Building a new house is a process full of excitement and hopeful anticipation. Yet, with thousands of house plans available online, how do you know which one is right for you? It can be hard to know exactly what you are looking for, and how to narrow down the pool of options. Here are the five most important things to consider to help you find the perfect design for your home.
Family Comes First
Before choosing the plan for you, reflect on what your family needs from your home. Where do you spend the majority of your time? You may want a large kitchen for hosting or a bigger play room for your kids. Think about the functionality of the spaces and what’s going to be the best fit. Another way to look at this is to list out what you love about your current home and what you wish you could change.
Also consider privacy requirements. Do you need a quiet office space? What will your neighbor’s sightlines be? Outdoor spaces are important too. If you spend a lot of time playing or entertaining outside you’ll want to think about what kinds of outdoor living areas works best with your weather and property.
Lay of the Land
Understanding the different requirements of the land on which your home will be built is important to finding the right plan. Using your property’s survey and local zoning requirements, figure out the buildable space that your house will need to fit into. If you are working with something smaller, our Abigar and Alderney plans were designed to fit on standard city lots.
In addition, you may want to consult a builder on local codes and regulations. While we try to make all of our designs comply with the strictest of municipalities, each location is unique.
Also, don’t forget about the features of your land. Take a look around the property. What makes it distinctive and beautiful? Where are the best views? What angles will give you the best natural light? Find a plan that will help you take advantage of these aspects and make the most out of your homesite.
Design Aesthetic
Your home should also match your style, not just be functional. Search for plans designed in your favorite genre, whether that’s modern farmhouse, contemporary, old world European or something else. See if you are drawn to traditional floorplans with separated spaces, or if you prefer everything open like the more modern designs.
If you plan to keep most of your furniture, think about what home aesthetic will fit. You probably don't want to fill a ranch style home with vintage Victorian furnishings. Find a design that will feel cohesive and consistent with what you put in it.
What’s It Going to Cost?
Discuss average construction costs with a trusted local builder or contractor. Get an estimate for the typical cost per square foot in your area for the level of finish out you desire. This can be a great starting place for figuring out what size house you can afford to build.
You may also want to have them examine your property for any potential added lot costs due to tree removals or grading. Especially if you are deciding between two or three plans, a builder or contractor can help you determine which design may be best suited for your budget.
Making Modifications
Another thing to remember is that plan modifications may be a possibility. At Perch, we understand that every family has a different idea of what makes their dream home. Each of our designs is customizable, and we work with you directly to make sure the plans are perfect for you. Just send us an email and we’ll see what we can do to help!
The most important thing is, you have an amazing opportunity to build a new home exactly suited to fit you. It can feel overwhelming at times along the way, but at Perch Plans we have taken steps to ensure our clients have a smooth and enjoyable journey from start to finish. So take a look at our designs, and experience for yourself what sets Perch apart.
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