The process of building a new home for your family, while incredibly exciting, can be terribly overwhelming. Selecting a floor plan is one of the first steps, but with endless options available at your fingertips, it may seem impossible to choose just one. There are several important factors to consider when deciding on a layout for your home, so we’ve compiled a few tips for choosing the right floor plan for your lifestyle.
Use your imagination.
When looking at a floor plan, imagine walking through that home. It’s important to consider your daily life and how the flow of the house will help or hinder your routine. Do you prefer to do your laundry closer to living spaces, or by the bedrooms? Does your family prefer to eat in a casual setting, like a breakfast nook, or in a formal dining room? Do you work from home and need an office where you can get some privacy? If your home is going to suit your family long term, the space needs to work for you.
One of our most popular floor plans, the Highland Model, features a casual dining area adjacent to the kitchen and family room. There is no formal dining room, but plenty of space to entertain and allow family and friends to spend time together.
Focus on living spaces.
Most families spend a great deal of time in the kitchen or family room. The open concept floor plan is very popular as a way to gather and socialize, and make the most use of natural light in the home. Pay close attention to the layout of these open spaces, and how your furniture will fit. Do you like to host parties and gatherings? Will you be able to accommodate enough people?
Don’t forget storage.
Something that could be very frustrating when you move into your new home is a lack of places to put things. When reviewing floor plans, check on the closets. Is there a place to keep shoes, bags, and coats, such as a coat closet or mudroom? Where will you store your holiday decorations, linens, and cleaning supplies? Is there a pantry for your dry goods? Keep in mind the items that you own that you store away, and where you would keep them if this were your home.
Think outside the box.
If you have extra rooms or bonus spaces, consider how you may be able to repurpose them so that you will get the most use out of them. Perhaps you could use an extra bedroom for a home office that doubles as a craft room, or a playroom that will transition into a study as your kids grow older. The spaces and rooms in your home should be a reflection of how you and your family spend your time.
Another of our popular plans, the Chesapeake, features an option to have a first-floor office near the front door, which could easily convert into a toy area, library, or study.
Remember that size matters, sometimes.
Try not to focus too much on a particular square footage that you may have expected to build, or certain bedroom dimensions. Some floor plans make very efficient use out of less space. What is most important is that your home, big or small, works well with your lifestyle.
Most importantly, ask questions. Here at Schaefer Homes, your happiness is our priority. Our goal is to build you a dream home that compliments your lifestyle.
When you’re ready to get started, check out our available floorplans and get in touch with us.