Choosing Unique House Plans ...
In Three Simple Steps

Finding unique house plans that will suit you is easy when you follow some simple, time-tested strategies.

Choosing A House Plan In Three Simple Steps

So you have decided to build the home of your dreams, and now need to select the perfect houseplan. No problem! Finding a luxury home plan is easy when you follow some simple, time-tested strategies. There are a couple of important steps to take when selecting the house plan that will best suit your needs. Here are the most important steps for you to consider when selecting the ideal house plan.

Step 1- Define Your Lifestyle Requirements
Before you look at house plans you need to figure out what characteristics are important to you in a home. This may depend on your lifestyle. For example, if you have a family and children, your space requirements may be different from those of a single man or woman. You might for example look for room to expand. Other considerations may include:

• Guestroom
• In law suite
• Large kitchen
• Game room or family area

Think about whether you need a traditional or formal dining room vs. a casual one. Do you plan to have small gatherings in a casual setting or do you like to posh things up a bit? All of these considerations will impact the house plan you buy. When considering your home plan you also should keep in mind privacy. Check to make sure decks and patios for example, meet your privacy needs. Will your bedroom window peer into your neighbors? These are all considerations when buying the right houseplan.

Step 2- Decide On Space Requirements
Next you need to figure out how much space you need to live comfortably. This includes not only total square footage for your home, but also the space for individual rooms. For example, if you have a large family you might want a large kitchen and family room. If you work from home you might need to include a small or large office, depending on if you plan to entertain clients in your home. Other people may need a workshop or extra storage space for treasured items. Keep in mind each of these considerations. You also need to define your space requirements for your main bedroom suite and guestrooms. Decide how much space you want each room to fill up, and where you plan to spend most of your time so you assign the right amount of space.

One key element of defining your space is accommodating your existing furniture or any new furniture you plan to buy. If you prefer big, bulky furniture, chances are you need more space than someone with small and compact furniture. Remember when considering furniture placement and space you'll want to allow enough room to move around in the house.

Step 3 - Consider How Much Outdoor Living Room You Need
The outside of your home is just as important as the interior of your home. You may not be able to enjoy all the styles of home plans available if your lot is oddly shaped. Keep in mind your lot size and shape will affect the home plan you buy. You'll also want to consider how much lawn space you prefer in the front and back, and what type of landscaping you prefer to accommodate. If you plan to build a pool for example, you'll need ample lawn space in the back yard.

If you have a sloping lot you may have more choices than someone with a flat lot, though you may also run into more complications. If you don't have a lot of space on your plot you may need to select a house design that is built up rather than spread out. If you have plenty of land however, you can choose a ranch style or other one-story plan where the lot can accommodate a greater spread of home. Some lots lend themselves to large outdoor decks. If you have a spectacular view for example, you may want to consider how much deck space your home plan has and whether it will accommodate large, roomy windows.

Don't forget adequate garage space is an important consideration of outdoor living space. Make sure you plan for adequate space for your cars and a driveway. Don't forget if your family plans to expand you may need more space than you originally anticipate.

Published with permission (FCDMInc)

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