How can I get floor plans?
There are a number of ways to create floor plans for an existing property (see the other topics in this FAQ), but see if one already exists.
- If the property is fairly new, check with the builder or architect for a floor plan or blueprint.
- If the property is part of a subdivision of similar homes, contact the developer about floor plans. You might not get a plan that is an exact match for your property (e.g. its layout might be reversed) but it might be close enough for the purpose of your MapsAlive tour.
- Some cities and towns file floor plans for tax purposes. You could check the public records.
- If you are doing the tour for an anxious seller, ask if they would provide a floor plan for you. It's not that much work and can make all the difference in selling a home because buyers love to see floor plans!
Are there companies that will draw floor plans for me?
Yes. One of these companies is
EZfloorplan who will create professional floor plans for you. You draw a sketch and then fax or email it to them. In 48 hours or less they will email you an image file that you can import directly into MapsAlive. Prices start at $28. Visit them at:
www.EZfloorplan.com.
Is there floor plan drawing software I can use?
A number of companies make software that is designed to let you create professional looking floor plans. Here is a list of some popular programs:
- ConceptDraw VI (ConceptDraw)
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Fast Plans (Black Mountain Software)
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FloorPlan 3D (IMSI)
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SmartDraw
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Visio (Microsoft)
I have a floor plan, but I can't scan it. How can I use it in MapsAlive?
If you have a paper floor plan, but can't scan it for some reason (e.g. it's too large) you can take a picture of it with your digital camera. To avoid distortion, be careful when you compose the picture to shoot straight at the plan and not at an angle.
To improve the quality of the photo, you might need to crop it or adjust its contrast using photo editing software.
Can I draw floor plans with MapsAlive?
No, but there are plenty of other ways to get floor plans. Please read the other topics in this Floor Plans FAQ.
Can I use my own sketch as a floor plan?
Sure. A nice hand-drawn sketch can give character to your MapsAlive tour. It's also a great way to get your tour started until you can get a professionally drawn plan.
Just scan your sketch, save it as a jpg or gif file, and then upload it to MapsAlive.
If you decide later that you want to replace your sketch with a professional drawing, simply upload the new drawing and then adjust the position of any markers that are no longer in quite the right places.
