Here are 6 things to consider when choosing a house plan

When it comes to designing your dream home, one of the most crucial decisions you'll have to make is selecting the ideal floor plan that perfectly suits your lifestyle. The layout of the floor plan not only influences the functionality and flow of your home, but it also plays a significant role in the smooth execution of your daily tasks. With the multitude of factors to consider when constructing a new home, it can be quite a challenge to determine the floor plan that truly caters to your specific needs. To shed light on important design considerations, here are six essential factors to ponder upon when you're in the process of choosing the perfect floor plan.

Lifestyle and Future Needs

When picking a house plan, it's crucial to carefully consider your current lifestyle and future needs. Take the time to envision how you will use each space in your home and think about the activities that are important to you. Do you enjoy hosting gatherings and need a spacious living area? Or perhaps you work from home and require a designated office space? Understanding your lifestyle will also help you determine the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you'll need, as well as the overall layout of your living spaces.

In addition to your current needs, it's also essential to think ahead and consider any future changes or additions to your family. Are you planning on expanding your family in the future? If so, it may be wise to choose a floor plan that allows for additional bedrooms or a flexible space that can be easily converted into a nursery. On the other hand, if you have elderly family members or anticipate accommodating them in the future, you may want to consider a floor plan that offers accessibility features such as a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom or a wider hallway to accommodate mobility aids.

A well-designed house plan should provide the perfect balance between functionality and adaptability. It should not only fit your current lifestyle but also offer the flexibility to accommodate any future changes or needs that may arise. By carefully considering your lifestyle and future aspirations, you can choose a floor plan that truly caters to your unique needs and ensures that your dream home remains a perfect fit for years to come.

Functionality and Harmonious Flow

When creating your dream home, it is crucial to prioritise the creation of a comfortable and efficient living space. One of the key aspects of achieving this is carefully considering how the rooms are arranged and their relationships with one another. By doing so, you can ensure that the flow of your home is seamless and conducive to your daily activities.

Start by thinking about how you will use different areas of your home. For example, if you love to entertain, you may want a floor plan that allows for easy movement from the kitchen to the dining area and then to the living room. This open layout not only encourages social interaction but also makes it convenient for you to prepare meals while still being able to engage with your guests.

On the other hand, if you prefer more privacy, it may be important to keep private areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms separate from public spaces. This can be achieved by strategically placing these rooms away from areas of high traffic, ensuring that you have a peaceful and secluded retreat whenever you need it.

In addition to the layout of the rooms, consider the overall flow of your home. Are there any areas that feel disconnected or disjointed? If so, think about how you can improve the flow. This could involve rearranging furniture, adding additional doorways or windows, or even considering structural changes to create a more cohesive and harmonious space.

Ultimately, a functional house plan is one that allows you to move effortlessly throughout your home, making it easy for you to go about your daily tasks and enjoy your living environment. By carefully considering how the rooms are arranged and their relationships with one another, you can create a home that not only looks beautiful but also functions seamlessly, providing you with the ultimate comfort and convenience.

Section Size and Orientation

Your section's size and orientation are crucial factors to consider when choosing a house plan. The size and shape of your site can greatly impact the design and functionality of your home. For example, if you have a narrow lot, it's important to select a house plan that maximises space and utilises clever design techniques to make the most of the available area. This could involve incorporating innovative storage solutions, utilising vertical space, or creating multi-purpose rooms that serve multiple functions.

The orientation of your lot has a significant impact on your home's energy efficiency and overall liveability. The position of your home in relation to the sun can affect the amount of natural light that enters your space, as well as the heat gain or loss throughout the day. By considering the orientation of your site, you can design your home to take advantage of passive solar heating and cooling techniques, maximising energy efficiency and reducing your carbon footprint.

Furthermore, the orientation of your lot can also influence the views from your home. If you have a scenic landscape or desirable surroundings, it's important to consider how your house plan can maximise these views and create a seamless connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces. This could involve designing large windows or glass doors that frame the views, incorporating outdoor living areas or balconies, or strategically positioning rooms to take advantage of specific vistas.

In conclusion, the size and orientation of your lot are crucial considerations when choosing a house plan. By carefully assessing these factors, you can select a design that maximises space, brings in ample natural light, enhances energy efficiency, and takes advantage of any desirable views. This ensures that your home not only meets your functional needs but also provides a beautiful and comfortable living environment that you can enjoy for years to come.

Budget and Costs

When selecting a house plan, it's crucial to have a budget in mind. Remember that the costs of building a home go beyond the initial construction. In addition to the upfront expenses, you need to consider the ongoing expenses such as maintenance, utilities and insurance. It's important to ensure that your chosen house plan aligns with your budget and financial goals.

Once you have a budget in mind, it's essential to carefully review the total construction cost of your chosen house plan. This includes not only the cost of materials and labor but also any additional features or upgrades you might want. It's important to account for any potential changes or modifications you may need to make to the original plan, as these can significantly impact the overall cost.

Consider working with a financial advisor or a mortgage professional to ensure that you fully understand the financial implications of your chosen house plan. They can help you evaluate your budget, explore financing options, and provide guidance on how to make the most of your financial resources.

Remember that your budget is not set in stone and may need to be adjusted throughout the home-building process. Unexpected expenses can arise, and it's important to have some flexibility in your budget to accommodate these changes. It's also advisable to set aside some funds for contingencies or unforeseen circumstances.

