In today’s society, not all families are the same. What was once considered a typical American family – Mom, Dad, two kids and a dog – is no longer as common as it once was. Additionally, life expectancy has increased. Because of these reasons, Multi-Generational House Plans are growing in popularity throughout the United States and Canada.

What is a multi-generational house plan? It is one home structure designed for multiple generations with separate living units. This arrangement provides privacy and independence for two or more generations all under one roof. With multi-generational house plans, the exterior looks like all the other houses in any neighborhood; it looks like a single-family home. The separate living units are not noticeable on the outside like they are with duplexes, townhouses and other multi-family designs. Instead, multi-generational house plans incorporate a separate living unit into the floor plan that provides private spaces for independent living while still being connected to the main house. Most of these units feature a private entry kitchenette, small living area, bedroom and bath. The laundry area and garage may be shared with the main house or they may be separate. While most multi-generational house plans incorporate the separate living unit on the main level of the home, it is important to note that sometimes the separate unit is located above the garage or in the basement of the home, so if you’re planning to move into this type of home, the use of services as adtmoving could be useful to move your things around and enjoy your new living area.

Who would benefit from a multi-generational house? Now days, no two families look the same. Instead of downsizing, some baby-boomers are trading  up for larger homes that will allow their aging parents or other elderly relatives to live with them, as well as, their adult children who have recently graduated from college and need a place to get on their feet while they begin their careers. Adult children and grandchildren are moving back home with to live with parents and grandparents due to financial situations. In other cases, grandparents are raising their grandkids. No matter what combination of multiple generations live under one roof, it is easy to understand how a multi-generational house plan can provide the living space everyone needs specially for those who are looking for active adult houses in the area.

Are multi-generational house plans practical? Yes! They are practical for countless reasons. Consider the following examples, and you’ll see that a multi-generational house certainly has its advantages.

1. Multi-generational house plans are cost effective in areas with a high cost of living such as California. In this situation, parents and their adult children can pool their incomes and finances to go farther. It provides an opportunity for the adults to live independently but together when they might otherwise be scraping up pennies to pay the rent or live in a lower income area or less desirable neighborhood. In cases like this, a multi-generational home is a financial solution.
2. For baby boomers, a multi-generational house plan allows home owners to keep an eye on aging parents/relatives who are able to live independently, but sometimes need a little extra assistance. It offers peace of mind and a little extra security.
3. In other instances, multi-generational houses plans deliver a great alternative to paying monthly fees charged by assisted living facilities. As more and more families try to figure out how add on to their homes to make room for Grandma or Grandpa or how to make ends meet while paying for assisted living for a loved one, the option of building a multi-generational house becomes a more feasible and affordable idea .
4. Sometimes two-parent and single-parent families need assistance from Grandma and Grandpa when it comes to child care. Again, a multi-generational house is a viable solution. The grandparents can take care of the grandkids while the parent(s) are at work. In the evening and on weekends, the grandparents can retreat to their private suite. Additionally, the grandparents are able to participate in their grandchildren’s lives on a daily basis. They won’t miss birthdays, ball games, etc. This arrangement can develop a stronger bond between grandparents and grandchildren that might not otherwise be possible if the grandparents were living across town, in another city, etc.
5. Some multi-generational house plans offer a separate living unit in the basement of the home or a small apartment above the garage for which the heating should be bought with warranty for ac repair at least of a year. These units are ideal for college students and recent graduates who are trying to save money for their own home but need to get their careers started. Every now and then, the young adult might need guidance from parents or grandparents, but for the most part, he or she wants to live independently.
6. Multi-generational houses are great for resale. As the “family unit” continues to evolve, more and more Americans will find themselves in a multi-generational household. When the time comes to down-size, your multi-generational house is sure to appeal to another multi-generational family.

For those currently living in a home with multiple generations of family members, a multi-generational house plan can change your life and your lifestyle. Allowing each generation of the family unit to have its own space will minimize friction, promote positive family experiences, and help to curb financial stress.

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Country house plans come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most have a few common and recognizable features. Consider the features of these country home designs.

Covered porch with rail – One of the most easily recognizable features of a country house plan is a welcoming covered front porch lined with a decorative porch rail like the one that dresses up the exterior of plan 047H-0016. A covered porch offers a relaxing space for conversation, sipping lemonade with neighbors, and a peaceful place to sit in your rocker and watch the sun set.

Metal roof – Nothing says country like a metal roof. Take a look at plan 063H-0208. A metal roof takes you back in time, while giving your country home plenty of character and charm, the best thing is that by just having the best welding tools from MidSouthSupply you can fix any repairs.

Wrap-around porch – For those who enjoy outdoor living, a country-style wrap-around porch provides plenty of outdoor space to read, visit with friends and neighbors and watch the kids play in the yard. A wrap-round porch extends the living areas outdoors and gives everyone room to relax. Just imagine your very own porch swing! Check out the wrap-around porch on plan 054H-0010.

