Planning a Home Renovation Yourself – with Plan7Architect

Renovating your home yourself is entirely possible with the right tools, and Plan7Architect is the perfect software to help you plan every detail. With its advanced 2D and 3D planning features, you can visualize changes before making costly mistakes. The software allows you to measure spaces, redesign layouts, plan structural changes, and test interior designs all within one program. You can use either metric (meters, centimeters) or imperial (feet, inches) units, making it suitable for users worldwide.

The key to a successful renovation is proper planning, and this guide will show you how to use Plan7Architect effectively for your home remodeling project.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Renovation

Define Your Goals

Before you begin, ask yourself: What do I want to achieve with this renovation? Some common goals include:

• Expanding rooms or knocking down walls
• Updating old or outdated interiors
• Improving insulation and energy efficiency
• Optimizing space in small apartments
• Preparing a house for resale

Setting a clear objective helps you focus on what’s necessary and prevents unnecessary expenses.

Measure & Create Your Floor Plan

To start your renovation plan, accurate measurements of your existing home layout are essential.

How to Measure and Input Data into Plan7Architect

1. Measure each room using a measuring tape or laser distance meter.
2. Record dimensions for walls, doors, windows, and fixed structures.
3. Input the data into Plan7Architect, using either metric or imperial units (both options are available).
4. Draw walls, add doors and windows to create an exact digital replica of your home.

The software makes it easy to adjust dimensions and edit floor plans as needed, ensuring precise planning before construction begins.

Tip: If you’re unsure about exact measurements, take multiple readings and round up slightly to avoid errors.

Experiment with Layout Changes

Once your existing floor plan is set, you can start experimenting with different layouts to see what works best for your renovation.

Possible Layout Changes You Can Test in Plan7Architect

Change Type	Description
Removing Walls	Create open-concept living areas (ensure walls are not load-bearing).
Adding Extensions	Plan an extra room, garage, or sunroom extension.
Rearranging Rooms	Convert an old office into a bedroom or combine two small rooms into one.
Optimizing Small Spaces	Use built-in storage solutions or rethink furniture placement.

With Plan7Architect’s 3D visualization, you can walk through your new design before making any physical changes. This helps in spotting issues early, such as poor lighting, awkward furniture placement, or impractical room layouts.

Plan Electrical & Plumbing Adjustments

Renovations often require modifications to electrical wiring and plumbing. Plan7Architect lets you add and adjust:

• Power outlets and light switches placement
• Ceiling lights, chandeliers, and LED strips
• Plumbing for sinks, toilets, and showers

For major electrical or plumbing changes, you should always check local building codes and regulations to ensure compliance.

? Important: If you are moving a bathroom or kitchen, consider water supply and drainage requirements before finalizing the layout.

Select Materials and Finishes

Choosing the right materials and finishes can make a huge difference in your renovation. Plan7Architect allows you to:

• Test different flooring options (hardwood, tile, carpet)
• Try various wall colors and wallpaper designs
• Compare cabinetry, countertops, and furniture placements

Tip: Don’t rush material selection—use the software to compare different textures and colors in your space before purchasing. This prevents costly mistakes and ensures the best aesthetic outcome.

Check for Structural & Legal Requirements

Renovations, especially major ones, often require permits and legal approvals. Make sure to check:

• Local zoning laws if you’re expanding your home
• Permit requirements for knocking down walls or altering structural components
• Energy efficiency standards in your country or state

In some areas, even smaller changes like adding a second entrance or adjusting the roofline may require approvals.

Tip: Contact your local building authority before starting any major renovations to avoid fines or delays.

Visualizing & Refining Your Plan in 3D

One of Plan7Architect’s most powerful features is its realistic 3D rendering. Instead of imagining how your new space will look, you can:

• Walk through your design in a realistic 3D view
• Adjust colors, materials, and lighting to see different combinations
• Identify design flaws before construction starts

3D planning reduces uncertainty and helps you communicate your vision clearly to contractors or family members.

Export & Prepare for Execution

Once your renovation plan is finalized, Plan7Architect lets you export it for professional execution.

How to Prepare Your Plan for Execution

1. Export high-quality 2D and 3D plans to share with builders and contractors.
2. Generate a materials list based on your design, helping you estimate supply needs.
3. Save multiple design variations in case you need to compare options before making a final decision.

Tip: Always keep a backup of your floor plan, in case adjustments are needed during the renovation process.

Why Plan7Architect is Ideal for DIY Home Renovators

Many home renovation projects fail due to poor planning, miscalculations, or unexpected problems. Plan7Architect eliminates these risks by providing:

Feature	Benefit
User-friendly interface	No professional experience required.
Accurate measurements	Avoid costly errors in space planning.
3D visualization	See how your renovation will look before making real changes.
Flexible customization	Plan anything from minor updates to full home remodels.
Compatibility with metric & imperial units	Suitable for global users.

By using this software, you save time, money, and frustration, making your home renovation project smoother and more successful.