Selecting a House Plan
Often, future homeowners have a fairly good idea about the home plan they wish to build. Typically size and style are easily determined, but after further consideration these two concepts may change. The information below provides several concepts that will affect your decision in selecting the right house plan for you.
Sometimes, budget will determine the type of house plan you choose. A two-story house plan is more cost effective to build than a ranch house plan (single story house plan). When comparing the two types of homes, each having the same square footage, it is more cost effective to build the two-story house plan. Building up allows you to add considerable square footage without paying extra money. The ranch house plan will be more expensive requiring nearly double the foundation and roof area and materials that the two-story house plan requires. If you need extra square footage and have a tight budget, consider the two-story option. You can have the living space you need while cutting costs.
The style of house plan you choose will reflect your personal tastes. While you may have always dreamed of building a contemporary house or a log house be sure to consider the other homes in the neighborhood. Will your house plan blend in with the other styles around you? The local planning department will be able to tell you if there are any restrictions on house plan styles in your neighborhood.
Your building site is another criterion to consider when selecting a house plan. Depending on the width of your lot, you may have to consider a home plan designed for a narrow lot. If your lot slopes front to back, perhaps a home plan with a walkout basement will suit your needs. A lot sloping right to left might be suitable for a side-entry, drive-under garage. Think about the orientation of your lot and how to situate your home to take advantage of naturally occurring features such as the view, shade trees, morning sun, or wooded area that might provide privacy.
Choosing the elements you want in your home and how they will satisfy the needs of your daily life will require thoughtful consideration. The decisions you make about rooms, use of space, and features in your home will be rewarding to you and your family providing years of enjoyment and comfortable living. Create a list of elements you need and want in your home. Make a note about features or spaces in homes you previously lived in or visited that you would like to incorporate into your new home. There is no substitute for firsthand experience. If you know a particular feature worked well for your family or a friend in the past, it may be beneficial for you to include it in your new home. Consider the way you want your home to function and how to incorporate the elements on your list. Carefully consider your list of needs and wants as you review house plans.
Think about whom will be living in your new home. How many children do you have or plan to have? Are your children grown with kids of their own? Do they come home to visit often? Are you caring for an elderly family member? The answer to these questions will help you determine home many bedrooms and bathrooms are right for you. This may also help you determine if you want split bedrooms, all bedrooms on the second floor, or a bathroom that is handicap accessible. If you entertain often, you may consider separating the bedrooms from the rest of the living areas to ensure privacy. Once you decide on the number of sleeping areas and bathrooms you need, move forward making decisions about sizes and features in each space.
Consider the relationship between the rooms that compose the main living areas of a home. It is convenient for the kitchen to be centrally located allowing you to serve the breakfast nook and formal dining room with ease. However, does it suit your needs to have two spaces for dining, or will an eating bar and dining room be sufficient? If you like to entertain outdoors, you might consider a grilling porch as an extension of your kitchen. Perhaps you have large family. An open floor plan will provide a substantial space for gathering and entertaining. A wraparound porch or covered patio will be suitable for outdoor gatherings. On the other hand, if only a few people live with you or you prefer quite activities, a cozy den, library, or hearth room might be an element you want to include in your home plan. Think about your hobbies, too. Do you like to workout? Are you a movie watcher? Do you sew? Do you like woodworking? You may consider adding a workout room, media room, hobby room, or workshop to accommodate your needs.
Contemplating what you want in your home takes a considerable amount of time, but it is necessary in determining what you want for your new dream home.
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