Seeing a granny flat floor plan for the first time can feel like learning a new language. Lines, shapes, abbreviations and arrows fill the page — and it’s not always clear what each one represents. But understanding your plans is crucial. It helps you make informed choices, request adjustments early and feel completely comfortable with the home you’re about to build.
This guide simplifies the essentials so you can interpret your granny flat plans with ease.
What Is a Granny Flat Floor Plan?
A granny flat floor plan is a scaled diagram showing your secondary dwelling from an overhead perspective. It outlines room measurements, wall layouts, door and window placements, plumbing fixtures, electrical points and important structural notes.
In short, it acts as your home’s blueprint — a visual roadmap of how your finished space will function and flow.
Understanding the Key Elements of a Floor Plan
1. Scale and Measurements
Every floor plan is drawn to scale, meaning the dimensions on paper correspond proportionally to real life. Common scales include 1:100 or 1:50.
Look for details such as:
- room lengths and widths
- ceiling height notations
- door and circulation clearances
These measurements help you gauge whether spaces feel generous, cosy or somewhere in between — and how your furniture will fit.
2. Walls, Doors & Windows
Plans rely on standardised symbols to represent structural features. For example:
- Bold lines = walls
- Fine lines = cabinetry or built-in joinery
- Arcs = the direction a door opens
- Gaps or rectangles = windows
The size and placement of doors and windows are critical for natural light, ventilation and privacy.
3. Room Labels & Zoning
Rooms are clearly named (e.g., Bedroom 1, Living, Laundry).
Zoning refers to how these rooms are grouped:
- Private zones: bedrooms, bathrooms
- Living zones: kitchen, dining, living areas
- Utility zones: laundry, storage
A well-considered plan ensures these zones connect logically and comfortably.
4. Fixtures & Built-In Elements
Plans also display the fixed features that influence day-to-day use, including:
- toilets and vanities
- showers
- kitchen appliances
- wardrobes
- laundry units
Understanding these symbols helps you imagine how the home will function practically.
5. Windows & Natural Light Planning
Window types (such as sliding, fixed or awning) are shown on the plan. Placement affects:
- warmth and sunlight
- cross-breeze potential
- internal brightness
- privacy from neighbours
Aim for well-lit, north-facing living areas wherever possible.
6. Electrical Layouts
Some drawing sets include an electrical plan showing:
- power outlets
- light switches
- ceiling lights
- exhaust fans
- smoke alarms
This layer ensures your layout works seamlessly in everyday use.
Reading Elevations & Site Plans
Floor plans are only one part of your documentation. You’ll usually receive two other essential drawings:
1. Elevations
Elevations show your granny flat from the front, rear and sides. These drawings reveal:
- external materials
- roof shape
- window heights and placements
- façade details
They help you visualise what the completed building will look like from every angle.
2. Site Plans
A site plan shows how the granny flat fits on your block. It includes:
- property boundaries and setback distances
- north orientation
- pathways and driveways
- existing buildings
- locations of services (water, electricity, sewer)
This drawing ensures the design meets council requirements and fits comfortably on your lot.
Tips for Reading Plans Like a Pro
- Start with the big picture: Look at zones and flow before diving into finer details.
- Mentally walk through the layout: Imagine opening doors and moving through each room.
- Measure familiar spaces at home: Compare them to the listed dimensions to get a feel for scale.
- Check natural light: Prioritise north-facing living areas and good ventilation.
- Ask questions early: Designers encourage queries — it ensures a better outcome.
Why Understanding Your Plan Matters
When you can interpret your granny flat plans clearly, you’re able to:
- identify issues before they become costly
- request design tweaks ahead of construction
- avoid surprises once the build begins
- ensure the layout supports your lifestyle
Confidence in your plans leads to a smoother project and a home that feels exactly right.