Monthly Archives: March 2024

How to Find Floor Plans for a House

Floor Plans with Monster House Plans

Monster House Plans makes finding a floor plan easier than ever. Owned and operated by a licensed architect with 40+ years of design experience, Monster House Plans contains thousands of gorgeous homes just waiting to be built.

Extensive Library of Plans

With a huge library of completed plans (over 30,000 to choose from), you can browse to your heart’s content. You’ll find options in nearly 50 design aesthetics, including farmhouse, contemporary, craftsmen, log cabin, Tuscan, Tudor, and even tiny homes.

User-Friendly Search Filters

Monster House Plans makes this process clear and simple, especially if you’re wondering how to find floor plans for a house that checks off every item on your bucket list. You can search by square footage, number of stories, bedrooms, bathrooms, and garages, or narrow things down by specific features you’re looking for (like a grand entry, sun deck, or wine cellar).

Advanced Features and Tools

Along with blueprints, Monster House Plans also offers advanced features to help you really envision your future home.

3D tours

See your plans in 3D to get a better feel for the layout and spacing

Virtual walkthroughs

Walk through your house plan in a detailed virtual video

Materials Lists

Purchase a complete list of materials needed for each house plan

Cost-to-Build Estimates

Get accurate estimates in under 5 minutes, specific to the cost of materials in your zip code

Customization Services

Still can’t find exactly what you want? Monster House Plans also offers flexibility with modifications to existing floor plans. You can consult with an architect directly through MHP and figure out customized solutions that make sense for your specific build.

Expert Advice and Resources

Along with a plethora of professional designs to choose from, you’ll also find plenty of educational resources on Monster House Plans. Whether you’re interested in learning about trends, what defines a design style, or how to build a more affordable home, MHP provides expert advice and information throughout your search.

Pick Your Perfect Floor Plan with Monster House Plans

Ready to start building your dream home? Whether you’re looking for a 6-bedroom Mediterranean mansion or a 600-square-foot bungalow, there’s truly something for everyone at MHP.

How to Read a Floor Plan

What is a Floor Plan

The term “floor plan” typically refers to a detailed map outlining an individual floor within a home or building. A floor plan is usually part of a larger plan “set” detailing different rooms and areas within a home.

A floor plan may also include design drawings, which are intended to outline the design of a home in a manner that is understandable to laypersons not well versed in construction or architecture terminology.

What is Included in a Floor Plan

A quality floor plan should provide you with a general idea of what your finished home will look like after construction is complete. The floor plan should provide an overview of the square footage associated with specific areas, such as living and dining rooms, the primary bedroom and bathroom, any guest bedroom(s), and all bathrooms. In addition, a quality floor plan should offer insight into the location and size of the windows and doors in your home.

What is Not Included in a Floor Plan

A detailed floor plan should be able to offer you a level of insight into what your home will look like when construction is complete, but it is important to understand the inherent boundaries associated with such a plan. For example, a detailed floor plan will typically provide the width of a space in your home, but it typically does not provide sufficient detail or context on the height of the ceiling, doors, and/or windows in your home. In addition, exterior elevations are generally not included in a floor plan. Furthermore, a floor plan usually does not contain information about the finishes that will be used in a specific space or room.

Navigating the Layout of a Floor Plan

Navigating the layout of a floor plan is important because you want to ensure the layout “flows” and is designed properly to maximize the space for both special occasions and everyday occurrences. It is quite common for people to overemphasize infrequent occurrences (e.g., greeting guests at the entry of your home or hosting a dinner party for a wedding or other milestone event). Similarly, people routinely underemphasize how the layout will work for daily use (e.g., where shoes will be stored when people come in and out of the home, a space for administrative matters such as bills and other mail). This is why you should take stock of how your typical day is run and areas you’d like to maximize in these scenarios.

When reviewing your floor plan, it is important to know the details so you can imagine the look and feel of the room. Here are some key components you should consider:

You have a general idea as to what will fit in the room based on the dimensions;
You have a general idea as to the circulation around the room.
You have a general understanding of how each room relates to the other (e.g., your guest bedroom is in close proximity to the guest bathroom).

Identifying Different Rooms and Spaces

Identifying different rooms and spaces in your floor plan can be challenging, especially for individuals not well versed in construction and architecture terminology. To assist in providing a baseline of knowledge to help you with the floor plan review, bear in mind that the plan will usually include a compass that points to the north. Keep this company in mind when reviewing each room and space in your home since it can help indicate how light will travel through the home.

A quality floor plan should also contain a series of symbols intended to help you visualize how the home is structured. Symbols used in floor plans are standardized so a general audience can interpret and understand them.

Reading Room Dimensions and Sizes

You may be intimidated at the prospect of reading room dimensions, but do not fret. A quality floor plan should provide specific, detailed and understandable measurements for each room. In most instances, a floor plan will describe the room dimension and size in feet. This is intended to help you understand the overall scale of your home.

