Ever looked at a floorplan and wondered “what the hell am I looking at?” Floorplans, they seem pretty explanatory. A 2D or 3D scale diagram of the arrangement of rooms in one story of a building. But to the average person, it’s so much more than that. It could be someone’s first purchase, a contractor’s plan, but for all, it is a promise of something wonderful to come.

For today’s blog, we’ll focus floorplans uniquely to pre-construction condos and townhomes. When you decide to make the decision to buy new vs. preowned, you are met with the obvious challenge. You are unable to get the ‘feel’ of what your new home will look like. Luckily, with the advent of scale models, virtual or otherwise, renderings, portfolios, and floorplans – these pieces give buyers the peace of mind to make a purchase.

Size of Your Home

Each floorplan is unique to the property, even within pre-construction condos which include the standard elements: kitchen, bathroom, and living rooms. Your floorplans will be measured in feet and inches and will be presented in width by the length. For example, your bedroom may have a dimension of 10′ x 8′ means it’s 10 feet wide (from side to side) by 8 feet long (from top to bottom). Keep in mind that rooms aren’t always square so it’s important to really visualize the space. Tip: would be taking a measuring tape to your current home to compare the dimensions.

Kitchen & Bathroom

Ahhh….the two best parts of the home! Well, in our opinion it is the kitchen and bathroom. These two rooms likely get the most scrutiny when it comes to making a decision to purchase. Many developers draw their features differently so as you come across floorplans – keep that in mind.

The Layout

In many cases, the flow of your new space can be a dealbreaker. The way each room connects to another, the convenience of accessing one area from another, and overall ease of movement are all critical factors. This is where the floorplan comes into play, offering an eagle-eye perspective on the functionality of the property. It is also a good idea to pay attention to the placement of windows. Natural light can dramatically change the feel of a space, making it seem larger and more inviting.

Storage Space

One aspect that can often be overlooked when reviewing a floorplan is storage. Closets, pantries, and utility rooms are essential, especially in condos and townhomes where space might be limited. These should be clearly marked on your floorplan. Don’t underestimate their importance; storage space can be a deciding factor for many potential homeowners.

Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces, such as balconies and terraces, are often highlighted in pre-construction floorplans. These spaces can offer fresh air and outdoor living potential, as well as beautiful views, depending on the location of your condo or townhome. The floorplan will typically provide dimensions for these spaces just as it does for interior rooms, so you can get an accurate idea of how much outdoor space you’ll have at your disposal.

Rendering Discrepancies

While floorplans are an invaluable tool when buying a pre-construction property, bear in mind that there might be slight differences in the finished product. Remember, a floorplan is a projection, not a guarantee. However, these discrepancies are usually minor and don’t impact the overall layout or size of your new home.

Conclusion

Deciphering floorplans can be intimidating, but with a little time and understanding, they can become your best ally in purchasing a pre-construction condo or townhome. They give you the freedom to envision your future space, choose your preferences, and even negotiate modifications with the developer. Just remember, a floorplan is a map to your potential dream home, so review it carefully and enjoy the journey to your new front door.