By carefully considering your budget and financial goals, you can choose a house plan that not only meets your needs and preferences but also fits within your financial means. This ensures that you can enjoy your dream home without the burden of excessive financial stress.

Style and Aesthetics

When it comes to designing your dream home, the style and aesthetics are just as important as the functionality and layout. The architectural style you choose should not only resonate with you but also reflect your personal taste and vision. Whether you prefer a traditional, modern, farmhouse, or contemporary style, it's essential to select a house plan that aligns with your preferences and enhances the overall look and feel of your home.

If you have a fondness for classic and timeless designs, a traditional architectural style may be the perfect choice for you. With its elegant details, symmetrical layout, and refined finishes, a traditional home exudes a sense of charm and sophistication. This style often features elements such as pitched roofs, decorative accents, and a warm colour palette, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.

On the other hand, if you appreciate clean lines, minimalism, and a sleek aesthetic, a modern architectural style might be more suitable. A modern home embraces simplicity, open spaces, and the use of industrial materials such as concrete, glass, and steel. This style often showcases large windows, open floor plans, and a neutral colour scheme, creating a contemporary and minimalist look.

If you have a love for rustic charm and a connection to nature, a farmhouse architectural style might be the perfect fit. A farmhouse home combines traditional elements with modern amenities, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This style often features a gabled roof, wrap-around porch, and natural materials such as wood and stone, evoking a sense of warmth and comfort.

For those who appreciate cutting-edge designs and innovative features, a contemporary architectural style may be the ideal choice. A contemporary home embraces bold shapes, unconventional layouts, and the use of cutting-edge materials. This style often showcases large windows, unique rooflines, and a mix of textures and finishes, creating a visually striking and avant-garde look.

Regardless of the architectural style you choose, it's important to ensure that the house plan matches your personal preferences and complements your unique lifestyle. Your dream home should reflect who you are and how you want to live. By carefully considering the style and aesthetics, you can create a home that not only meets your functional needs but also brings you joy and satisfaction every time you walk through the door.

So, as you embark on the journey of designing your dream home, don't forget to consider the style and aesthetics that resonate with you. Whether you prefer a traditional, modern, farmhouse, or contemporary style, choose a house plan that reflects your taste, enhances the overall look of your home, and brings your vision to life. After all, your dream home should be a true reflection of you and a place where you can feel truly at home.

Natural Light

When selecting a floor plan for your home, it's important to not only consider the amount of space you need but also the natural light that will fill each room. The presence of natural light can greatly enhance the ambiance and overall feel of your home, creating a bright and welcoming living space.

To maximise natural light, it is crucial to look for floor plans that incorporate large windows and windows on multiple sides of a room. This allows for cross lighting, where sunlight can enter from different angles and illuminate the space throughout the day. By strategically placing windows in various locations, you can ensure that every corner of your home receives ample natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

When considering the orientation of your windows, south-facing windows are particularly beneficial for maximising natural light. These windows receive the most sunlight throughout the day, providing bright and cheerful interiors. By incorporating south-facing windows in your floor plan, you can create spaces that are bathed in sunlight, making your home feel open and airy.

On the other hand, it's important to avoid floor plans with few windows or windows that face the north if you desire a home filled with abundant natural light. North-facing windows receive less direct sunlight, resulting in darker and potentially gloomy interiors. By carefully considering the placement and orientation of windows, you can ensure that your home is filled with an abundance of natural light, creating a cheerful and uplifting environment.

In addition to windows, skylights are another effective way to bring in natural light and brighten up your home. By strategically placing skylights in areas that lack natural light, such as hallways or bathrooms, you can create a sense of openness and brightness. Skylights not only provide additional light but also offer the opportunity to stargaze from the comfort of your own home, adding a touch of magic and wonder to your living space.

Remember, the right floor plan can make all the difference in creating a bright and welcoming living space. By prioritising natural light and incorporating large windows, cross lighting, and strategically placed skylights, you can ensure that your home is filled with an abundance of sunlight, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that you and your family will love.

Standard Plan vs Custom Design

When it comes to choosing the perfect design and floor plan for your dream home, there are two main options to consider. You can either work from a pre-designed set plan that offers great ideas for space utilisation, room placement, and size indications. These plans provide an excellent starting point and make the building process easier, as you don't have to worry too much about the design. However, if you're unable to find exactly what you're looking for, it might be worth designing a custom plan that is tailored to your specific needs and desires. 

At Location Homes, we are committed to providing our customers with a range of options to suit their individual needs and preferences. That's why we offer not only a selection of tried and tested standard plans but also a full design and build option for those who are looking for a truly custom-designed home.

Our standard plans have undergone extensive testing and refinement to ensure that they meet the highest standards of quality and functionality. These plans offer a great starting point for those who want a well-designed home without the need for extensive customisation. With a variety of layouts and sizes available, you can find a standard plan that suits your needs and budget.

However, we understand that every homeowner has unique requirements and desires for their dream home. That's why we also offer a full design and build option, where you can work closely with our team of designers to create a custom plan that is tailored specifically to your vision. Whether you have a specific layout in mind, want to incorporate special features, or have specific spatial requirements, our team will work closely with you to bring your dream home to life.

At Location Homes, we are dedicated to helping you create the home of your dreams. Whether you choose one of our standard plans or opt for a custom design, you can trust that our team will deliver exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Contact us today to discuss your options and start building your dream home.