If you’re building a new home, looking at floor plans and home-layouts with the designer will be one of your first steps. Keep these tips in mind when reading and selecting a floor plan for your new home.
Take Current and Future Lifestyle Needs into Account
When selecting a floor plan, it’s important to not only consider how much square footage you’ll be dedicating to your music room, but keep in mind the nursery you’ll be needing next year, or the in-law suite that might be put to good use in a few months. Many people design and build a home because they plan on living there a very long time, but don’t forget about the needs of future you and your family. Think critically about your needs now and in the future when deciding on space for your new home.
Also, don’t forget to think about your preferences for private nooks vs. big open spaces. Would you prefer a home with a more open floor plan that incorporates lots of natural light and large spaces to arrange your furniture? Do your preferences lean more toward creating cozy nooks and ensuring each room has its purpose and style? Keep this in mind when deciding if you want a partitioned layout or a big open floor plan.
Consider Financial Impacts of the Design
Keep in mind that the home design you select may have financial impacts when your energy bill arrives. If you’re opting for lots of natural light and adopting floor-to-ceiling windows, make sure to upgrade to double-paned glass for better insulation. This will allow you to enjoy lots of natural light and will keep your home well insulated in the extremely hot or cold months.
When looking at design features, it’s a good idea to consider green-costs. Small upgrades can have big savings down the line. Check out our top list of features for going green when building a new home.
Be Mindful of Sizing
Keep the actual size of rooms in mind when looking at floor plans. Sometimes when looking at virtual or drafted floor plans it can be difficult to see how big or small the room is. If you plan on keeping your existing furniture, make sure you measure it to see how much space it will take up within the room. It’s better to get a good idea of the space available now than to rethink later once the home is built.
Decide Based on Layout
It’s always a good idea to tour a model home when looking at floor plans. This allows you to get a realistic view of the home you are considering building. When touring model homes, keep in mind that you also see selected features of the home the construction company has decided to highlight. You will get to select similar and different upgrades when building your own home, so it’s important to judge the home by the floor plan only and not the way the finishings and final touches look in the exact home you’re viewing.
Work with Your Builder
Your home builder is there for you. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions, and ask them to clarify what things mean in a floor plan or how things will look. Sometimes looking at floor plans and architectural drawings may be confusing if you’ve never seen them before. Your home builder will be more than happy to explain everything in detail, so don’t hesitate to make them aware of concerns or questions you have during this process.
Choosing the right builder is an important part of the process when deciding which home plan meets your needs. The new home builders here on New Home Guide are the most reputable builders in the industry. Search builders and communities near you to find your perfect new home.