Getting Started with AutoCAD for House Plans
To create a house plan using AutoCAD, begin by establishing a new drawing project. Open AutoCAD and select “New” from the toolbar. Choose a predefined template suited for architectural designs, such as the “i-Arch” template, to ensure that the settings are optimized for drawing house plans.
Setting Up the Workspace
Once your new drawing is open, AutoCAD initially places you in paper space. Transition to model space (Mspace) to begin drawing. Model space is where you will create the actual layout of your house plan. This space allows for a more flexible and accurate representation of various elements in your design.
Creating the Basic Structure
Start by accessing the Home tab in the ribbon at the top of the application. Use the “Rectangle” (Rectang) tool to outline the basic shape of your house. Click in the drawing area to establish one corner of the rectangle, dragging the cursor to set the width and length of the house layout.
Next, employ the “Offset” command to create the wall thickness. Select the walls of your rectangle and input the desired thickness to define the internal and external walls clearly.
Detailed Drawing Techniques
After creating the walls, add interior walls and other architectural features by following a similar process: use the rectangle or line tool, and apply the offset command as needed. For more complexity, you can incorporate arcs or circles for rounded areas, such as alcoves or doorways.
Use the “Line” tool to draw additional features like doors and windows. It is important to measure and scale accurately, so always refer to the dimensions you have from your preliminary measurements.
Incorporating Furniture and Fixtures
To furnish your design, make use of blocks, which are pre-defined objects that can be inserted into your drawing. AutoCAD features a library of blocks for common fixtures such as furniture, appliances, and fixtures. Alternatively, you can create your own blocks by drawing the item and saving it as a block for future use.
Place furniture and fixtures within your floor plan while considering space and functionality. Ensure that pathways are logical, and spacing adheres to standards for comfort and accessibility.
Finalizing Your House Plan
After completing the basic structure and furnishings, review your drawing for accuracy. Check dimensions, walls, and overall layout. Utilize the “Annotate” tool to add dimensions and labels to your plan, ensuring clarity for anyone reading the drawing.
When you are satisfied with the details, switch back to paper space to set up how the drawing will be printed or published. Click on the appropriate layout tab and access the “Page Setup” options to define margins, scale, and other printing specifications.
Exporting and Saving Your Work
To ensure your designs are saved, navigate to the save option in the File menu. It’s advisable to save your work regularly to avoid losing valuable progress. You can also export the plan in various formats for sharing or printing, such as PDF or DWG.
FAQs
What features should I include in my AutoCAD house plan?
Include essential features such as walls, doors, windows, furniture, and any architectural details that enhance the liveability of the space. Dimensions and notes also help in clarifying the design.
Is there a specific template to use for residential buildings in AutoCAD?
While there are several templates available, the “i-Arch” template is recommended for architectural drawings as it has predefined settings compatible with residential designs.
Can I use AutoCAD for 3D modeling as well?
Yes, AutoCAD can be used for both 2D and 3D modeling. To create a 3D model of your house, you can extend your house plan into a three-dimensional space using the 3D modeling tools available within the application.
