Choosing the Right Floor Plan for Your New Home
Mike Meszes, President
North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) www.ncbia.com
A new home can provide the flexibility and comfort you can enjoy for many years. Building your dream home can be an exciting prospect, and one key step in the process is selecting a floor plan that fits your needs. A floor plan is an aerial view of the layout of a home. Selecting a floor plan will also give you a sense of the flow of the home from room to room. A builder can recommend floor plans with flexibility, functionality, and maximize the space available on the lot. If you’re not sure which floor plan to select for your new home, consider the following steps.
Make a List of Must-Haves
Making a list of must-have features will help you stay focused. The best place to start is by thinking about the features you’re missing in your current home, and which would be ideal in your new home. Would you prefer a bigger bedroom or kitchen? A builder can make recommendations based on the structural and design elements you prefer.
Assess Your Daily Needs and Lifestyle
Beyond bedrooms and bathrooms, think about the other spaces you would like to have in your new home. For example, a home office, media room or a laundry room might fit your lifestyle needs. There are also spaces and features you don’t think about, but you might use often such as a mudroom, storage closet or large kitchen island for entertainment. You also want to think about your preferences with the level of noise and privacy, your home layout will have an impact on both. Exterior needs are important considerations as well. If you enjoy entertaining outside, a patio, water feature, pool or outdoor kitchen are other items you should discuss with your builder.
Consider Your Future Needs
It is important to consider how your lifestyle and needs can change, such as space for children, pets or aging parents. If you want to have different ages of individuals living comfortably under one roof, it might be a good option to select a floor plan design to accommodate multigenerational living.
Take a Tour of Homes
Even with a detailed floor plan, sometimes it can be challenging to visualize the layout of your new home. A walk-through of a model home or home under construction can give you a better idea of the actual home size and flow. A home tour can also help you decide if you need more space or amenities depending on your budget. Invite family and friends along for the tour for support and recommendations. You can start by going to the NCBIA Virtual Parade of Homes. Our Virtual Parade of Homes allows you to tour new homes and communities from local builders and remodelers anytime—right from your computer or mobile device. It’s a convenient way to explore your options and find a home that fits your lifestyle, on your schedule. www.ncbia.com – Consumers – Virtual Parade of Homes.
Your Trusted Local Resource
The North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) is your local not-for-profit trade association representing member companies involved in all aspects of home building, remodeling, and related services.
Choosing an NCBIA member is an important step in protecting your investment and ensuring you work with a professional committed to industry standards.
To verify a contractor or find a trusted professional:
- Visit www.ncbia.com
- Call 440-934-1090
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