The floor plan is where it all begins when it comes to custom home building. It’s not always easy to start designing your own home, but selecting a floor plan will give you and your custom builder the best idea of what your finished home will look like. If you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to selecting a floor plan, follow these steps for a stress-free journey to finding the best floor plan for you:
Consider How Much Space You Need for Your Home
The first step in selecting a floor plan for your custom home is determining how much space you require. How many floors, how many bedrooms, and how many bathrooms do you need? Are you just starting a family, or will your children leave soon? Do you want a lot of extra outdoor space on your lot, or are you content with a smaller backyard if your home has all the amenities?
You’ll have a better idea of how much space you’ll need and how that space will translate into a floor plan once you know what you need in your home — an office, a formal dining room, a playroom, a bar in the basement, and so on. While you’re probably aware of the types of floor plans you prefer, a little research can go a long way.
Research into How People Do Their Floor Plans
Now that you’ve decided which rooms to include in your new custom home, it’s time to put it all together functionally and appealingly. Do some online research and consider attending some walkthroughs to see what other people are doing with their floor plans.
Look at houses that are similar in size to yours, but don’t limit yourself by style. You’re looking for overall flow and broad issues. Even if a home is not your style, it may have a great overall home layout.
Don’t rush through the research stage. Allow plenty of time to look at various types of houses and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each floor plan you’re seriously considering.
Weigh the Pros and Cons of Your Ideal Floor Plan
Consider the advantages and disadvantages of your chosen floor plan before approaching your builder. No floor plan is perfect — an open floor plan that lets in natural light can be noisy, whereas a more traditional floor plan may offer more design options and accommodate more rooms, but it lets in less light.
There’s nothing wrong with any floor plan you choose; it’s just important to understand that each floor plan has advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before making it permanent in your new custom home.
Think of Functionality Instead of Finishes
It’s easy to be swayed by unique hardwoods in one home or stunning architecture in another, but keep in mind that you’re only looking at overall flow at this point. You can add any of those gorgeous finishes later in a custom home, but it’s difficult to make a house truly your home if the floor plan doesn’t suit your lifestyle. So, make your decision based on function first, and then add the form later.
Talk to Your Builder
You’ll be able to explain what you want in your custom home now that you’ve done your research and know what you need. A good custom home builder will meet with you and possibly an architect to review your plans. They’ll listen to what you have to say and incorporate all of your suggestions into one or two blueprints that reflect your decisions.
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when choosing the ideal floor plan for your custom-built home. The size and layout of your home, budget, and lifestyle are all critical factors to consider. With some research and planning, you can find the perfect floor plan for your new home.
Are you looking for custom homes in Tulsa? Banner Custom Homes offers high-quality craftsmanship and design for quality custom-built homes. Contact us to learn more.