It isn’t as compelling as glossy photographs and marketing descriptions, but a floor plan can provide the most useful information available about a potential new home. Understanding how to make sense of all the lines and squiggles is hugely valuable when you’re comparing the hundreds of options on the market.

Before delving into floor plans, it’s helpful to sit down and make a list of your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and features you’re happy to live without. Eden Brae sales consultants will know which options would work best for your block and family so make sure to bring up all your needs. Once they identify the best home choices for you, you'll have a much easier time comparing options during your display home visits.

Here are some key pointers to help you understand floor plans when working with your consultant.

Know your limits

Your council will have set guidelines that determine how much of the block you can build on. Known as the Floor Space Ratio (FSR), it defines the maximum house size permissible in relation to your block size. Council guidelines also specify the required setbacks from the side, rear and front boundaries.

Check the width and length of the home design

The width and length of the home design will help determine if it suits your particular block. To make things easier, your Eden Brae sales consultant will be on-hand to provide guidance on these requirements.

Visualise walking through the plan

Imagine living your daily life in the home. Visualise bringing your groceries into the kitchen from the car, how you’ll keep an eye on the children while you’re cooking, and the al fresco spaces you’ll use for parties. Think about the flow through the house, and the position of the areas you’re likely to use the most.

Looking at where the doors and windows are positioned will also give you an accurate idea of how your furniture would fit into the space.

Check the room  dimensions

The room dimensions will give you a true sense of the space available within each room’s four walls. They’re included below each room label on the plan. Keep in mind that the width usually comes first, and the length second. Bedroom dimensions typically exclude the wardrobe. Measure it out in your current home to get a feel for the size of the rooms, and what would fit within them.

Is there adequate storage?

It may not be first thing on your dream home wish list, but ample storage space is a functional necessity. All storage areas are clearly labelled on a floor plan, so keep an eye out for them and consider whether the storage options would cater to your needs. A walk-in robe (WIR) is a great feature to consider, usually significantly roomier than a built in robe (BIR). A walk-in pantry (WIP) is perfect for the avid entertainer, enabling you to conceal mess and appliances while your kitchen remains immaculate.

Got any more questions in mind? Contact Eden Brae homes for a Floor Plan Reading Guide or send a message to a sales consultant for further details.