Choosing The Right Floor Plan

Deciding to build a home is just the first of many big decisions you’ll make in the process. Choosing a floor plan is another major one; before you get too overwhelmed, take a big breath and take stock of what it is that will make your new home livable for your family and lifestyle.

Pre-planning Considerations

There are several considerations to mull over before even looking at different floor plans. First, assess your current and potential future needs by asking yourself some comprehensive questions, such as the following.

• How many people will be living in the home?
• Do you have or plan to have children?
• Do you work from home and need a dedicated office space?
• Do you love to entertain and need a spacious living area?
• Are you considering aging in place, which may require features like a ground-level bedroom or wheelchair accessibility?

Understanding your current and future needs will help you narrow down your options to the most realistic and satisfactory.

Next, determine what you can realistically afford. Different floor plans come with varying costs based on factors such as square footage, complexity, and the choice of materials. Realistically, your budget may force you to make compromises in certain areas, so take the time to determine what’s “necessary” versus what’s “nice to have.” That way, you won’t feel like you’re depriving yourself when it comes time to make those choices.

With your budget decided on, it’s time to really think about your personal style preferences and how they may change over time. Think about the architectural features, materials, and finishes that resonate with you and do your research to help you gather inspirations. Think of how these features will age, and how they’ll serve you as your family goes through life changes.

Functionality

The layout of your home should make everyday tasks easier and more efficient. To create the most functional floor plan, consider the flow of the space, placement of rooms, and how they connect to one another. The ideal floor plan will be practical, accommodate your daily routines, and allow you to live your lifestyle in comfort.

When it comes to room placement, think about where you'd like specific rooms to be located. Do you want bedrooms grouped together or separate from the living areas? Would you prefer an open concept or a closed-off kitchen? How many bathrooms are needed, and where should they be situated? Defining these items early on will go a long way in helping you choose your ideal floor plan.

Windows & Lighting

Consider the orientation of your home and how it interacts with natural light and outdoor views. Large, strategically placed windows can help you maximize daylight, which can provide a desired environment as well as manage the energy efficiency of the home. If you have a stunning landscape or a specific view you want to capture, ensure that the floor plan allows for this, as well.

Thinking Long-term

When choosing your floor plan, keep in mind that trends change, and your needs and/or preferences may evolve. Choosing an adaptable and timeless layout will enable you to accommodate future lifestyle changes and potential resale value.

Choosing the ideal floor plan for your custom home is a significant decision, thus, it's essential to invest the necessary time and effort into this process. By carefully considering the most important factors to you, you can create a home that's not only aesthetically pleasing but also perfectly tailored to your family’s specific requirements. With all of these things considered, your home will be enjoyable to live in and flexible enough to accommodate your family as it grows and changes over time – the perfect recipe for a ‘forever’ home.

Choose Your Builder Wisely

When you’re ready to take the first step in your home-building journey, give Capitol Homes a call. Our experienced team will not only deliver exactly what you want and need at a high level of quality, but we’ll also be by your side throughout the entire process. We care about your happiness and satisfaction with your home, and we are proud to put our name on every home we build.