When buying a new construction home and/or working with a custom builder, deciding on a home floor plan is one of the most important decisions you will make. The other details such as flooring, carpeting, appliances, cabinetry, and so on—these choices must be made at some point, but they can even be changed out at some point in the future. But the floor plan itself determines the permanent size, shape, look and feel of your new home. It’s important to choose a plan that not only fits your lifestyle, but also your family and your budget. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding on a home floor plan.
Number Of Bedrooms/Bathrooms
The first question to ask when choosing a floor plan is regarding how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need. Are you attempting to accommodate a growing family with this home, or are you downsizing? Do you plan to have a guest room? How large do the bedrooms need to be? Do you plan to live in this house for a while, or will you upgrade in a few years? Since the number of bedrooms and bathrooms is pretty much fixed (unless you select a plan that enables add-ons), you’ll need to balance your needs with your budget, and be certain that the floor plan you choose meets your long-term needs.
Layout
The next factor to weigh is the actual layout of the home. How many square feet are you considering? Do you prefer a ranch style or a two-story home? Do you prefer an open-concept living space? How large does the kitchen need to be? Does the master suite need to be separated from the other bedrooms? Do you need an office, a game room or other bonus room? Look carefully at the flow of the floorplan to be certain that the layout of the home fits your needs and lifestyle.
Lot size
This isn’t always an issue in suburban developments, but occasionally the size of the lot has a lot to do with the size of the floor plan that can be built on it. Consult with your builder about the size of your lot and how much home it can accommodate while allowing enough outdoor space and distance between you and your neighbors. If you need a larger floor plan, consider buying a bigger lot.
Budget
Naturally, none of us wants to be restricted by our budget; nevertheless, it goes without saying that the size and scope of your floor plan will directly affect the cost. When planning your new home, be realistic about your budgetary limitations as it affects the size of your home. If you need more space but have a limited budget, there may be alternatives to save on costs—for example, choosing more affordable flooring, cabinetry, appliances and other features in favor of a little more floor space. Consult with your builder about your options.
While deciding on a home floor plan is a daunting decision to make, the good news is you don’t have to make it alone. The experts at Lowder New Homes can provide sound advice to guide you through this important decision, and there are dozens of great floor plans from which to choose. To learn more, contact us today at 334-270-6789.