how do i pick a good house plan

10 Tips for Selecting the Right House Plan

• 1. Know your budget ...
• 2. Decide on specific space requirements and how that space should be divided ...
• 3. Determine how you want to use and experience your space ...
• 4. Consider energy-saving designs suited to the climate ...
• 5. Choose a style appropriate for the location ...
• 6. Take any irreplaceable household property into account ...
• 7. Consider modifications to suit your needs ...
• 8. Focus on the blueprint ...

Full Answer

How to design a house plan yourself?

Part 2 Part 2 of 3: Organizing and Refining Your Ideas

1. Draw up a responsible budget. Instead of starting with the question “how much will it cost to build my dream home just the way I want it,” ask yourself ...
2. Keep a design notebook. Get yourself a sturdy, cloth-bound graph-ruled notebook to record your notes, doodles, and musings in.
3. Consider your individual needs. ...
4. Make a list of essential features. ...

More items...

How to design your own house floor plans?

There are a few basic steps to creating a floor plan:

• Choose an area. Determine the area to be drawn. ...
• Take measurements. If the building exists, measure the walls, doors, and pertinent furniture so that the floor plan will be accurate. ...
• Draw walls. Add walls for each room of the building, taking care to draw them to scale.
• Add architectural features. ...
• Add furniture. ...

How do you design your own house?

Getting Inspired 1. Come up with a basic vision. Before you draw a single line, picture what kind of home you would want to live in if... 2. Look through architecture publications. Poring over some domestic architecture photobooks or home design magazines at... 3. Tour neighborhoods with houses that ...

Should you purchase house plans online?

With online house plans, you have the chance to do it right from the beginning. So why should you consider buying a house plan online? 1) It’s a Cost-Effective Way to Design a Floor Plan. One of the most significant and consistent reasons why thousands of homeowners search on Monster House Plans is because of cost.

How do you come up with house plans?

There are a few basic steps to creating a floor plan:Choose an area. Determine the area to be drawn. ... Take measurements. If the building exists, measure the walls, doors, and pertinent furniture so that the floor plan will be accurate. ... Draw walls. ... Add architectural features. ... Add furniture.

What makes a good house layout?

Ideally, to provide the best layout for your family, there should be one bathroom for every two bedrooms in the house. Homeowners who entertain frequently should choose a house layout that has a full or a half-guest bathroom near the living area. The guest bathroom should be downstairs in homes with multiple floors.

What is the most important drawing on a set of house plans?

Floor Plans — These drawings, usually one sheet for each floor, unless it's a small home, are really the most important drawings in your set of plans. They are drawn to ¼" = 1'-0" scale and include most of the critical dimensions and specs needed to build the home.

How do I choose an affordable house plan?

Below are some tips for finding affordable house plans.Prioritize Features. ... Choose Pre-Designed Home Plans. ... Go Small. ... Consolidate Plumbing Cores. ... Get Vertical. ... Include Built-ins to Give the Impression of Larger Square Footage. ... Get Rid of Halls: The Advantage of Open Floor Plans. ... Favor Simple Rooflines.More items...

What are the common mistakes in floor plan?

The seven most common floor plan mistakes and how to avoid themMistake 1: Bad orientation. ... Mistake 2: Not sticking to budget. ... Mistake 3: Not factoring in the outdoors. ... Mistake 4: Forgetting to plan for furniture. ... Mistake 5: Unattractive sight lines. ... Mistake 6: No bathroom privacy. ... Mistake 7: No storage.

What 5 things do you need to consider when creating a floor plan?

Let's look at 5 things to consider when selecting a floor plan.Lifestyle. When you build a new home, you want it to reflect the way you live. ... Space Needs. How big does your home really need to be? ... Your Changing Needs. Your need for space isn't the only thing that can change. ... Cost. ... Location.

What 5 drawings are included in a set of house plans?

What's Included in a Plan Set?Exterior Elevations. In addition to the front exterior, your drawing set will include drawings of the rear and sides of your house as well. ... Foundation Plan. ... Floor Plan(s) ... Building Sections. ... Roof Plan. ... Notes and Details Page(s) ... Beam Calcs Pack.

Can I draw my own house plans?

It doesn't take much in the way of resources to draw up your own house plans -- just access to the Internet, a computer and a free architectural software program. If you prefer the old-school method, you'll need a drafting table, drafting tools and large sheets of 24-by-36-inch paper to draft the plans by hand.

