Why you need a house plan

When drawing a plan, do not only rely on what the architect draws. Give him your views so that the house can incorporate your personality. 

Advertisement

By Beatrice Nakibuuka

A house plan is the architectural representation of a client’s idea on how the different purposes of the house will be arranged. In a modern day building, architectural plans are one of the requirements needed for a building to be approved.

You will need to hire a licensed structural engineer to analyse the design and provide additional drawings and calculations required for your house plan.
According to Rashid Ssenyonjo, a structural engineer with HIL Consults, everyone who plans to build a house must have a plan of what you plan want your house to be.

Why have a house plan
The blueprints will clearly illustrate what the homeowner expects the finished house to look like when construction is complete.

“Plans are a useful tool in preparing your building site, planning the interior space and creating a building schedule with the builder. House plans outline the home’s complete structure from the foundation and wall framing to the roof framing and interior layout,” says Ssenyonjo.

The house plan gives a clear map of boundaries for each room, indicating the correct measurements; depict major elements on the floor plan such as bathtubs, sinks and many more.
According to Moses Kinobe, an architect at Kinobe & Partners, a house plan outlines the expected functions (rooms and other structures in the house) of the house and required spaces to suit the health status of the person. Architects usually consider the light intensity, ventilation and positioning in relation to the environment and climate.
“It defines the sizes, designs, finishes and relationship of the different functions on the plot. The planner can also recommend particular type of materials and builders to ensure your safety,” says Kinobe.

The house plan controls the finances and costing of building because you have defined direction so you only build what you have budgeted for and minimise unnecessary breaking during the construction.

Do not rely on online plans
If you are buying an online house plan, you should know that many online stock home plan companies sell inferior plans. Some of the plans do not include all the necessary information needed to safely build your home.

Kinobe says, “Family needs and lifestyles differ from individuals and families, depending on their stages and future plans. Using an online house plan may not, therefore, be valid because for instance what newly- wed couples look for in a home plan is different from the characteristics that a retired couple might find important.”

“If you must rely on an online house plan, make sure that the designer knows the site of your plot and its land status, says Ssenyonjo. This is because different environments need different plans. For example, the wetlands and hilly areas require different plans.”

This will require different materials, and for the houses to face different directions. Using an online house plan can just be a mismatch of structures and ideas considering the size of your own plot and the interest of the client. All the functions as defined on the plan may fail to fit.

Privacy
How much privacy you need from other occupants and the neighbours is another important consideration while you think of your house plan. You may consider a U or L shaped design for privacy, especially if you are building in an urban area.

The details of your construction drawings are critical to ensure that your home is built using proper structural and building methods.

When you have your own house plan, you get the satisfaction that your tastes are going to be implemented.

Costing for a house plan
There is no particular price tagged to a house plan but different factors play a role, to Ssenyonjo.

The location is one of the determinants of the house plan pricing because the planner has to physically inspect and see what is exactly on the ground.

“The type of house you plan to have can affect the price of drawing your plan. For example, if you want to have a bungalow, you may only require consulting an architect for the plan but a storeyed house will require that you consult a structural engineer which will likely increase the prices,” Ssenyonjo says.

A good payment should match the durability of the investment so it is important that you consult an expert on how best you can use your land. Going to a licensed expert is more recommendable because there many who pose around town as engineers and architects. They should be able to give advice on the best materials to use.

bnakibuuka@ug.nationmedia.com