How to use the Room Layout Planner
Compare two schematic room arrangements for a rectangular footprint with one to five bedrooms. This planner helps explore space allocation before you discuss a buildable design with an architect.
Step-by-step guide
Enter the footprint and units
Enter length and width in metres or feet. Use the rectangular footprint you want to explore. Changing units converts entered dimensions.
Choose the bedroom count
Select one to five bedrooms. Both options use this count. The size check only prevents very small schematics; it is not a local building-code or minimum-room-size check.
Compare both options
Choose Explore layouts. Use the numbered drawing and room list to compare gross room dimensions. Option A gives 55% of the length to the bedroom strip; Option B gives it 65%.
Carry a selected option into the estimator
Choose Use option A or Use option B in estimator. The footprint, units and that optionās schematic interior partition length transfer. Confirm wall height, openings, specifications and rates separately before calculating.
Worked example
Example: a 20 m Ć 15 m footprint with three bedrooms. Both options allocate the same 300 mĀ², with a different split between the bedroom and service strips.
| Measurement / result | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Option A bedroom allocations | Three spaces, each 11 m Ć 5 m |
| Option A service allocations | Four spaces, each 9 m Ć 3.75 m |
| Option B bedroom allocations | Three spaces, each 13 m Ć 5 m |
| Option B service allocations | Four spaces, each 7 m Ć 3.75 m |
| Interior partition length transferred | Option A: 64 m; Option B: 62 m |
The service strip contains Living / dining, Kitchen, Bathroom / utility and Circulation allocations. These are gross rectangles, not usable-area measurements after wall thickness. Selecting B transfers Bās partition length, not Aās.
How it calculates: method & limitations
How the schematic is formed
The footprint is divided into two strips. Bedrooms divide the first strip equally across the width. Four service allocations divide the second strip equally. The diagrams fill the footprint; they do not design doors, windows, furniture clearances or actual access routes.
How partition length transfers
Partition length = (bedrooms ā 1) Ć bedroom-strip length + 3 Ć service-strip length + footprint width. This counts the diagramās internal dividing lines once. It is not a measured construction wall schedule.
What needs professional design
Setbacks, orientation, stairs, accessibility, ventilation, fire safety, plumbing, structure and local approvals are not assessed. An architect must turn a concept into a workable, compliant plan. Wall thickness is not deducted from the displayed room rectangles.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating the schematic as an approved floor plan or a code-compliant design.
- Confusing gross allocation area with usable internal room area.
- Sending partition lengths to an estimate without reviewing actual walls and openings.
- Changing a dimension and using an old option. Generate the layouts again after edits.
Your questions, answered
Are the floor plans ready to build?
No. They are schematic space allocations. They do not include approved access, structural design, services or regulatory checks.
Can I choose a different bedroom count?
Yes. Choose one to five bedrooms. The tool generates both options with your selected count.
Does a larger bedroom option increase total floor area?
No. Both options use the same footprint. Option B gives more of that footprint to the bedroom strip and less to the service strip.
Will selecting a layout calculate a final construction cost?
No. It transfers dimensions and a schematic partition length to the material estimator. You must confirm specifications and enter your own rates.