How to Draw Plans for a Room Addition

How to Draw Plans for a Room Addition
Written By
Kirk Maltbee
Kirk Maltbee
Published: Jan 19, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Luckily, with the right tools, planning a room addition is a relatively simple procedure.

Things You Will Need

  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Graph paper
  • Tape measure (optional)
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • Construction paper
  • Eraser
  1. Draw a rough sketch of an overhead view of the floor of the room you plan to build. Use a tape measure to measure an existing room if there's one that matches the desired size for your new room. Signify certain wall elements that will be included, such as windows, doors, electrical sockets and wall lighting; draw lines where these elements are desired.

  2. Add in the placement of certain pieces of furniture that you plan to put in the room once it's completed. This will help you determine the overall dimensions of the room. Cut out furniture models from construction paper and spend time arranging them in the room sketch.

  3. Transfer your rough sketch of the room onto graph paper, using a ruler (a triangle or T-square can also be used) to make straight lines. On paper, 1 square inch equals 1 square foot of floor space. A common rule of thumb to figuring out the new room's total wall area is to multiply the length of the room by the width of the room.

The Drip Cap

  • You might be planning on building an addition onto your home, either to increase living space or to add value to your property.
  • Regardless of the reason, planning the addition can sometimes seem to be a daunting task—the plan details must be accurate for the plan to be carried out exactly as written.
  • Transfer your rough sketch of the room onto graph paper, using a ruler (a triangle or T-square can also be used) to make straight lines.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Kirk Maltbee

Kirk Maltbee is a freelance writer based in southwestern Virginia. A former licensed massage therapist, Maltbee has also spent considerable time as both an ACE- and NASM-certified personal fitness trainer. When not writing, he tackles home…

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