Choosing the Right House Plan

Finding the ideal house plan to meet your lifestyle and needs may seem time consuming or overwhelming, but knowing what to look for can help lead you to success when building your new home.

When choosing your house plan it is important to choose a house plan that not only meets your individual needs but also keeps in mind the lot space, natural landscape and if it will be marketable to future buyers in the event that you choose to sell the house at some point in the future.

Here are a few considerations to keep in mind as you shop for a house plan.

Living Needs and Family Lifestyles

Lifestyles and family needs differ from individuals and families depending on their cycles, stages and future plans for the home they want to design.  Features that newly wed couples look for in a house plan are vastly different from the characteristics that a retired couple might find important.  Therefore, before choosing a new house plan, we suggest that you ask yourself a number of lifestyle and living needs questions.  Are you newly married?  If so, do you have plans to start a family? How many children do you plan to have? Is there room for expansion as your family grows?

Will you need guest rooms for overnight guests?  What about additional living space in the future to possible care for elderly parents or grandchildren?  Study your house plan and lot space to see if it is possible to expand the house plan living space in the future.

Think about the time you presently spend in your current rooms and why.  Some families like to make the kitchen the focal point for daily family gatherings and would require a large sunny eat in kitchen with lots of space.  Others prefer a den or family room with lots of room for roomy sofas and a fire place.

How do you plan to entertain?  Do you want a formal dinning room and traditional living room for large formal entertaining?  Or, do you prefer small relaxed family get-togethers?

How Much Privacy Do You Need And Where Do You Need It?

Most new home owners prefer more privacy in the master bedroom and personal living spaces.  Others might need or want to work from home and therefore want privacy in a home office space.  Another important consideration is how much privacy would you want and need from other occupants and neighbors.  If privacy is important to you, consider a n L or U shape floor plan.  These types of floor plans can provide you with more privacy when building on an urban or suburban lot.  Also, check the placements of window locations to see if they will provide adequate privacy from your neighbor's windows and yards.  Consider how you plan to use and enjoy your outdoor yard space to see how features such as decks, patios, porches, or pools, will meet your needs for privacy.  Landscaping, lot type, and location can play an important factor in how much privacy your outdoor spaces will have.

Work Space Considerations

Where would you prefer the laundry room to be located and how large a space will it need?  Do you have any hobbies or special interests that might require additional space or rooms to enjoy them?  Are you a Mr. or Mrs. "Fix-It" who will require a large workroom for messy or noisy projects.  Do you enjoy gardening?  If so, you might want to include a mud room or utility room with a half bath for quick and easy cleanup.  Are you a "pack-rat" who needs lots of attic or storage space to store your treasures?

Furnishings and Aesthetics

Will the floor plan of your new home plan accommodate your existing or new furniture arrangements and styles?  When planning room sizes, carefully consider the seating areas and how furniture placement will affect the overall feel of the room.  Do you want two separate seating areas or one larger conversation area?  How will the room flow into other rooms?  Measure your current furniture to determine if there will be adequate walking space of at least 35 inches around furniture and clearance for doors to swing.  Will the height of your furniture block windows?  Does it provide enough wall space, nooks and areas for art and personal effects?  Review the natural "traffic flow" of the house plan, the interior views from each room of the house as well as how much natural lighting can be shared and utilized within the home.

Outdoor Living Space

The geographical and natural landscaping features of your lot can have a large impact on the style of home plan you will need to choose.  Therefore, while choosing a home plan consider if your lot space will provide a lawn area for children to use for outdoor games and sports.  Consider if you will need to reserve enough lot space to include pools, interesting landscaping or gardens.

If you've already purchased your building lot, you will need to consider these factors and tailor the house plan that you choose to meet those needs and requirements.

Flat building lots are less difficult and less expensive to build on, although they are not as eye-catching as a sloping lot.  A sloping lot will allow you to tuck the garage under the house and possibly plan for a daylight basement.

Narrow lots generally require a house plan design that rises up instead of spreading out, whereas, wider shallow lots can be ideal for broad one-story plans.  Scenic lots or sloping lots with spectacular views will inspire you to choose a house plan that includes large panoramic windows and roomy outdoor deck space.  This will allow you to enjoy those wonderful sunrises and sunsets.  Another important factor to consider when planning on buying a new home plan is how many cars you currently own.  Will there be adequate driveway space as your family grows or parking if you entertain large groups of people?