Floor plans and room layouts you should know before buying a house or condo.
Floor plans and unit plans are very important because they provide homeowners with detailed information about the property. They help buyers understand the basic characteristics of the house or condo and whether it suits their lifestyle. Despite their importance,
many people still don't know how to read floor plans or unit plans. Let's understand them from this post.
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What is a Unit Plan?
Let's start with the unit plan. Many may wonder what a "unit plan," which they often hear about, actually is. A unit plan is a floor plan or diagram that shows the location of things from above. It's like removing the roof and looking down; you'll see where each room is located, how many windows and doors each room has, and what type of doors and windows they have.
For example, common symbols seen in all unit plans of all projects include: swing doors, which are represented by curved dashed lines; and sliding doors/windows, which are represented by small, overlapping rectangles.
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What is a Floor Plan?
A floor plan is a diagram of the different levels. In a condo, floor plans will show each level separately, from the ground floor (level 1), parking level, residential floors, up to the rooftop.
They usually show the location of each room type on each floor, fire exits, elevators, and various amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, laundry rooms, and co-working spaces.
For example, common symbols seen in all floor plans of all projects include: an elevator symbol with a dashed cross; and rooms labeled with letters, such as GB for garbage rooms and EE for electrical rooms.
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What makes a good floor plan?
A good floor plan should be practical and maximize the use of space. It shouldn't just indicate the placement of items, but also describe the characteristics of the different rooms and the efficient arrangement of space. The details are as follows:
– What makes a good floor plan?
Condo projects, especially new ones... Floor plans are usually provided on websites or in project reviews on real estate brokerage sites. It's important to review them from the start because they offer many benefits and save time when visiting the actual project. They also allow you to ask sales staff any questions you may have. Here are some key points to consider:
1. If you prefer a spacious, airy feel with open-plan layouts connecting rooms, or prefer using partitions, screens, or curtains to block air conditioning, choose a project with an open-plan floor plan – meaning rooms have no doors or only sliding doors.
2. If you value privacy, especially if you enjoy cooking but want to prevent odors from lingering in the kitchen, choose a unit with sliding doors separating the kitchen from the rest of the living area.
3. If you value privacy and don't want others intruding on your bedroom, look for a condo with a separate bedroom and bathroom. This way, guests won't have to enter your bedroom.
4. The floor plan should cater to your lifestyle. Some people prefer the kitchen near the entrance, while others might prefer it near the balcony or the back of the unit. Some people prefer bathrooms located near the entrance of their unit, while others prefer them by the balcony. Understanding floor plans allows you to easily locate these areas.
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– What characteristics should a good floor plan have?
A good floor plan, like many others, should address lifestyle needs, comfort, and safety. Most projects prioritize these aspects.
Initially, you can check the location of the desired unit on each floor by observing the project's floor plan. Sometimes, the floor type number is provided, making it easier to identify and select the right unit.
Ultimately, the ideal floor plan depends on individual preferences, but there are certain layouts that "some people" tend to avoid.
1. Rooms adjacent to or near the garbage room: Almost every project manages cleanliness and odor control, but this requires cooperation from residents. Sometimes, odors, pests like cockroaches, or even the opening and closing of the garbage room can disturb residents. Therefore, if you see a room next to the garbage room on the floor plan, you should avoid it.
2. Rooms next to the passenger or service elevator: Another prominent feature on floor plans is the elevator. Rooms near the elevator may not be suitable for those who want peace and privacy, as the constant noise of people entering and exiting the elevator throughout the day and night can be annoying.
3. Rooms or floors adjacent to common areas: While many projects highlight the convenience of accessing common areas, remember that everyone in the project will likely use them. If you dislike noise and commotion, you should avoid this location.
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Recommendations for Floor and Room Layout Planning
Each floor and room layout will have a different design due to its varying uses. Therefore, we provide layout guidelines and plans that can help determine the placement of items. And here's a guide to the various appliances and layouts for each room:
1. Dining Room
The dining table is placed in the center of the room to allow for easy movement. If the room faces the outside, there may be windows for enjoying the view, or for those who enjoy watching TV, a TV can be installed on one side of the table.
2. Kitchen
The kitchen is usually centrally located to serve as the main workspace, with appliances arranged in a U-shape around it.
3. Bedroom
The bed is the heart of this room. Therefore, it should not be placed near the door to ensure restful sleep. A suitable number of windows in directions that allow natural light to enter the room ensure good ventilation.
There are no fixed rules for a good floor plan; it depends more on the occupant. Viewing a floor plan can help in making decisions before visiting the actual project, or simplify the process of planning furniture and decorations.
Another thing that can help simplify the decision-making process before visiting a project is watching a video or using a virtual tour.
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Thank you for the valuable information from DD Property.