Understanding Symbols and Notations

Common Symbols

As mentioned earlier, a floor plan will usually feature a series of symbols. Those symbols are included to assist you in viewing and visualizing the overall design of your home. Common symbols include:

Walls: Your floor plan should have a wall symbol that illustrates both exterior and interior and walls. Wall symbols typically appear as a set of parallel solid lines on either side. Other floor plans may illustrate the walls with a pattern-like effect.
Windows: For windows, the symbol will usually appear as a small break in a wall, followed by a thin line along the width.
Doors: For doors, there will typically be a break in a wall and the door space will be displayed at right angles with a small arc advising which way the door swings (e.g., inward or outward).
Stairs: The stairs in a floor plan are usually illustrated as a series of rectangles. This series of rectangles will also be accompanied by a directional arrow indicating whether the stairs go up or go down. Where stairs are intended to be three feet above the floor, they will be cut with a diagonal line. Stairs designed to be above the designated “cut line” will be illustrated with dashed lines.
Fixtures: Many floor plans nowadays illustrate where fixtures such as sinks, toilets, etc. will be located. It is common for floor plans to emphasize and highlight the location of kitchen fixtures and bath fixtures (since they are usually utilized with greater frequency relative to other fixtures). It is also important to understand where these fixtures are located since the placement of a refrigerator relative to a sink, and an oven relative to a range will significantly impact the overall design and flow of the space.

Understanding Annotations and Text Labels

In addition to understanding floor plan symbols, it is important to have a general understanding of annotations and text labels. Why? Because certain annotations and text labels can impact structural elements such as the location and design of your doors, walls, windows and/or stairs. Annotations and text labels also play a role in properly identifying the plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems in your home.

If you have trouble identifying your understanding these various symbols, notations, labels, annotations, etc. many floor plans are accompanied by a legend that describes specific aspects of your home. For example, the legend will provide insight into the colors, symbols and text of the floor plan.

Explore Monster House Plans with Confidence!

If you are looking for guidance on how to read a floor plan and floorplan symbols, Monster House Plans is here to help. When you utilize our vast array of services, you will have the confidence in knowing you are accessing a tailored list of popular homes designed with your specifications and preferences in mind.

Monster House Plans takes pride in our floor plans and innovative options, like offering you the option to consult with a qualified architect and designer, calculating the estimated cost to build your dream home, and providing you with a detailed and high quality material list. Explore our House Plans Today!

How to Save Money when Building a House

How to Save Money When Building a House

Building your dream home is an adventure filled with excitement and anticipation. But as anyone who has gone through the process can tell you, it can also be a journey fraught with unexpected expenses and budget overruns. The good news? With some strategic planning and informed decisions, you can significantly cut costs without compromising on your vision. Here are essential tips for saving money while creating the house plans for the home you’ve always wanted.

Start with a Solid Plan

Choose Your Plot Wisely: The location of your home affects not just its future value but also the cost of construction. Opt for a plot that doesn’t require extensive groundwork, which can skyrocket expenses. Research the area for potential growth to ensure a good investment.

Design Efficiently: Big doesn’t always mean better. Focus on house plans that maximize space in a smart way. Open floor plans and multi-functional rooms can reduce square footage while still providing the feeling of spaciousness. Remember, a more compact house saves on materials and energy costs.

Budget Smartly

Set a Realistic Budget: Before diving into the building process, determine how much you can afford to spend and stick to it. Ensure your budget includes a buffer of at least 10-15% for unforeseen expenses, which are almost guaranteed to arise.

Get Multiple Quotes: Never settle on the first contractor or supplier you meet. Requesting bids from multiple sources can provide leverage for negotiation and help you find the best deal without sacrificing quality.

Save on Materials

Choose Cost-Effective Materials: Innovation in construction materials means you can choose options that are both economical and durable. For example, engineered wood products can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional hardwood.

Buy in Bulk: For items you’re sure to need in large quantities (like bricks, cement, or paint), buying in bulk can lead to significant savings. Work closely with your contractor to estimate needs accurately to avoid excess.

DIY What You Can

Take on DIY Projects: While some tasks require professional expertise, others, like painting, installing fixtures, or landscaping, can be done on your own. Not only does this save money, but it also adds a personal touch to your home.

Work with the Right People

Hire a Good General Contractor: A skilled and trustworthy contractor like Monster House Plans is worth its weight in gold. They can manage the project efficiently, avoid costly errors, and offer valuable advice on saving money without cutting corners.

Consider Package Deals: Some companies offer design-build services, which can be more cost-effective than hiring separate entities for design and construction. This approach also simplifies communication and project management.

Be Energy-Efficient

Invest in Energy Efficiency: Although it might seem like an added expense, investing in energy-efficient windows, insulation, and appliances will save you money in the long run through lower utility bills. Renewable energy sources, like solar panels, can also offer long-term savings and tax incentives.

Stay Flexible

Be Willing to Compromise: It’s important to know where you can afford to make compromises and where you shouldn’t. For example, opting for a less expensive countertop material can free up your budget for features that offer more value to you, such as energy-efficient appliances or high-quality windows.

Conclusion

Building a house is a significant investment, and it’s natural to seek ways to minimize costs without compromising on your dream. By planning carefully, choosing the right materials and partners, and being willing to put in some sweat equity, you can make significant savings. Remember, the goal is to build a home that meets your needs, reflects your style, and stays within your budget. With these tips, you’re well on your way to making that goal a reality. Check out how we determine the cost of your desired home build here.