How many sets of house plans do I need?

How many sets of house plans should I order? The number of house plan sets you will need depends upon your builder and local codes department; however, as a rule of thumb, you will need: One set for yourself. Three to Five sets for your builder, as well as one additional set for each subcontractor.

What is the cheapest house style to build?

Ranch Homes A home with a simple and concise layout is the cheapest type of house to build. Ranch homes are typically single-story structures with attached garages. They're easy to find construction plans for and highly customizable, so you can find a home that fits your needs and budget.

Is a 2 story house cheaper to build?

Two-story homes are more cost-efficient to build because they offer more space without adding more foundation or roof costs, so the cost per square foot is often less expensive.

Are open floor plans cheaper to build?

Are open floor plans cheaper to build? Because the lack of weight-bearing partition walls requires heavy-duty beams in their place, the materials costs involved in building open floor plan homes generally makes them more costly.

What should be the first room in a house?

Foyer/Entrance Hall They are the first rooms you see when you come inside a house! And, because the foyer is directly between the outside world and your personal sanctum, you should take extra care with what you put in it.

Should kitchen be at front or back of house?

Kitchens can be placed wherever in the house. There's no set location where a kitchen must be. Kitchens are often set in the back of the house, like the living room, and family decor is often showcased in the front of the house. Privacy is often kept in both the kitchen and the first-floor bathroom.

How do you design a house?

6 Steps To Design Your Home:Determine your budget for designing a home.Think about house placement.Match your home to your lifestyle.Choose the style of your home.Write a brief for the architect.Create your floor plans.

What is layout in real estate?

By definition, a floor plan is a spatial layout of a structure depicting the arrangement of living spaces within it such as the distribution of different rooms, utility area, kitchen and balconies. It provides a big picture of the indoor and outdoor spaces of a property.

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There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles.

Think About the Size

How many people will live in the home? Growing families may want to consider plans with plenty of space to spread out—like The Ridge (SL-1973), a 3,500-square-foot rancher with four bedrooms and four baths, or Bellewood Cottage (SL-2049), a 2,900-square-foot traditional Southern-style home with three bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths.

Consider the Function

What characteristics will maximize your home's livability? Frequent entertainers will probably want an open floor plan for hosting guests, like reader-favorite Banning Court (SL-1254 ). For homeowners who prefer more privacy, browse closed floor plans like the popular New Vintage Lowcountry (SL-1831).

Bring In Your Style

Of course, every Southerner wants a home brimming with curb appeal. That's one reason why the breezy Lowcountry Farmhouse (SL-2000) is a perennial best-seller. (Browse more of our top 20 house plans for 2020 here .) Consider sprawling ranch and classic craftsman styles.

Why is it so hard to choose a house style?

Deciding on the perfect house plan can be a difficult task because the choices and options are endless. From the amount of square footage to the number of bedrooms to whether to include a basement or not, the decisions never stop.

Who is the marketing director of America's Best House Plan?

Our Marketing Director, Meghan Stoneburner has worked in every aspect of Marketing from digital to print media, assisting 30+ companies from smaller businesses to larger corporations. Since joining the America’s Best House Plan’s team, Meghan has dedicated her time to creating the best experience for our customers.

Do you want your home to be unique?

Though you most likely want your home to be unique, you also want it to fit in with its surroundings. Depending upon your neighborhood and the region of the country in which you live, you may want to narrow down styles that fit with the other homes in your neighborhood or surrounding areas.

Set Your Budget

Before you begin shopping for a house floor plan, it’s wise to first set your budget. This way, you’ll have a more realistic idea of what you’re able to afford. Some custom home builders offer base floor plans at set price points to help you get started, which you can then modify with your team to suit your personal needs.

Set Space Requirements

The next step in choosing the right layout for your custom home is setting your space requirements. How large or small your home is will ultimately impact the cost of your build. Take time to think about how much space you and your family truly need, and how you envision it being used once the build is completed.

Consider Use & Experience

Does your family entertain lots of guests? Do you value privacy and seclusion? Will you spend more time outdoors or indoors? Depending on your answers to these questions, you could be looking at a dramatically different layout for your custom home.

Consider Energy Efficiency

Did you know that the way your home is laid out can have an impact on its energy efficiency? It’s true! From strategically placed windows that encourage cross-ventilation to compact floor plans designed for heat conservation, choosing the right house floor plan for your build now can translate to significant energy savings down the road.

