Where are the floor plans?
Saturday, January 12th, 2008Two days ago I received an email that said:
I think you have a very informative and interactive Website with plenty of pictures. What I think is missing are the sample floor plans. Someone like me would want to see the pictures (which you have) then look at the floor plans. Just a friendly comment.
I wish I had those floor plans.
In fact, I wish there would be floor plans not just for condos but for all homes. The only floor plans for the resale of homes I’ve seen were the architect’s plans for a custom-built home and another set for a planned remodel. In the resale of condos the documentation that comes with the Resale Certificate may include floor plans but the quality of the reproduction often leaves much to be desired. So do the floor plans created by appraisers which are meant to establish only basic dimensions and lack detail.
Floor plans are common when they are a necessary part of marketing. When the new condo complex exists only on paper or is still under construction, the “showroom” sales office displays 3d-models and the brochures include floor plans. So do the websites such as the one for the Gallery in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood where one of my clients purchased a one-bedroom unit. (I’ve started a file with new condo and home brochures to have the floor plans for re-sales down the road.)
Manuals for appliances and cars but not for homes
If I remember correctly, in Germany, were I grew up, the purchase of a home included all plans with every addition and alteration. In any case, this is how it should be. It would make everything easier: inspections, appraisals, say nothing of planning a move and deciding what piece of furniture should go where.
This isn’t asking too much. When I sold a 1984 Mazda the new and fourth owner received the car with a detailed manual and a complete record of all repairs. When I was looking to buy a similar-vintage stereo system on craigslist the owner offered a complete manual in pdf format. In fact, there are several websites dedicated to product manuals dating back several decades.
Plans on a Stick
Considering that homes cost much more than most cars and a multiple of any appliance it’s amazing how little about them is documented. In the age of digital communications it isn’t asking too much for the builders of new condos and homes to hand each new owner the keys on a key ring that includes a USB stick with all floor plans and specifications.
