Scaled floor plans: what you need to know

Whether you’re applying for planning permission, marketing a property, or making changes to a space, a scaled floor plan is a useful tool, and often an essential requirement too.

These precise, proportionally reduced drawings provide an accurate representation of a building or room, helping professionals and property owners ensure compliance, visualise layouts, and plan with confidence. Today we're breaking down everything you need to know about scaled floor plans; what they are, why you might need one, and how to get one created.

What is a scaled floor plan?

A scaled floor plan is a drawing of a building or room that has been created using a specific scale ratio, so that the proportions of the space and all of the elements in it are accurate.

In construction, use of the word 'scaled' means that something has been proportionately reduced in size to accurately represent the real thing. If it is a drawing, for example, it means that each and every measurement within the drawing is proportional to the 'real life' measurements of the space being drawn.

There will be a ratio detailed on the plan which show the relationship between the plan measurements and reality. For example, if a scaled floor plan uses a 1:100 ratio, then a wall shown on the plan at 5cm will be 5 metres long. This allows those who work in the industry to take measurements on the plans and convert them to find the sizes in real terms.

Floor plans are mostly produced at scales such as 1:50, 1:100 and 1:200. For very large sites, a scale of 1:500 might be used. They can be produced by architects, surveyors and other related professions - including specialists like us.

What is the purpose of scaled floor plans?

The purpose of a scaled floor plan is quite simple: to accurately represent the size and layout of the room or building on paper or digitally. They are used to both visualise and communicate, and in a variety of different situations - and they are often needed for property transactions and processes.

Why would you need a scaled floor plan?

There are many reasons that you might need a scaled floor plan, and your specific situation will dictate what type it needs to be:

For planning permission: scaled floor plans are often necessary for planning authorities to assess any developments and changes being proposed, helping them to ensure they meet regulations.
To market a property: a floor plan helps to give potential buyers or renters a good sense of the layout, so are often used by landlords and estate agents to help communicate the details of the property in marketing materials.
To plan changes to a space: even if the plan is not needed for a third party, it can help you to assess changes you may be hoping to make to ensure that they are feasible and that what you want to achieve is physically possible within the space available.
To map public and commercial spaces: a good floor plan of your work, retail, exhibit or public space can help you to ensure you are making the most of it and consider any improvements.
For the Land Registry: if you are preparing a Land Registry application, you will need specific types of floor plan depending on the property type, such as a lease plan or a title plan.
To meet regulations or for applications: in many cases, scaled floor plans are an essential part of meeting regulations, or need to be included in applications, for example as part of applying for an HMO licence.

What does a scaled floor plan need to show?

What your scaled floor plan will need to show will differ depending on what it is being used for.

Generally you will need to make sure it includes the boundaries of each room and of the property, door and window locations, any fixed features that impact the space, and a scale.

If you need it for a specific purpose, particularly in regards to applications, regulations and legal transactions, there may be other additions needed or particular rules to follow. For example, a licensing act floor plan will need to show which ares are to be used for licensed activities, while a Land Registry Lease Plan will need to be compliant with Land Registry guidelines.

Getting a scaled floor plan

If you are in need of a scaled floor plan, you have several options for getting one created. Theoretically, anyone could produce a floor plan if they knew how to do so; taking accurate measurements, scaling them down proportionately and producing the plan by hand or using software. However you aren't that way inclined, or you need something that is going to pass through regulations rather than something for visual purposes only, your best bet is to enlist the services of a professional company.

How much does it cost to get a scaled floor plan?

Because 'scaled floor plan' is a fairly general term, there is no one answer to the question of how much one costs. The pricing will depend on your specific situation, the type of property it is for, the kind of plan you need, whether you need a site visit, and several other factors. You can expect this to be from around £175 and beyond, with prices for commercial properties and more specific needs costing more than a basic plan for a domestic property.

At Lease Planners, our prices are between £175 and £300, depending on the type of plan you need.

How long does it take to get a scaled floor plan?

Getting a scaled floor plan can be a speedy process, especially if you don't require a site visit. Even with a site visit, the process can take between a few days and around a week, depending on when you are able to book the visit in for.

Get a scaled floor plan for your next project

If you need a scaled floor plan for your property, workplace, or public space, we can help. With many years of experience in producing fully compliant plans to meet planning permission, land registry, application and regulatory requirements, we've supported a whole host of professional clients across different sectors.

Find out more about our services on our website, or get in touch using our contact form.