Find 65+ Exquisite Steps To Draw A House Plan With Chief Architect Voted By The Construction Association

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Are you an aspiring architect who wants to create your own house plan? With the help of Chief Architect, you can make your dream come true. Chief Architect provides users with plenty of options for designing and building their own home projects. To help you get started, we've outlined the best steps to draw a house plan with Chief Architect. With this guide, you'll be able to make your own house plan like a professional.

Design a Site Plan

Designing a site plan for a house is one of the most important steps in creating a successful Art Deco house design. The site plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the shape and dimensions of the property, as well as any obstacles or considerations that must be taken into account. As part of the site plan, a surveyor must be consulted to create a detailed map of the property that accurately reflects the topography of the land. This information is then used to create a layout of the house, its utilities, access, and landscaping. By thoroughly understanding the shape and dimensions of the property, a creative Art Deco design can be created that perfectly suits its location.

Design a Site Plan

Create a Floor Plan

A floor plan is the initial design of the home that details the layout of all the spaces within it. This includes walls, doors, windows, shaping of the stairs and railings, and the location of all plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, and ductwork. When designing an Art Deco home, these details are incredibly important as they dictate the flow and style of the overall design. To get an accurate representation of the floor plan, an architect or designer should be consulted. With the right help, a unique and stylish floor plan can be achieved that captures the spirit of the Art Deco Era.

Create a Floor Plan

Create Cross-Sections and Elevations

Cross-sections and elevations provide detailed information of how the home and structures within it are constructed. These diagrams are used to represent the shapes and features of walls, roofs, and floors that cannot be seen from the floor plan. For example, an elevation might show the roof overhang, gables, and the shape of dormers and chimneys. By creating a well-informed cross-section and elevation of the house, the structural integrity of the design can be clearly seen.

Create Cross-Sections and Elevations

Detail the Foundation

The foundation of the house is a critical aspect of the design that must be detailed accurately. Foundation components such as footings, walls, and other structural elements must be shown clearly in order for the local building inspector to approve the plans. Factors such as soil type and their ability to support the weight of the house must also be taken into consideration. Other considerations, such as drainage systems and moisture protection, are also important to ensure the home stays protected in all kinds of weather.

Detail the Foundation

Build the Structure

Once the design is finalized, it’s time to start building the house. A major part of this is laying down the foundation and framing elements such as walls, floors, and roofs. As part of the construction process, building codes must be followed and building materials of the right quality must be used. A professional contractor should be consulted to make sure the frame is built correctly and meets all necessary criteria.

Build the Structure

Add Stairs and Railings

Stairs and railings are important detailing elements in an Art Deco home that help create a sense of movement and flow. The stairs and railings need to be designed to match the style and era of the house. Designers should consider materials such as wrought iron or wood to add a decorative touch, while also providing support and safety. Making sure that the right detailing and materials are used can make a world of difference in an Art Deco house.

Add Stairs and Railings

Model Roofs, Ceilings, and Floors

After completing the frame of the house, it’s time to start adding some detail. This includes modeling ceilings, roofs, and floors to accommodate the design of the building. Ceiling heights, roof shapes, and floor patterns all must be considered when designing the house. Fitting these to the overall aesthetic is key when creating an Art Deco house that looks and feels like it belongs in the 20s and 30s.

Model Roofs, Ceilings, and Floors

Develop a Render Scene

Developing a render scene is a great way to visualize the proposed design before construction starts. A render scene replicates the natural environment around the house such as vegetation, pathways, streets, and light sources. This helps to identify potential issues with the design and allows clients to get an accurate idea of what the finished home will look like. With a quality render scene, the client can be confident in the direction of the design.

Develop a Render Scene

Create Construction Documents and Cost Estimates

No house design is complete without a set of construction documents and a cost estimate. Construction documents include all the plans and layouts that the builder needs to create the home. Cost estimates help the client to make an informed decision about the project before committing to a budget. There are various software programs available to generate accurate and detailed construction documents and cost estimates.

Create Construction Documents and Cost Estimates

Customize House Designs

For owners who have a specific aesthetic in mind, customizing a house design can be a way to make it truly unique. This could involve small modifications to the design or even a complete overhaul of the floor plan. Experienced designers should be consulted to customize a house design, as what may seem like a simple alteration could end up affecting the structure and integrity of the building.

Customize House Designs

Create a Shop Drawing Set

Shop drawings are detailed drawings that provide exact measurements and specifications of the building materials needed in a construction project. This type of technical drawing is used to ensure that all building components are ordered at the right sizes. Shop drawing sets also offer visual references that can be used to recreate or adjust certain components during the construction process. Professional designers should be consulted to create a shop drawing set for an Art Deco house design.

Create a Shop Drawing Set

Designing a House Plan with Chief Architect

steps to draw a house plan with chief architect

Making a house plan with Chief Architect is a potentially complicated process. However, with the right steps and tools, crafting a sound plan for your home design can be a breeze. Before starting to use Chief Architect, it is important to define the shape and location of the property. To help with visualization, it is recommended to draw a sketch of the entire property.

Once the measurements are taken, it is a good time to start designing a house plan with Chief Architect. First of all, make sure that the newest version of the software is installed and all the preferences are set. It is possible to customize the existing design templates according to the measurements taken at the property.

Next, an efficient way to design a house plan is to create walls and separate rooms accurately. This may require adding custom features like windows, doorways, and stairs to the plan. Chief Architect also allows users to insert furniture into the plan and assign a texture to the walls. All these features let users create detailed floor plans of the house.

After this general design is in place, there is an option to add the electrical system and plan the lightening. As an added bonus, the software can even create 3D visualizations of the house’s design. This is a great way to get an in-depth look of the design and share it with family, friends, and other stakeholders.

Measuring and Preparing the Sketch

steps to draw a house plan with chief architect

To properly design a house plan with Chief Architect, the first step is to measure and prepare a sketch with exact dimensions of the property. To begin with, the user should measure the length and width of the property in units of measurement. It is also important to measure any elevation changes on the property and mark where one room would end and where another would start.

Utilizing Inspiration

steps to draw a house plan with chief architect

In addition to the sketch, users can utilize for inspiration magazines, photographs, or other floor plans that they like. This is an important exercise before starting with Chief Architect as it allows user to envision what the end product would look like. Generally, this can give users the desired guidance when starting to use the software.


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