There eventually comes a time when you want to build your new home and start a family or move your family to a better location. It can be both exciting and overwhelming. You’ll need to find the perfect location, create a suitable house plan, and source materials.
Choosing the perfect house plan for your home is crucial. It boosts the value of your home and ensures efficient use of space. It also saves on costs you’d otherwise spend on early renovation when the house doesn’t meet your or your family’s needs.
However, you’d want to invest in quality plans and models. You can actually find already-made designs from reputable professionals like Guardian Homes. If you’re wondering how to choose the best house plan, here are a few things you may want to consider:
1. Location of Your Property
The location of your property will influence your house plan in one way or another. For one, the area you’re planning to build your home may not be the perfect choice for the design and style you want. It may also affect the shape and size you want for your home.
Therefore, choosing the perfect location for your home is crucial, as an excellent house plan won’t make you comfortable if you don’t have the correct place. Here are a few tips for choosing the best location:
Do Your Research: You must research to find the best location to build your home and understand the property’s current market value. Conducting in-depth research enables you to negotiate for better prices and make informed decisions.
Examine Soil Quality: You may also want to bring in a professional to help examine if the terrain or soil quality can hold up the building.
You wouldn’t want to spend thousands of dollars developing and grading the land so that it can support your home.
Check For Amenities: Another vital consideration when choosing your home’s location is the availability of utilities and the nearness of amenities, such as schools, hospitals, water, electricity, and gas. Ensure you pick an area allowing you to access necessities without much hassle.
Consider The Neighborhood and Security: The neighborhood and security are other things you should not overlook when choosing your home’s location. You want a place where you’ll feel comfortable and safe and with a good community and amenities.
These are just some things to consider when finding the best location for your home. You may also want to take into account the place’s climatic conditions, local building codes, and economy.
2. Your Budget
Once you have selected the ideal location for your home, it’s important to consider your budget. You must also account for the funds you have available to execute the plan. Turning a house plan into an actual building may require high investments.
You need to find a qualified and reputable builder, which can be costly. Also, you need to have enough money to buy quality materials, as compromising on quality isn’t an option.
3. Size Of The Lot
When choosing your house plan, you must also pay attention to the size of the lot or property. Think of how large you want your space to be and the actual lot size you must have to achieve that. For instance, if you have a smaller and narrow lot, you may have to consider multiple levels if you want a home with many larger rooms.
Factor in your family’s size and the number of bedrooms you’ll need for everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy their privacy. You must also decide whether or not you need an entertainment area, patio, and a garage, as all these may affect your floor plan.
If you have a larger area, you can choose a spacious house plan, and if you have a smaller section, you may want to go with something moderate. Whatever the size, you can find an array of floor plans you can choose from depending on your needs.
4. Layout Of Your Home
Another crucial consideration when choosing the perfect floor plan is your desired house layout. Your home’s layout refers to the direction your house will face, the flow, and where you’ll position your rooms. You’ll have to decide where to place your kitchen, family room, bedrooms, and entertainment area.
For instance, you may consider separating the main bedroom from the guests’ and your kids’ rooms for privacy. You may also want to locate the entertainment area away from the bedrooms and your home office space for some quiet time when you need to rest or catch up on some work. Below are the factors likely to affect the orientation of your house plan:
Surrounding Landscape: The surrounding landscape will likely affect your home’s layout. You may want your home to face breathtaking views like the sea, mountains, and parks.
Sun Path And Climate: Sunlight and wind directions can also influence the layout of the floor plan. You’d want to take advantage of the natural light and ventilation while avoiding direct rainfall, as the humidity may affect your home’s structure.
Street Direction: The location of the street may affect your floor plan, too. Many homeowners prefer a home that faces the street for convenience, as you can easily access the road and public transportation. However, if you value privacy more, you may want to consider a layout facing away from the road and neighbors.
You should consider these factors when choosing your house plan. You’d want to enjoy scenic views and privacy while basking in the sun in the comfort of your home.
5. Your Lifestyle
Examine your lifestyle first, then choose a house plan that fits perfectly to it. Your home is where you’ll return to rest after a tough day at the office, and you want it to be your haven. Imagine the kind of life you want to live and make it happen.
You should choose a plan whose architectural style and design are tailored to meet your daily routines, needs, and preferences. For example, if you like exercising, your house plan should include a dedicated space to do your workouts comfortably. If you love spending time outdoors, your project should include a patio or deck.
6. Local Building Codes
Building codes are rules and regulations put in place by the local authority to ensure all buildings meet specific standards for safety purposes. Different states have varying building codes, and you should understand the regulations around your property areas.
For instance, the building codes in your locality may limit you to a specific number of stories, lot coverage, and the structural design of your home. Also, they may require you to use fire-resistant materials and specific electrical and plumbing systems, which may affect your budget and house plan significantly.
Conclusion
Choosing a quality house plan is crucial for ensuring your home retains its value for an extended period. However, it doesn’t have to be that challenging. You only need to understand the factors affecting your plan, such as those discussed in this article. The best part is that you can hire professionals to help you with your project. Whatever your choice, follow the local building codes.