How to Get a House Map Designed with AutoCAD: A Complete Guide

How to Get a House Map Designed with AutoCAD: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Designing a house map is one of the most important steps in building your dream home. In Pakistan, more and more homeowners, builders, and architects are turning to AutoCAD to create accurate, professional, and regulation-ready house plans. But if you’re not familiar with how the process works, it can seem overwhelming.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to get a house map designed with AutoCAD, from choosing a designer to receiving your final DWG file. Whether you’re building a 5-marla house in Lahore or a 1-kanal villa in Islamabad, this guide will help you understand every step of the process.


What Is AutoCAD and Why Is It Used?

AutoCAD (short for Automatic Computer-Aided Design) is a software tool used by architects and engineers to create precise 2D and 3D drawings. In Pakistan, it’s widely used for:

  • House floor plans

  • Structural and plumbing layouts

  • Electrical drawings

  • Elevations and sections

AutoCAD ensures accuracy, scalability, and quick editing — features that manual drawings simply can’t offer.


Step 1: Define Your Requirements

Before hiring a designer, you should be clear about your needs:

  • Plot size (e.g., 25’x50′, 1 kanal, etc.)

  • Number of floors

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms

  • Special features (terrace, drawing room, garage, etc.)

  • Orientation (facing north, east, etc.)

  • Any restrictions by local development authorities (e.g., CDA, LDA)

Having a rough sketch or list of requirements helps your designer understand your vision clearly.


Step 2: Choose a Reliable AutoCAD Designer

You have three options:

1. Freelancers

Platforms like nakshanigar.com, Fiverr, and Upwork offer access to experienced Pakistani designers who specialize in AutoCAD drawings. Rates vary depending on complexity.

2. Architectural Firms

Established architecture firms provide comprehensive services, but at a higher cost.

3. Local Draftsmen

Available in most cities, they may offer lower prices but often lack digital proficiency or online delivery systems.

For digital accuracy and speed, hiring an AutoCAD expert online is often the best choice.


Step 3: Share Your Plot Dimensions and Requirements

Once you’ve selected a designer, provide:

  • Plot dimensions and site orientation

  • Photos of the site (optional)

  • Required rooms and features

  • Style preferences (modern, traditional, minimalist)

This helps the designer tailor the layout to your lifestyle, space, and aesthetic.


Step 4: Review the Initial Draft

Your designer will usually send a first draft in PDF or image format. Carefully review:

  • Room placements

  • Circulation space (hallways, stairs)

  • Sunlight and ventilation

  • Compliance with local building codes

At this stage, revisions are easy and should be communicated clearly.


Step 5: Approve and Receive Final Files

Once you’re satisfied with the design, the designer will send:

  • Final DWG (AutoCAD) file

  • PDF version for printing

  • Sometimes, an optional 3D floor plan

Make sure the files are labeled and saved properly, especially if you’ll be submitting them for government approval.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Giving vague requirements

  • Not checking measurements

  • Ignoring regulations by authorities like LDA, CDA, or BDA

  • Hiring non-professionals who lack AutoCAD expertise


Benefits of Getting a Map Designed with AutoCAD

✅ Accuracy and Precision

AutoCAD offers measurements up to millimeter-level precision, which is critical for construction.

✅ Fast Revisions

Changes can be made quickly, without redrawing the entire plan.

✅ Easy Sharing

Digital formats make it easy to share your house map with contractors, authorities, and family.

✅ 3D Compatibility

AutoCAD files can be imported into 3D software for visual walkthroughs.


Local Approval Requirements in Pakistan

Each city has its own set of building regulations. For example:

  • LDA (Lahore Development Authority)

  • CDA (Capital Development Authority, Islamabad)

  • BDA (Bahawalpur Development Authority)

Make sure your plan includes setbacks, permissible floor area, and height limits. A professional AutoCAD designer is usually familiar with these codes.


Cost of AutoCAD Map Design in Pakistan

Prices vary depending on plot size and design complexity:

  • 5 Marla Plan: PKR 3,000 – 8,000

  • 10 Marla Plan: PKR 5,000 – 12,000

  • 1 Kanal Plan: PKR 10,000 – 25,000

  • Custom designs with 3D: Higher depending on scope


Conclusion

AutoCAD has transformed the way house maps are created in Pakistan. It offers precision, convenience, and professionalism that traditional methods lack. By hiring an experienced designer and clearly defining your needs, you can get a house map that’s ready for construction and approval.

At nakshanigar.com, we help you turn your dream home into a reality by offering reliable, fast, and affordable AutoCAD house map design services tailored to Pakistani construction standards.