Before You Build a New Home...A Checklist For Great Plan Design
Before You Build a New Home...A Checklist For Great Plan Design
The average person tends to be quite intimidated when they first come up with the idea that they want to build a new home. Whether they are first thinking that they will just find a builder and have it all done for them or they are contemplating controlling the project themselves, there is still the question of how will this process work? Now I am not talking about anyone who has ever been through the process for if you have ever done this before you know there are things you would do differently the next time.
Most people will ultimately put their trust in an individual or company to try and create the home of their dreams from information gained in a few discussions. This is typically the biggest expense you will incur in your life. So my advice is to have a clear understanding of your wants and needs in this new home before jumping into construction.
As you compile this list of needs and wants think not just about the here and now but also if those needs will change in your future. You can reasonably expect to grow into your new home if you begin by covering all the basic living zones that will be present in your new home. Start by answering the following basic list of questions.
How many bedrooms will I need?
Do bedrooms have to be on one level?
How many bathrooms or half baths?
How do I want them to associate with specific other rooms?
Do I want a single level or multi level home?
Do I want a formal dining room or eat-in kitchen?
Do I want a formal living room and separate family room?
Or would I prefer a common great room?
Do I need a main floor study or den?
Could this room serve dual purpose as a guest bedroom?
Do I want a main floor laundry and does it matter where it is placed?
Do I want a breakfast area off the kitchen?
How important is a walk-in pantry or mud room for storage?
How many vehicle stalls do I need in my garage?
Do I want that garage attached or detached?
Do I want the garage doors to face front or some other direction?
This won't apply to all, do I want a basement or can I have one?
If I add a basement, how will I make use of the space?
What is my budget? This will help determine square footage to build.
From here you can proceed to find either the best plan that fits your needs from stock plans or locate someone to design a plan that fits all your needs. Either way you have cleared the biggest hurdle in my expert opinion when it comes to building a new home. For having an idea of what you need and want will guide you to finding the perfect home design, and from there you can proceed to building the home of your dreams.
I hope you have found this article helpful, please leave a comment letting me know topics you would like to see more articles on.