What is a CAD Floor Plan?
posted 17th June 2024
When it comes to building a new home, a new office block, or apartment complex, one of the many things you need to think about is the design. Whether you are adding a loft to your home or you want to extend your garage, you need plans. You also have to take local planning into consideration, ensuring you meet requirements. Having a CAD floor plan of your property saves you time and money in the long run.
What are CAD Floor Plans?
CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design. A CAD file is an electronic detailed fire for your property. It's a blueprint that can be changed and adjusted using compatible software. Years ago, architects and designers would use drawing tables and pencils. With advancements in technology, you can get CAD floor plans saved on your computer that you can access at any time.
CAD files are used in a wide variety of industries from architectural drawings to manufacturing, even product design. The CAD floor plans for your property can be created, modified and visualised. They are accurate and precise, used by construction companies, engineers, electricians, plumbers, and more. Architects prefer CAD floor plans, as they can be modified easily, making the entire build process easy.
CAD vs PDF Floor Plans
When it comes to building your dream home or constructing a new shopping mall, you can receive your floor plans using CAD or PDF. These are the two common formats used in the architectural industry. Both serve the same purpose, but they are different in terms of use and functionality.
CAD floor plans are done using specialised software, enabling architects to create detailed 2D or 3D models of the building being designed. These floor plans contain detailed dimensions, materials, and other specifics. CAD is used for accurate calculations and measurements, offering precise construction drawings.
PDF floor plans, on the other hand, are a read-only format. PDF files are common for sharing and viewing. PDF's are created by converting the CAD drawings into viewing documents that cannot be changed. PDF preserves the layout and graphics of the original file, but they tend to be smaller, making them easier to send via email.
Easy to Make Changes
You may find your architect will send you a PDF format of your floor plans to share with builders, electricians, and plumbers. As they do not need to make any changes. CAD files enable architects to make the necessary changes as and when needed.
It is not uncommon for you to have more than one appointment with your architect during the design stages. You may not like something and it requires changing. CAD enables the architect to make the changes while you are still sitting there, keeping the design updated to your preferences. You may also find that you need to make changes to be in line with your local planning permission office.
In the past, changes were made using red pen. While effective in showing changes, it can also lead to mistakes during the building process. The handwritten changes are known as redlines. Tradesmen can read the dimensions incorrectly in handwritten notes, compared to looking at a clear font on a floor plan. Amending your floor plans without using redlines reduces expensive mistakes in the building process.
Conclusion
CAD floor plans provide versatility, efficiency, and accuracy. These floor plans are easily modified as needed, while providing a clear visualisation of the building project, reducing the risk of errors, helping to keep your build on budget and track.