Home Plans:

When choosing a home plan, you will need to consider many aspects of your life in order to find a home that will meet your lifestyle and needs. This process can seem daunting and time-consuming, but planning ahead and asking the right questions can make the process much easier. Below are some tips and helpful questions that you should consider while looking for the perfect home plan design.

One of the most important factors to look at is the general location in which you plan to build your home as well as the terrain on your new lot. You may want to choose a style that will fit in with the neighborhood, but more importantly your new home plan needs to sit appropriately on your lot. This is called house siting. Your designer or builder should be able to help you develop your site plan and get your new home situated optimally on your lot. You want to consider grade changes, views, orientation to the sun, and climate. For example, if your lot is on a steep incline, you may want to look at split-level home plans and if you have an excellent view, you may want to choose a style or modify the plan you've chosen to incorporate large, expansive windows. Orienting your home to work with the climate can save you money on heating and cooling. In hot climates, you may want to put your living areas on the north or east sides to keep the temperature comfortable. In strong wintry climates, you may want to protect your home from wind and accumulating snow, by choosing a home plan with a steeply pitched roof. Ultimately, you want to choose your dream home plan, but you will be happier if your home and site work together.

Living Essentials:

Does this home have plenty of room and room for expansion as your family grows?
Will you have overnight guests from time to time?
How and who do you plan to entertain?
How much time will you spend in each room of your home? Do you need a larger kitchen or maybe a larger family room with a lot of seating?
Do you have any hobbies or special interests that require just the right space designed, so that you can enjoy them?
How much privacy do you require and are there specific areas of your home where you require more?

Exterior:

Do you have a preference for one or two story homes?
Are there particular features you are hoping for, such as bay windows, chimneys, fireplaces, patios, porches, or a pool?
Do you like the look of brick, stone, stucco, or a combination of materials?
What type of roof line would you like to have?

Living/Family Room:

How will this room be utilized and by whom?
Do you need storage or display spaces?
Should this room have a view or a fireplace?

Kitchen:

Do you want your kitchen to open up into other rooms?
How often do you cook and how many cooks will be in the kitchen?
Will you need an island or an eat-in counter or perhaps and side breakfast nook?
Are you looking for extra storage in a butler's pantry or a food pantry?
What kind of appliances are you going to have... a range or a cooktop, microwave, dishwasher, multiple sinks, or a trash compactor?

Dining:

Will this be a family space or for entertaining?
How frequently will you use it and how many people do you wish to seat?
Again, what kind of storage do you need? A hutch or a buffet?
Would you like a view from this room or access to the outdoors?

Home Office:

Is this an extra space you will need?
What type of furniture and equipment do you think you will require?
Do you want this room to double as a guest room?

Master Bedroom & Bathroom:

First or second floor?
Do you want a sitting area with a fireplace?
Do you need built-in furnishings for books or television?
Do you want access to the outdoors or a spectacular view?
Walk-in closets?
One or two sinks in the bathroom?
Do you want a shower and/or a whirlpool... large enough for one or two?
Would you like a separate, enclosed toilet area?

Additional Bedrooms & Bathrooms:

How many do you wish to have?
What amenities would you like them to provide?

Furnishings:

How would you like your seating arranged and for how many people?
Do you have enough wall space for nooks and storage and personal effects such as pictures and paintings that you may want to display?
Will your floor plan accommodate your new or existing furniture? You may want to get measurements on all of your current furniture to determine if your space will be adequate. You typically want at least 36" of walking space around furniture and doors.

Attic/Basement:

Do you require one or the other, both, or none at all?
Will your basement serve as a workshop or craft room or family play area?
How much extra storage space do you need?
How many cars do you have and would you prefer the garage attached or unattached from the home?
Where will you store your lawn and gardening equipment?
There are so many options to choose from when looking for your dream home, but we are confident that you will find what you are looking for in our huge collection of house plans. Just remember you can almost always make modifications here or there to fit your needs and make your new home perfect.