How to read a floor plan

If you find yourself embarking on the journey of building a new home, acquainting yourself with the art of deciphering floor plans will become incredibly important, especially if you are a first time builder. From delving into room dimensions to unravelling the intricacies of electrical plans, we have done all the hard work for you. Read on for insight into the essential know-how of deciphering floor plans.

What details can you get from a floorplan

Floor plans are construction drawings that provide extensive information about a home's design and functionality. By assessing the floor plan, you can gain a greater knowledge of the:

• Room layout: Floor plans allow you to visualise each room's layout and picture how the rooms are interconnected and see their exact sizes to scale
• Flow and traffic patterns: By studying the floor plan, you can identify how people will move freely between each space and ensure that each transition is smooth and efficient
• Architectural features: Floor plans show the architectural elements in your home, such as windows, doors, staircases, and voids. These details will allow you to see where natural light will come from, as well as the focal points within your home
• Storage space: Floor plans will indicate where all storage areas of the home are, including built ins, walk in robes, linen cupboards, cabinets, pantries and under stair storage. This will help determine where there is enough storage for the home. 
• Outdoor areas: Floor plans can also include details surrounding outdoor areas such as outdoor living, decks and balconies. This will allow you to see how indoor areas connect to your exterior

Identify key areas

When you first dive into a Mojo floor plan, start by thinking about your current space and how you and your family will function in it. Your biggest priorities are your key living zones: the kitchen and living area, the number of bedrooms, and dedicated spaces like a study or home theatre. Once you nail down these non-negotiables, filtering through our incredible range of floor plans becomes a fun and easy process!

Remember, don’t forget the total area size! If you’re comparing two plans with the same total square footage, but one is crammed with five rooms while the other has three spacious zones, you’re looking at two different outcomes.

Our bonus recommendation: a floor plan isn't better just because it has more rooms! More rooms in the same footprint means a smaller and more cramped home. Opt for a plan that gives you plenty of storage, room to grow, and that expansive feeling you deserve. Bigger is only better if the overall floor size increases, too!

How to read a floorplan

With so many details needed to be included on a floor plan, various symbols are used to indicate different features. Take a look at the symbols you will find across Mojo's floor plans.

• Orientation: The compass symbol or North arrow will identify the correct orientation of the floor plan. This will help you better understand how the plan aligns with the block of land. 
• Scale: The scale of the plan is typically printed in one of the corners. This represents the ratio between the dimensions on the plans and the actual measurements of the home. This can help you better visualise the square footage of the home's interior.
• Room labels: Labels are assigned to each room to identify what the room will be used for. E.g. Master Bedroom, Butlers Pantry or Powder.
• Doors: Door symbols are typically represented by a straight line with a perpendicular line indicating the swing direction or a zigzag line for bi-folds.
• Windows: Windows are typically depicted as a narrow white box, overlaid on the frame. The size and shape of the symbol may vary based on the type of window, and different codes will apply for different window types.
• Stairs: Stairs are indicated by a series of lines and an arrow; the style of the symbol can indicate whether the stairs go up or down.
• Bathroom fixtures: Bathrooms are usually easy to find because they include a toilet symbol inside them. There may also be additional markings to indicate the presence of a sink, shower or bathtub.

Size and measurements

To truly visualise the actual space of the home, you’ll need to understand how to read floor plan measurements. Here are a few tips:

• Room dimensions: Each room on the floor plan should include dimensions, typically represented by arrows or lines indicating the length or width of the space
• Ceiling height: Check the site plans for information on the ceiling height. This will give you an overall sense of the spaciousness, as well as indicate if there are any differences in height throughout the home
• Total square metres: Look for the total square metres of the house, usually mentioned somewhere on the floor plan. This figure is in addition to the size of the land
• Furniture placement: Consider the room sizes and layout of each space. The dimensions provided will be particularly useful in helping you figure out how and where your furniture will fit

Other floorplan considerations

When you’re reading your Mojo floor plan, there are a few extra details worth zooming in on to personalise your new home!

Take a close look at your kitchen and bathroom layouts. Check how high the wall tiling extends. This is a perfect moment to decide if you'd like to increase the height for an even more luxurious finish in your ensuite or bathroom.

Also, look for your fixtures! For comfort and convenience, every bathroom and ensuite will include a towel rail or two hooks, depending on space. 

Don't forget also to check the materials of any of your verandas and outdoor areas, as these can be easily overlooked. Make sure the plan reflects the look you love! Every detail counts towards building a life overflowing with more.

Visit a Mojo display home

Beyond studying the two-dimensional floor plan, one of our biggest recommendations is to walk through a similar Mojo home and experience it for yourself!

Exploring a Mojo display home, even one that doesn't perfectly match your final floor plan, is invaluable. Physically being in the space is a world away from looking at it on a screen. A visit gives you the best sense of proportions, quality, design, and that vibrant ambience we're famous for. You may even get fantastic furnishing ideas for your own new build!

Just remember that display homes are fitted with all the latest modern features. Your New Home Consultant is there to clearly identify what comes standard and what is an exciting upgrade, helping you build your dream home with confidence and clarity. 

Ready to explore our designs? You can find detailed floor plans for every Mojo Home design here, allowing you to make an informed decision when choosing your dream home.