Leave a reply

Many people today are opting to design their own homes, rather than buying existing houses that are on the market. This can be a fantastic idea and a very rewarding process; however, before you jump into the decision to design your own home, you must decide if it is truly worth it for you to do so. Many people opt to design their own homes, and still end up with the type of vinyl sided, split-level, stainless steel applianced home that you can buy in any new subdivision, often at a lower price than what you would pay to build. If you choose to build a home, think about what you can do to make it worth your while. Designing house plans is a great way to make the designing and building process worth your while, and will leave you with a home that truly stands out from the rest.

Craftsman house plans contain a few key elements characteristic of the craftsman house style. Simple, traditional materials are often used on both the outside as well as the inside. Materials such as wood (often raw, unfinished wood that offers a rustic charm) and stone are found throughout the house. These materials give the home a natural, earthy feel, but also a timeless one that always outlasts home decor trends and fads and really stands the test of time. In fact, that timelessness is what makes craftsman house plans so special, unique, and worthwhile. Craftsman homes have a special feel to them and will always be remembered by those lucky enough to visit you in your home. Craftsman homes are never out of style, but never seem to be super trendy either, so by building one, you are truly bestowing a quality of timelessness on your home.

The interior structure design of craftsman house plans is often simple too. Rooms are large and simple in shape. There is generally no complex split leveling; maybe just one upper loft area for bedrooms or an extra sitting area. Ceilings tend to be high, sweeping, and majestic, giving craftsman homes a distinct feeling of openness and airiness. Many people find this comforting, especially in urban areas where living can feel cramped and disconnected with nature. The openness and natural quality of craftsman homes is a unique and positive experience. It is a great place to escape to without ever having to leave the city!

Craftsman House PlansDespite all the conveniences of living in an urban area, there are some downsides. Having a home that looks just like everybody else’s on the block can be disheartening and might not make you feel like your home is special or even truly your own. Designing craftsman house plans is a great way to make the most of the experience of designing and building your own home, and will result in a timeless, beautiful home that will stand the test of time. A craftsman house is one that truly becomes a home, and will stay that way for many years to come.

Leave a reply

Moving into a new home is an exciting time especially when you have designed the floor plan for the home yourself. Deciding between building and buying can be a tough decision, and anyone who has ever designed a home and had it built for them knows it can be a lengthy process, and unlike buying a home, there is no instant gratification. However, it always works out to be the most satisfying possible experience and the home is one that will be special to you forever, no matter how long you live there, as long as you are willing to put a lot of time and thought into designing the house plans. When it comes to getting the plans designed, one of the biggest issues many people face is how to use their designated space.

House Floor PlansWhen designing a home, you generally already know the lot size of the property, and therefore have an idea of roughly how many square feet you will have to work with. However, there are endless possibilities when it comes to what to do with all of those square feet. House floor plans can take a number of different shapes, and the first question you need to ask yourself is whether you want an open concept home, or one with a little bit more separation between rooms. Both have their pros and cons, so you need to decide which style of house floor plans suits your family and lifestyle best.

Open concept homes can be a great way to bring the family together. There is little to no separation between the kitchen, Great room, and dining area, so while you are getting dinner ready, you can also be watching a football game on television, or chatting with your kids as they play in the Great room. An open concept home is great for people love to entertain, but in a more casual way. If you like your guests to make themselves at home, and feel helping themselves to drinks and snacks, it’s nice to have your entire main living area connected as one fluid unit. It also allows you to visit with guests in the living room as you clean up after a meal. Open house floor plans are easy, comfortable, and casual.

Some people love to entertain, but prefer to do so in a more formal way. For these people, house floor plans that offer separation between rooms might be a better option. You can serve guests in the dining room without them seeing the preparation area in the kitchen. This is also a great way to hide a pile of dirty dishes in the kitchen sink! A separate kitchen and living room also helps you to relax in the living room, as you won’t constantly be looking into a room that you associate with work.

Whether you choose to go with a more traditional, separate-room concept or a modern open concept, designing your own house floor plans gives you the freedom to have the house of your dreams. It might take a bit longer than buying a ready-made house, but it will be worth it in the end!

Leave a reply

small house plans for empty nestersNew empty nesters often experience sad days when their last child leaves home. However, once the initial shock wears off, the realization hits them that there is a whole new world to discover. Hobbies and travelling they have missed out on because of time or finances. As well, they often think about downsizing and building a smaller version of their dream home. Then the search is on for small house plans.

Although this step of looking at plans for a smaller house feels uncomfortable at first because for a large part of their life, the big family house was the base for their children and them. They eventually realize that the house is too big and less noisy making it feel a little lonely. Trading in the family home for a more efficient smaller home shouldn’t ever be thought of as trading down. Small house plans offer more space quality and practicality. Their new, smaller dream home will take them through the rest of their lives in comfort.

There is no longer a need to feel that life as they knew it is over. Instead it is an exciting beginning, especially since with small house plans they can have a say in all aspects of the home before it’s built. This can become one of their new hobbies.

Small House Plans for Empty Nesters

The empty nesters can look at homes with less bedrooms and more space for relaxing and entertaining. When designing their new small house plan, they can also add luxurious touches, if they choose. However, no matter which direction they want to go, they should consider storage, maintenance, practicality, kitchen and master bedroom size.  Materials for small house plans are generally cheaper because less brick or wood is needed. As well it doesn’t need as much land to place it on. Empty nesters can also search for a plan that is close and then discuss the possibility of modifications.