Roofline parallel to the road – Many country house plans feature a roofline that runs parallel to the road. Design 021H-0134 offers a perfect example.

Country kitchen – Country home plans are known for their country kitchens or eat-in kitchens. When the dining space is situated within or adjoining to the kitchen, it easy to serve an entire family with little effort. Consider the step-saver layout of plan 006H-0074.

Farmhouse style – Speaking of going back in time, some country home plans exude farmhouse styling. While reminiscent of yesteryear, farmhouses deliver modern floor plans with many of today’s most requested features. Consider farmhouse plan 059H-0039.

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Though Colonial styling originated in Europe in the 1600s, it sprang to life in the 1700s when colonists began settling the land that is now America’s Eastern Seaboard. Colonial houses started as two-story homes with one room on each floor. Today’s designs are far from the originals, but they still showcase some features that were prevalent when colonists first settled the New World. Today’s Colonial home plans are known for the following:

• Distinct rectangular or square shape
• Typically designed at two-story homes
• Featured a strong use of symmetry
• Front door is centrally located and flanked with windows on either side
• Doors are accented with flattened columns on each side
• Stairway is located directly behind the entry/front door
• Incorporate heavy wooded or wood-paneled doors
• Offer a pair of chimneys (one on either side/end of the home) or one chimney on one end of the home
• A hallway/foyer bisects each floor into left and right sides
• Pitched roofs have a minimal overhang
• Exterior is finished with clapboard siding (or siding that looks like clapboard)
• Dormer windows are sometimes included in the second floor
• Some or all rooms showcase hardwood floors
• Exterior decoration is kept to a minimum

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Tags: Colonial home, Colonial House Plans

With summer fast approaching, our minds start drifting to dreams of building a beach house for our summer retreat or maybe as a permanent residence where we can enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean each day. For others, a beach house is a great place to spend long weekends with friends and family, but it can also serve as source of income if used as rental property. Below are seven things to know about beach houses that might help you decide if building a beach home is right for you:

1. Designed for shoreline living with the main living areas typically raised one level above the ground to accommodate rising tides and prevent flooding. This is achieved by building on a pier foundation (or pilings).
2. Usually, the parking area is located beneath the home and made possible by the pier foundation.
3. Floor plans feature large, strategically placed windows to maximize the coastal or shoreline view.
4. Floor plans incorporate large decks and porches for outdoor living space and provide an opportunity to soak up the sights and sounds of coastal living.
5. Often feature an open floor plan to allow gentle sea breezes to flow throughout the home.
6. Often incorporate specialized design elements, materials and construction methods to meet building requirements and specifications related to marine/coastal environments, geographic factors and regional climates.
7. Floor plans range in size and style offering everything from a simple beach vacation bungalow to a luxurious oceanfront home.

Browse or beach house plan collection to find the design that will satisfy your needs and lifestyle.

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Tags: beach home plans, beach house plans

At some point in time, we all need to escape our busy lifestyles and demanding work schedules. For some, this means a getaway to the mountains or relaxing a favorite fishing lake. For others, it means soaking up the sun on the beach or eating dinner on the deck while listening to the ocean waves crash in the distance. Whether you prefer a warm vacation or mountain escape, we have the vacation house plan for you! So if you’re the type who wants to have your own vacation home in your favorite city or town or in your favorite secluded space, considering building one of our vacation homes.

Our vacation house plan collection features floor plans that offer 1500 square feet of finished living space or less. Though small and accommodating, these designs are used for recreational residences or secondary homes. They are perfect for long weekends with the kids, mini-vacations, and hunting/fishing retreats. Also, they can serve as a source of income to those who choose to rent them out to others looking for a break from our fast-paced world. Vacation floor plans generally include one or more bedrooms and baths and modest features. The living areas are often open to one another creating as spacious feel for an otherwise small space. Also, this allows for flexibility and maximum use of the space. Though special amenities may be lacking, the basics such as a compact kitchen and a stackable washer/dryer unit deliver cozy yet comfortable space.

Our vacation home plan collection includes:

Cabin plans

Cottage home designs

Beach house plans

Coastal homes

Waterfront house plans

A-Frame house plans

Mountain house plans

Typically, vacation house plans blend well with their surroundings and are designed to make the most of panoramic views, natural features and location. They commonly encourage the enjoyment of nature by incorporating walls of windows, sweeping porches and large decks strategically positioned to take advantage of the surrounding landscape and stunning scenery.

Low maintenance is “key” when it comes to vacation homes. The exterior requires little upkeep and the interior provides simple accommodations. Fashioned with efficient living spaces, vacation homes are designed to promote relaxation and comfort giving you a place where you can get away from it all!

This article brought to you by The HousePlanShop, LLC, the home of the best selling house plans from the best designers!

Tags: Cabin House Plans, cabin plans, vacation home plans, Vacation House Plans