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Evaluation of Floor Plans

The floor plan of a house largely determines its convenience, livability, and satisfaction. The size and shape of a room and its relationship to others influence how well a housing unit functions.

The room size does not always indicate the amount of usable space. Poorly located doors, windows, or closets can reduce the usable space in a room. Look for plans that permit flexibility with maximum use of space, including storage and traffic patterns.

Locate traffic lanes, storage areas, and space in which to operate doors. The remaining floor space is the "true" living area of a house. This guide will help you evaluate plans you are considering.

Interior Design Aspects

  • Each of the three main-zone areas (living, working, and sleeping) is clearly separated from the other, yet properly related.
  • Movement both within and between areas should be easy and direct.
  • Traffic should not intrude into space designated for a specific activity.
  • Traffic flow does not cut across center of rooms.
  • Hallway widths are at least 3'6".
  • Kitchen is easily accessible from garage and/or drive.
  • Kitchen is centrally located.
  • Through traffic in the kitchen should not intrude on the work area.
  • Front door leads directly to the center of the house.
  • Main entrance is easily accessible to the drive and street.
  • Living room is protected from cross©traffic flow.
  • Plan includes room-to-room traffic flow (ability to move from room to room without passing through a third room).
  • A bathroom is accessible by way of a central hallway.
  • Patio, terrace, or outdoor play area is easily accessible from the living area.
  • Bedrooms are separated from living area with a buffer such as bathroom, hallway, or closets.
  • Wall space is not broken by multiple windows and entrances.
  • Doors are located in corners of rooms.
  • Sliding doors, pocket doors, and accordion doors are used to avoid extra door space.
  • Doors do not overlap when open.

Storage

  • Closet space is available at main entrance for wraps and umbrellas.
  • Plan contains adequate storage in living room or recreational area for records, games, or books.
  • Closet space per person should be at least 5 feet wide, 6 feet high and 24 inches deep.
  • One closet is at least 36 inches wide and 16 inches deep for cleaning supplies and equipment.
  • At least 10 linear feet of base cabinets (measured at the front of counter) and an equal amount of wall cabinets are in the kitchen. NOTE: If living area is less than 1,400 square feet, 8 linear feet is the standard; 6 feet is standard for homes less than 1,000 square feet.
  • Storage closets are at least 16 to 20 inches deep and at least 32 inches wide for linen storage.
  • Shelves are 12 to 16 inches deep for efficient storage of towels.

Electrical

  • No point along any wall is more than 6 feet from a convenient outlet (space duplex outlets no more than 8 feet apart).
  • All rooms should have at least one duplex outlet on each wall.
  • All wall spaces at least 2 feet wide should have an outlet.
  • Outlets are located at both ends of an unbroken wall rather than in the middle where furniture might prevent access.
  • Wall outlets are placed conveniently in relation to furnishings.
  • Duplex outlets are placed in the kitchen for every 3 feet of counter space.
  • Kitchen counters that are 18 inches in length have an outlet.
  • Refrigerator has its own outlet.
  • Special-purpose outlets are available for appliances (e.g., range, water heater, dishwasher, food-waste disposal, freezer, washer, dryer, or room air conditioner).
  • At least one waterproof, grounded outlet is located on each exterior side of house.
  • An adequate service entrance (at least 200-ampere service) is provided.
  • At least one 15-ampere circuit for every 400 square feet of floor area or one 20-ampere circuit for every 500 square feet is provided.
  • At least two "spare" general-purpose circuits are included.
  • No more than eight duplex outlets are on one circuit.
  • At least two small-appliance circuits for the kitchen (circuits protected by 20-ampere breakers or fuses) are included.
  • Small-appliance circuits are split-wired to provide full wattage or two circuits at one location.
  • General built-in lighting is in every room.
  • Switches are easily accessible when entering or leaving a room.
  • Three-way switches are included where there is more than one entrance to a room.
  • Adequate lighting is provided in hallways and on stairs.
  • Closets are well-lighted.
  • Lighting outlets are outside all entrances and in the garage.
  • A light switch is inside the house as well as in the garage for garage lighting.

Exterior Design

  • The design is adaptable at a later date to possible changes, such as an additional room or a wing.
  • The general appearance of the house is pleasing.
  • Windows and doors are related in design.
  • The entrance is a focal point of the entire house.

Prepared by Dr. Frances C. Graham, Extension Housing Specialist

Mississippi State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.

Information Sheet 1304
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. Ronald A. Brown, Director

Copyright by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved.

This document may be copied and distributed for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
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