Plans

Can You Draw Up Your Own House Plans?

Many projects, such as putting up a fence or building a shed, do not require blueprints. However, building a house is a different story. To get a building permit, you'll need to submit plans to the local building department. These plans must be drawn to scale and include specific details about the house's structure, materials, and systems.

If you're not an experienced draftsman, drawing up your own house plans can be a daunting task. But it's not impossible. With a little time and effort, you can learn the basics of drafting and create a set of plans that will meet the requirements of the building department.

Here are the essential aspects of drawing up your own house plans:

1. Learn the basics of drafting

The first step is to learn the basics of drafting. This includes understanding the different types of lines, symbols, and dimensions used in architectural drawings.

There are many online resources that can teach you the basics of drafting. You can also find books and classes on the subject.

2. Choose the right software

Once you understand the basics of drafting, you'll need to choose the right software to use. There are many different software programs available, both free and paid.

Some of the most popular software programs for drawing house plans include:

AutoCAD
SketchUp
Chief Architect
Home Designer Pro

Each of these programs has its advantages and disadvantages. Do some research to find the software that's right for you.

3. Sketch out your ideas

Before you start drawing your plans in software, it's a good idea to sketch out your ideas on paper.

This will help you to get a general idea of the layout of your house and to identify any potential problems.

4. Draw your plans to scale

Your plans must be drawn to scale in order to be approved by the building department.

The most common scale for house plans is 1/4 inch = 1 foot. This means that every 1/4 inch on your plans represents 1 foot of the actual house.

5. Include all the necessary details

Your plans must include all of the necessary details about the house's structure, materials, and systems.

This includes:

The foundation plan
The floor plan
The roof plan
The exterior elevations
The electrical plan
The plumbing plan
The HVAC plan

You may also need to include additional details, such as a site plan and a grading plan.

6. Get your plans approved

Once you have drawn your plans, you'll need to get them approved by the local building department.

The building department will review your plans to make sure that they meet the building code and that they are safe and habitable.

If the building department approves your plans, you will be issued a building permit.

Conclusion

Drawing up your own house plans can be a rewarding experience. It can save you money and give you the satisfaction of knowing that you designed your own home.

With a little time and effort, you can learn the basics of drafting and create a set of plans that will meet the requirements of the building department.