ADU Floor Plan Review for the Family Needs
ADU Living Space for 3 Teenage Children: A recent client came to me through my floor plan review services with her ADU plans that they were in the middle of building. She had some big concerns if the floor plan would actually work for her kids.
An architect’s plans can appear complete if you don’t know what you are looking for. As a floor plan expert, I review all aspects of the plan to ensure that it is functional for daily use. Conceptually the space had what the family needed, but did the floor plan actually work?
The Floor Plan Review
Summary: The 3 bedroom ADU is very basic and not a functional floor plan. This space needs to be reworked for optimal functional use. Electrical, cabinets, storage, and space planning is needed.
THS Notes:
1) DOORS/CLOSETS: door sizes to bedrooms can be 30″, the closets need to be reconfigured for optimal flow and storage, what type of door on closet? 3.5′ isn’t enough for a walk-in closet, you need 5′ (3′ of walk and 2′ of hang), so an average closet would be better. Entry door – can it be moved closer to bedroom wall?
2) WINDOWS: Placements need to be adjusted for drapery or black out shades, bed/dresser locations. Craft Room needs reworking. Odd window placements for a Media Room.
3) ELECTRICAL: needs to be planned with space planning and door/window locations in mind. Fans, ambient lighting and task lighting needed. Outlets to be placed with furniture placement options in mind.
4) STORAGE: More storage can be added with a wall enclosing the tv room. (Gives you a good drop zone, storage area at the entry. Also adds privacy if someone is watching TV and others are trying to sleep.
5) CRAFT ROOM: unfortunately this room is going to be very difficult to plan with current windows (go too low to floor) and makes a bigger table option (36-48″ wide) terrible for flow, not leaving enough space to walk around. Need a large wall to anchor big table (clerestory window above) or remove one of the windows currently and offset the craft area.
6) KIDS’ BEDROOMS: they can work as is, but tight with queen, nightstand and dresser (closet too deep) for functional access. Adjust closet sizes and plan doors accordingly.
7) BATHROOM: needs to be planned for high use for 3 with functional storage, shower use, towel hanging. Believe if we steal a few inches from each bedroom, you could get a towel cubby at the end of the tub and create a wide walk path behind vanity. Vanity wall and storage should beplanned so each child has their own spot to store things. Think 3 sinks, 3 medicine cabinet mirrors, etc
The Home Design and 3D Renders Service
Next steps on this ADU plan would have been to rework the floor plan, move the windows and doors and create a functional floor plan with basic cabinet layouts for building. Because they had already framed most of the shell when she came to me, she wasn’t able to make many changes. I gave her overlay and furniture layout options if she chose to move forward with redesign.
The Craft Room was the biggest problem and the walls and doors with paths of travel really needed to be reworked to accommodate the window choices that were already made.
Our Space Planning Services
The first step in determining if your floor plan actually works. We redline and review the plan and make recommendations for updating to be optimal and functional for your build.
The next step to create a functional and optimal kitchen layout for your kitchen. We give you solid general dimensions and information that you can work with your cabinet company and contractor to build out your optimized plan. 1-2 renders to visualize with the finishes and look that you desire.
The third step in kitchen design services available virtually across the nation. We start with the floor plan and 3D renders, then you can add detailed construction documents that include electrical, schedules, window and doors, scope of work and detailed construction notes for your contractor. This is the same process I use in full service interior design and do all the detail work except source materials. This can save thousands but give homeowners the confidence they need to source on their own. If you are looking for luxury full service interior design where we handle all the design plan details, sourcing, and contractor coordination, visit us at Triple Heart Design.
Space Planning Consultation
Sometimes you don’t need a full design plan, you just need an experienced designer to help you think through a decision. That’s where a Space Planning Consultation can help.
A space planning consultant brings an experienced eye to the decisions that affect how your home will function and be constructed. Whether you’re questioning a layout, considering a floor plan, trying to determine what professional help you actually need, or simply want another perspective before moving forward, a consultation can give you clarity before you spend time and money in the wrong direction.
Triple Heart Spaces offers flexible consultation options based on what you need:
- 15-Minute Mini Consultation – Quick questions? Get focused answers and direction.
- 60-Minute Consultation – Have several questions or a bigger planning decisions? Use the full hour to work through it together.
- Emergency Consultation – Facing a time-sensitive design or construction decision? Get help when you need it most.
A consultation isn’t a substitute for a floor plan review or full space-planning service, it is a building block and first step typically in the process.
Materials & Finishes Mood Board
Getting the floor plan layout optimal is always the first step. In our floor plan products we don’t source materials. If you want guidance choosing the right color tones for your finish selections in your design, we will custom build a cohesive design palette for you that you can use to shop with confidence.
Triple Heart Insider
Early in your design process? Join The Insider. Building is hard enough without doing it alone. Every week, I show up with the finds, the honest opinions, and the practical guidance that turns overwhelm into clarity. And once a month, you get me – live on Zoom to learn more and answer questions.
Material choices. Layout decisions. What to spend on. What not to spend on.
We will talk about it all. $21/month. Cancel Anytime.