Tips for Choosing the Perfect Floor Plan (2024)

by Lauren Busser, Direct from the Designers™' Editorial Director

Choosing a floor plan for your new home is an exciting process. As you start combing through your different options, it is important to know how your family will use the space and how it will fit with your lifestyle. The right floor plan will greatly improve how you experience your new home, and everything from its shape to its style should be accounted for. You might be overwhelmed by your options, but we’re here to help. Here are some tips to help you better decide which house plan is perfect for you.

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Size

Your first consideration when you are selecting a house plan should be size. You don’t want to run the risk of over- or under-building your home. As you begin browsing plans for your home, take a moment and make a wish list of things that your new home should have. Ask yourself how many bedrooms you want, whether or not you need a formal dining room, and what style kitchen would suit you. These details will help guide you on your path to finding a new home.

Design Style

Every homeowner has their own design style and choosing a floor plan that meets those needs is essential. If you are more traditional and you want wall space to hang art or photos, you might want a more compartmentalized, traditional floor plan where walls separate each space. If you want something more modern with a contemporary, open feel, then consider an open floor plan.

One of the basic ways to help decide this is to take a moment and look at the furniture and other objects in your home. If your furniture tends to coordinate, an open floor plan could work for you. If you love your furniture but it covers a wide range of styles, then a traditional floor plan might be a better option.

Trust Your Instincts

When looking at or touring different floor plans, you should pay attention to what just feels right. You will be surprised as to how many different layouts there are when it comes to house plans. Don’t be afraid to look at something different, but remember your gut reactions when you are making your final decision.

Consider Cost of Materials and Furniture

Investing in new furniture is a major expense, and the same is true for things like flooring and paint. While building a home means you will definitely need to account for your new walls and floors, you can save yourself piles of cash if you're able to use your existing furniture. If you decide to keep and use most of your furniture, consider where the pieces will go in your new home and measure to make sure it will fit in your new space.

Be Mindful of Your Budget

While you are making your design decisions, be mindful of the costs associated with the layout. Consider the costs of heating and cooling your home as well as general maintenance and operating costs. Ask a contractor or a builder to help you determine the costs of your favorite floor plans and help you narrow your choices to the types that best fit your budget.

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Consider Modifications

So you found a house plan that you absolutely love, but something isn’t quite right about it. Modifications are available for any house plan from Direct from the Designers™. Whether you want to add a room, increase or decrease your ceiling heights, or your changes are more elaborate, our architects will guide you through the entire process.

Choosing a floor plan for your new home is a complex decision, but with time and research you will find the perfect floor plan for your dream home. So grab a pen and paper, start making your wish list, and soon your dream home will be only a few clicks away!