Things to Consider When Choosing a Floor Plan

WHAT IS YOUR LIFESTYLE?

All families are unique. Gauge your needs according to the amount of people who will be residing in the home and for how long. What is your need for privacy? Do you entertain? Do you work from at home? Are you a crafter? There are a multitude of elements that may factor into your decision on the right floor plan. Focus on what parts of the home you will be spending the most time in, both as a family and apart. Think about how you will furnish and where your furniture will go in the home. If you haven’t already been offered one, ask your building professional for 3D drawings or a virtual tour of the floor plans you are considering.

WHAT’S YOUR BUDGET?

Before serious talks begin about choosing a floor plan, your builder will most likely prequalify you for a mortgage so that you may understand exactly what you can afford. This exercise will enable you to see what you will need as a down payment and what your monthly payment would be. Also consider future costs you may incur, such as maintenance and energy consumption.

HOW DOES YOUR PROPERTY AFFECT YOUR FLOOR PLAN?

The topography, amount of acreage, as well as the shape of your lot, can have an influence on the floor plan that you choose. What direction will your home face? What is the grade of your lot? All these factors can determine your home’s exposure to the sun, if you have a walk-out basement, what type of garage you can have and what type of proximity you will be to your neighbors.

What is the setting of the home?

Do you want to be the only two-story house in a neighborhood full of ranch homes? Where your home will ultimately reside may dictate not just the type of home that you consider, but also the style. You probably want to balance your wants and needs with the flavor of existing homes in the community. Your house does not want to stick out like a sore thumb, but this also is important regarding its resale value.

MAKE YOUR DECISION BASED ON THE LAYOUT NOT THE FINISHES.

At this stage of the selection process, resist thinking in terms of what sort of flooring or countertops would be ideal. Instead, focus on the floor plan and how it will serve your needs. You will be living with the floor plan that you select as long as you own the home. As a result, the layout of your home is far more important than your finish choices.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS ON WHAT “FEELS RIGHT WHEN CHOOSING A FLOOR PLAN.

Trust your gut. Sometimes you just know. Do your homework and ask your building professional if he can take you in a tour of that particular home or something similar. This can help you get a sense of room size and scale. Also ask if 3D drawings or a virtual tour is available.