TYPES OF PLANS

There are a variety of plans that can be done by the homeowner or a professional. Often times the homeowner is capable of doing some of these steps but would need to hire a professional to cover some of the areas, review plans or do some consulting. We will discuss this more later.

PLOT PLAN

STEP #1 Obtain plat map that will show the property boundaries, and measurements as it lies within the neighboring area. This is generally for subdivision areas as larger properties you will usually have to do your own measuring around the work area. This map usually will show all the existing utility easements, and right of ways. This is available from most escrow companies, or county/city planners. This is a good time to obtain any neighborhood CC&R's. It is always worthwhile to see if there is an existing drawing that has the lot and home. If this is a new home, check with the builder. If you just purchased the home the previous owner may have had this done.

STEP #2 Measure the house starting at a corner, showing all existing windows (views-shade-screening), doors, fireplace offsets(gas-heat), walls, pillars, dryer vent, spigots, air conditioners, decks, patios. Locate the house on the lot. The house may not sit square to the rest of the lot. Starting at a corner measure out one direction to the property line, keeping your tape measure in a parallel line with the house wall. From the same corner measure out the other direction. Repeat this at as many corners as necessary. Use the same principle when you locate the walks, drive, trees, any utilities (well, gas, etc..) or any other hardscape or softscape material. Locate other structures on the site the same way. View Sample.

STEP #3 Make notes about entrance area, house vents, and views. If there are multiple levels you should make notes on things like an upper deck with a lower patio, and all appropriate window heights or outstanding features. Mark down the general location of the inside rooms so that you can think about the relationship between the inside and outside rooms. If there are structures or other items on your neighbor's lots that are of importance please make notes, as it may affect such things as your view angles, or screening needs. View Sample.

STEP #4 Here you should make notes and show any elevation changes or if the area is flat but the neighbors property is higher. This will all figure into the drainage or need for walls, erosion control etc. If there are extensive grade changes you will want to use something like a builders level or higher a professional to do a topography plan for you. Use a compass and show the direction of north on your lot as this will affect various things, including plant selection and solar angles.

STEP #5 One of the most useful things is to take a series of photos from different angles around your lot. Show the house and all other elements on your lot as you can spread these photos around your drawing area and use them for reference. You could overlay tracing paper on blown up photos and sketch ideas. These can also serve as a record of what you started working with.

STEP #6 Now that you know the measurements for your lot it is time to begin your scale drawing. Most common plans are drawn on either sheets of 18"x24" or 24"x36". These are available with a different amount of squares to the inch such as 8 or 10. If you use a 1"=4', 1"=8',or 1"=16' then use 8 squares per inch. If you use a 1"=5', 1"=10', 1"=20', or 1"=40' then use 10 squares per inch. Most common will be the 1=8, 1=10, and 1=20, or 1=40 for larger properties. The advantage to using a 1"=8 squares type is that you can then make measurements in the field off the plan with your tape measure. What you use for scale will depend on the size of the area you are drawing and what size paper you wish to work with. Remember to leave yourself some room outside your area for notes, as usually the area on the plan will get filled rather quickly. Try to center your plot on the paper you choose. You can also draw various areas at a larger scale that is easier to read if you have a larger property.

Example: Drawing paper size & footage

View sample of Plot Overview