Choose Your Style

Depending on the geographic location of your custom home build, you’ll need to choose a floor plan style that’s appropriate for its surroundings. For instance, a single-family dwelling might not be a suitable solution for those building in an urban environment.

Consider Personal Property

Did your grandfather leave you a grand piano in his will? Is your mother’s china cabinet something you can’t live without? If you have irreplaceable personal property with unique space considerations, you’ll need to ensure your floor plan takes this into account.

Focus on Blueprints

It’s understandable that you’ll get excited about all the finishing features of your new home — isn’t that the beauty of a custom build? But one thing we caution against is getting too caught up in the minor details when what’s truly important is the layout.

What to consider when selecting a house plan?

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.

How to choose the right house for my family?

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.

How to decide on how many bedrooms and bathrooms to have?

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.

Can you have living space while cutting costs?

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 contempor ary house or a log house be sure to consider the other homes in the neighborhood .

Do future homeowners have a good idea of the home plan they wish to build?

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.

Is it cheaper to build a ranch or two story house?

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.

How to match a home to the land?

Matching the Home to the Land. Choose your lot before you settle on a home plan so that you can pick a plan that suits the land. Keep in mind that there is more to it that choosing a plan that fits the length, width or slope of the lot.

What Will the Neighbors Think?

You can't build a home that is shaped like the number 7 in a neighborhood that is packed with Victorian homes. Well, you probably could, as long as there are no regulations against it. But your home will stick out like a sore thumb, which is likely to lower your property's value should you decide to sell. Make sure to choose a neighborhood that features homes in the styles you like so that you can keep your property's value up over the years to come.

What is the best floor plan for a home?

Every homeowner has their own design style and choosing a floor plan that meets those needs is essential. If you are more traditional and you want wall space to hang art or photos, you might want a more compartmentalized, traditional floor plan where walls separate each space. If you want something more modern with a contemporary, open feel, then consider an open floor plan.

Why is it important to choose a floor plan for a new home?

Choosing a floor plan for your new home is an exciting process. As you start combing through your different options, it is important to know how your family will use the space and how it will fit with your lifestyle. The right floor plan will greatly improve how you experience your new home, and everything from its shape to its style should be ...

When looking at different floor plans, should you pay attention to what just feels right?

When looking at or touring different floor plans, you should pay attention to what just feels right. You will be surprised as to how many different layouts there are when it comes to house plans. Don’t be afraid to look at something different, but remember your gut reactions when you are making your final decision.

Can you modify a house plan?

So you found a house plan that you absolutely love, but something isn’t quite right about it. Modifications are available for any house plan from Direct from the Designers™. Whether you want to add a room, increase or decrease your ceiling heights, or your changes are more elaborate, our architects will guide you through the entire process.

Is it a good idea to invest in new furniture?

Investing in new furniture is a major expense, and the same is true for things like flooring and paint. While building a home means you will definitely need to account for your new walls and floors, you can save yourself piles of cash if you're able to use your existing furniture. If you decide to keep and use most of your furniture, consider where the pieces will go in your new home and measure to make sure it will fit in your new space.

What happens when a house is a good fit for a buyer?

Trainor says he's noticed that when a house is a good fit for a buyer, the couple or family will begin to talk about where they'd place their furniture. “When a client is doing this, he or she is mentally moving into the home,” says Trainor. The upshot? If you're viewing a house and find yourself imagining your sofa near the window and your green chair near the fireplace, pay attention. Chances are, the house is a nice match for you.

Should I make an offer right away?

“I usually advise sleeping on it overnight,” says Trainor. The exception can be when a market is especially active. “This is a real gut check time. Would you be broken hearted if you lost this house to another buyer? If the answer is yes, make an offer. Seldom will you go wrong if you follow your heart.”

What does Koitz say about buying a house?

Koitz says the idea of purchasing one of the first homes they see can be “very unsettling" for buyers. “They somehow think they're not doing their due diligence if they don't look for a predetermined amount of time," she says.

Is it wrong to buy a home right away?

Certainly there’s nothing wrong with finding a great home right away. But it’s best not to prioritize timing above all else unless it’s absolutely necessary (during a relocation, for example). Koitz says the idea of purchasing one of the first homes they see can be “very unsettling” for buyers. “They somehow think they’re not doing their due diligence if they don’t look for a predetermined amount of time,” she says. “Since we never know what’s coming on the market, we also never know when ‘your’ house will show up.”