KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Before focusing on size or number of rooms, consider your family’s daily routines, habits, and specific needs.
- Think about your family’s current size and potential growth or changes, like children growing up or the addition of a new member. So choose flexible spaces that can adapt to evolving needs.
- If an ideal pre-existing floor plan is not available, work with a local builder to customize a design that perfectly aligns with your family’s unique needs and lifestyle.
- Don’t get influenced by aesthetics only; evaluate practical aspects of layout, proximity of essential areas, and how your future will fit.
Buying or building a home and struggling to select the right floor plan? Well, you’re not alone. This remains a struggle for a significant percentage of house buyers. According to a survey, 64% of the buyers want to see the floor plan on their listings, and 51% rely on it for decision making.
Well, picking a floor plan is not just about selecting walls and rooms, but it is more like deciding how your family will live, move, grow, and connect every day. The layout of your home influences everything from your daily routines to long-term happiness. Sounds like a very important decision to make, right?
Don’t worry, because this article will help you in exactly that. Read on to discover all the different aspects you must keep in mind to decide on the perfect floor plan for yourself.
Start with lifestyle
Before you consider square footage or bedroom counts, think about how your family functions in day-to-day tasks. In case you enjoy entertaining, you might prefer an open-concept kitchen and living area where guests can meet without feeling cramped. A separate office area, or possibly two, is rapidly becoming a need in contemporary house design if you work from home.
If there is a mix of night owls and early risers in your home, a split-bedroom arrangement might be ideal to offer everyone a little more privacy and peace. To put it briefly, don’t just limit yourself to what looks nice; select the one that works with your lifestyle. Think about your habits, routines, and what features make life easier for your family.
Size matters
It is important to keep in mind how many people live in your household now, and how many might in the future. Having multiple bathrooms is essential for a big family. Multiple living spaces, like a family room and a bonus room or den, can help everyone have their own space when they need it. Flexibility is essential for expanding families.
In a few years, a room that works as a nursery today might have to turn into a teen’s bedroom, or maybe your kids are heading off to college, and you are downsizing, but still intend to visit the room. Consider the long term, even if it’s just the two of you for the time being. If this is shaping up to be your home for a while, you might want to plan for future needs like accessibility facilities or a guest suite for visiting family.
USEFUL FACT
According to a 2023 survey by the National Association of Home Builders, open concept living areas remain the most desired home feature among buyers. This reflects a continued preference for fluid spaces that improve family interaction and entertainment.
Customization
Sometimes, the ideal floor plan doesn’t exist yet. That’s where working with a seasoned local builder can be a game-changer. They know the spots, understand what families like yours require, and can help you make adjustments or customize a floor plan to fit just right. For example, experts like Excel Builders Bethany Beach are available to help design homes that work for their current lifestyle and plans.
Function over flash
Modern homes are stunning; the high ceilings, beautiful furniture, and flawless finishes may make any layout feel like a dream. However, don’t let distracted by the decor. Consider the layout’s purpose while you’re looking at designs online or touring homes. Where exactly will the laundry go? How distant is the kitchen from the garage? Is it necessary to traverse the entire home to go from your bedroom to the backyard? Think about your furniture, too.
Additionally, here are five more factors to consider before executing a floor plan.
Endnote
Selecting the right floor plan includes thinking about your life, your family, and your future. A helpful layout can contribute to the chaos of the weekday mornings, the joy of weekend gatherings, and quiet moments in between. Spend some time going over the plan, posing questions, and visualizing your life there.
What is the first thing I should consider when looking for floor plans?
The first thing you should consider when looking for floor plans is your lifestyle. Do you need open spaces, or are you focused on quiet, separate rooms? Think about how your family lives day to day, and decide accordingly.
Is it okay to modify pre-designed floor plans?
Absolutely. The majority of the builders allow for customization; just ask them for it.
How do I make sure there’s enough storage?
To make sure there’s enough storage for you, don’t just look at the bedroom closets; check for a pantry, linen closets, garage space, and attic or basement access.
How important is natural light in a floor plan?
Very! Light affects your mood, your energy bills, and how your home feels overall. Check window placements and orientation. South-facing windows usually bring in the most sunlight.
