A floor plan is a technical drawing to scale that shows a view from above of the relationships between rooms, spaces, traffic patterns, and other physical features at one level of a structure. It is a birds eye view diagram of a home or property that illustrates the design of the property and includes structural and design details such as walls, windows, doors, and stairs, as well as fixed kitchen appliances and bathroom fittings. Floor plans are usually drawn to scale and indicate room types, room sizes, and wall lengths. They may also show furniture layouts and include outdoor areas.
Floor plans are important in real estate marketing, as well as home building, interior design, and architecture projects. They show the relationship between rooms and spaces and make it easier to check if the space is suitable for its intended purpose, work through any potential challenges, and redesign before moving forward into more elaborate planning or building stages. According to research by Zillow, 81% of home buyers say they are more likely to view a home if the listing includes a floor plan they like.
Floor plans can be created using specialized software such as Lucidchart, RoomSketcher, and SmartDraw. Floor planning is also a form of retailer financing for large ticket items displayed on showroom floors or lots, such as automobiles and major appliances.