re: Building a house - looking for some advice

quote:

---

It's pretty overwhelming just how many plans they have there

---

Yes, it is. I probably looked at floor plans for 36 months, and still managed to rack up three false starts. I'm happy to share what I learned along the way.Time spent reviewing plans in detail and thinking about your living patterns is money saved in the long run.

It is tempting to shoot for larger square footage, but the best plan is the one suiting your lifestyle & activities (not necessarily the biggest one). When looking at plans, think about:
--how much time you spend outside, on a porch/patio, or in the backyard? Do you cook outside often? This can help you figure out whether you need a kitchen situated near the rear of the house with backyard/patio access, or whether you'd benefit from a half-bath close to the rear door. A well-situated interior kitchen and patio will save you the trouble of building an outdoor kitchen.
--what do you have to store? just clothes, or lots of hobby equipment, art supplies, power tools, hunting or ski clothes, or 1,001 pieces of scrapbooking paraphernalia? When looking at plans, consider carefully all of the closets & storage areas. This is such a big factor in whether your home "feels" large enough. A big house can feel small quickly, if the storage space is insufficient or inaccessible.
--how much time do you spend in the kitchen? If you are a serious cook, the very popular open floor plans may not suit your needs; a big/messy/multi-day kitchen project can take over your entire living space.
--do you really want/need a formal dining room? Most plans incorporate a formal dining room. If you only use the dining room 2-3 times a year, look for plans with an oversized, eat-in kitchen, and the dining room can be repurposed as a sitting room.
--can the house function for older adults? overall, the US population is aging. you may sell the house before you hit your senior years, but the potential market will include LOTS of gray-hairs (or your elderly relatives may come to live with you). Think twice about 2-story plans. Consider extra wide doorways that can accomodate walkers/wheelchairs. Avoid unneeded level changes on the interior. Opt for at least one walk-in or very low threshhold shower in the house.
--If possible, go for oversized garage spaces. I live in an upscale area, and you would not believe the number of homeowners whose two SUVs don't fit in their double garages. A few extra feet in width and length makes a big difference.

Some of the currently trendy features (like built in lockers/landing spaces in a mudroom or entry, or oversized laundry rooms) may not make sense for you. Don't be swayed by the builder suggesting what's "popular".

Also, Houzz.com can be a big help. It is a keyword searchable compendium of interior & exterior decor photos.