It almost goes without saying that choosing the right floor plan for your home is important. It’s the blueprint for how you will move through and live in your home, and the size, shape, and location of rooms on your floor plan will give a first glance of how you will operate within your home.
Choosing a floor plan can be overwhelming, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Check out these effective ways to choose the right floor plan for your home.
Budget
Most people know what they want their dream home to look like, but before you set your sights on a particular house style or size, find out the cost and set your budget. Meeting with a home builder or contractor can give you a realistic idea of what building your dream home will cost. Armed with reliable information, you can more easily determine what you can afford so you can move forward with your plans. The answers might surprise you, and you may be able to get more home for your buck.
Lifestyle
Are you the perfect host for house parties, or do you prefer quiet evenings at home? Are you a budding iron chef, or is the takeout line more your style? Do you need a craft room or plenty of outdoor space for the perfect garden? Whether you have a growing family, are an empty nester, or want a bachelor pad, the answers to these questions about how you live your life will provide the most insight into how your home needs to be laid out.
Decorating Style
While the phrase “open concept” seems to be on the lips of every home designer, maybe for you and your family, separate rooms with defined spaces make more sense. Either way, it’s important that you find a floor plan that meets your decorating style. Whether you’re a casual person with large, comfy furniture, or you prefer formal furnishings that may go in a formal dining room or den, how you will ultimately choose to decorate a space will certainly be impacted by your home’s floor plan.
Future Plans
Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? Do you intend this home to be your “forever home?” Even if you plan to be in the home for a short while rather than forever, it’s important that you look into the future and think about how your life might change. Pick a flexible floor plan that will allow you to use a space in multiple ways—perhaps a room used as a playroom today can be converted to a home office or formal den in the future. Consider if the floor plan you choose today will be too small (or even too large) in the future as your life and needs evolve.
Modifications
Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the right floor plan. That’s where modifications can prove to be helpful. When meeting with a builder or contractor to discuss your floor plan, know that oftentimes remodeling or modifying a floor plan can be just the thing that turns a “maybe” into a resounding “yes.” Maybe you need less linen closet space and a bigger bathroom for your kids, or maybe removing a wall or two will allow for all the natural light you desire. Discuss your needs with your team to see if modifying the floor plan is the right option in your case.
Furniture
Do you plan on using your existing furniture or are you looking to buy all new pieces? The answer to this question will inform how you approach your room dimensions. If you plan on using furniture, you already own, make sure to measure the pieces and take the furniture dimensions into account when you’re looking at your floor plans. If you plan on buying new furniture, be wary of pieces that take up too much space within the room.
Location
Are you looking for urban living or something a bit more suburban? The location of your home may also play a role regarding the type of floor plan you choose. For example, single-family homes that are often a hallmark of suburban living may offer outdoor space for a yard or garden and allow you more space to spread out on a single floor level. Conversely, attached homes like condos or townhomes may give you the same amount of interior space, but that space may be split over a multi-level floor plan. See what’s par for the course within your neighborhood before choosing a floor plan option over another.
Trust Your Instincts
Spend some time in the space. Do you feel comfortable? Trusting your instincts is crucial when deciding on a floor plan. A floor plan that you initially thought might be ideal may ultimately not be the best option. For instance, having a main floor master with the kids’ rooms upstairs may seem perfect, but after evaluating the floor plan, you may choose that all the bedrooms should be on the same level. Listen to your gut, and go with whatever plan feels best for you.
By taking these eight considerations into account, you can make good headway toward finding the perfect floor plan for you and your needs. Consulting with a professional like Belman Homes can make the process even easier. Streamline the design process and get the best fit by finding the right partner in the home building process.
