Once in a while, I find myself in a situation where I have to turn down projects. These are typically small bathroom or kitchen adjustments, or minor additions, where the owners need scaled plans for a building permit, but do not technically require the services of a licensed professional. In these situations, the owners have a pretty good idea of what they want to do, have a contractor ready or are planning to execute the work themselves, and do not want to spend the time and money for professional to draw up basic plans. In the situation where a licensed design professional is not required, you can draw a plan yourself. Below are FREE scaled plan templates for you to use, and a list of steps and tips for drawing your own permit plans, :
Take careful dimensions of the existing space. Take photos of your measurements to document this step for later reference. Sketch your dimensioned plan on scratch paper. Measure twice, draw once. I highly recommend a digital measuring tape.
Layout your plan on a sheet of graph paper. Do so "to scale", let's say one square equals one foot or half a foot. You can use an Free template below, which has the added benefit of scaled graphics for your reference, like plumbing or appliances.
Draw up the elements you want to remove or add, like bathtub or kitchen counters, even new furniture layout. Use the graph lines to draw these elements as closely as possible to their actual dimensions, measure them if you must.
Make sure you leave enough room to move around your new space. For hallways and pathways use three feet at the least, while 30" clearances are recommended in front of plumbing fixtures and appliances.
Your kitchen counters will be approximately 2 feet deep and you need at least 3 feet of clear space for circulation in front of them.
Repeat steps 2 through 4 until you have a layout you are happy with.
Share it with your contractor or your local building department to determine permit requirements.
Always verify with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (building department) for permit requirements before starting a new project. Ask if stamped and signed drawings are required from a licensed professional. If they are not, if you are pressed for time and funds, you do have the option of drawing your own plan.
Corina Dumitrescu Architect (CDA) is a licensed architect and sole author of this personal blog. The content herein are her views and opinions to be used for information purposes only. CDA makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this content, especially if applied to projects not herein described. Always employ the services of a professional real estate agent and/or architect. Making decisions based on this or any other blog content alone should be done at one's own risk.
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