Stairs or a Bungalow?

One challenge empty nesters face is getting rid of stairs. With aging it is important to think about the practicality of stairs. Small house plans can have a basement, or no basement and one or two floors.  Bungalow and cottage plans are very often two story so this sentence doesn’t apply.  Another factor to consider with a small house plan is whether to get a traditional, or open house plan. This can take a while to decide, particularly, if both parties can’t agree. Some empty nesters like having the master bedroom separated from the other bedrooms with a traditional plan; while others don’t.

When empty nesters are ready to start their new lives and think about building a cosier and smaller home, they have a lot of exciting things to think about. Although the transition is sometimes difficult, once they start planning their dream home, it gets them excited about the future. If you just found yourself childless, now is the best time to start looking at small house plans, to see what your next dream home will look like.

Leave a reply

A blog detailing important points that will affect how and which home plans you choose.

Home plans vary from massive to quaint and from Cape Cod styles to craftsman and even log cabins. The great thing about choosing home plans today is that your choices are endless. Depending on your particular needs, whether you live alone, have a large family or are just beginning a family – or if perhaps you are now retired, you can find a layout that is customized to you.

Although the world is your oyster when you begin shuffling through home plans to narrow down your wish list- there are a few things you should consider before settling on any one plan. First and foremost you need to think about where you are building. Is it an area that has a high water level – such as California? If you live in an area with high water levels, as in, you are more on par with the sea level then you may not be able to build a home with a basement. Similarly, if you purchased a plot of land in an already established area, there may be building restrictions enforced – such as the style of the home plans may need to match with the neighborhood or due to power lines or utilities access your home may have size restrictions. Make sure you are fully aware of any restrictions, either natural or enforced that may limit your selection before you set your heart on something you can`t have.

You should also, always, get your builder in on the home plans discussion.  They will be able to tell you about possible changes you can make to certain plans or advise you of changes that cannot be made. This can be a simple way to pare down the many options you have to choose from.  It is always best to narrow down your home plans to a short list but you don`t want anything on your short list that is impractical or impossible for your builder to provide for you – this is why it is important to consult them.  The more involved you are with your builder and the more aware they are of your tastes and preferences, the more likely you are to walk away from the homebuilding challenge a happy person.

Building your own home from the ground up is an exciting undertaking. More than that though – it`s actually more affordable to build your own home in some cases than it is to purchase a pre-existing one.  That`s pretty incredible but the final thing you need to think about when narrowing down your home plans short list, is your future. Invest in home plans and a well thought out design that is going to meet your needs either as an individual or a family for the next twenty years. Yes, you may decide to sell way before then but it`s nice to be able to choose to sell as opposed to having no choice because you have outgrown a home that you put so much time and effort into customizing. So remember, when the time comes to sift through the array of home plans out there think: Restrictions, Builder, Future and you will be on your way to a great, practical short-list of homes for you or your family.

Leave a reply

We offer a wide selection of house plans; below, we discuss the value of craftsman-style floor plans in a world where material possessions are becoming more important than family.

Craftsman style homes are characterized by warm inviting features such as large porches, big windows and down to earth designs that simplify the look of the home.  Craftsman house plans were born as a response to the decadent Victorian Era which was characterized by all things grand and lavish: highly detailed parlors, intricate window framing, grand moldings, rich tapestries, upholsteries and rugs.  Craftsman house plans represent a desire to step away from the material aspects of that era and embrace the simpler things – such as a picturesque view through a large window or the ability to entertain friends on the porch on warm summer nights. The craftsman style is reminiscent of a farm house with obvious upgrades.  There is typically more detailing on the exterior – either through the use of multiple materials or by the classic wood architectural elements that mirror the homes overall shape.

There is something comfortable and homey about craftsman house plans. It really has a decadence of its own – although it’s a much different decadence than the Victorian definition. Craftsman house plans are rich in the sense of space and ambience created by the architectural design. Although this style of home does not need to be massive to be impressive, there is something about a spacious kitchen, a wood-burning fireplace and warm hardwood flooring that feels like home. Essentially the Craftsman home brings the rural simplistic beauty of country living, into the urban sprawl.

There are also certain elements of craftsman house plans that you can’t do without. Built in bookshelves and breakfast nooks are part of what make these homes not only family friendly but authentic to their original roots. Craftsman style really is a focus on family, it provides all the necessary components to encourage get-togethers and they boast enough space in some craftsman house plans to accommodate a larger than average modern family.

While many people are flocking to new home designs that incorporate all the most modern features, it feels as if society has shifted back into another age of decadence. People want the grandest homes, built from the most spectacular materials where they can display their most treasured pieces of technological advancement. From refrigerators that self-adjust temperature and display the weather to ovens that clean themselves and televisions that span a whole room in three-dimensional drama, there is a distinct feeling that once again, material luxuries have become more important than anything else. Craftsman house plans are where you will find that retreat from opulence. Your home should be a safe haven where you can take comfort in your family and a hearty home cooked meal. If you are looking for that and you want your home to say “family” as opposed to “wealthy” then a craftsman home is where you will find it. Craftsman house plans are gorgeous and although they are no feat of modern architectural design – they will give you a comfortable, tried and tested place to lay your head at the end of the work day where you feel warm and invited – not scared to touch anything or move something out of place. Learn to relax a little with a Craftsman.

Leave a reply

A blog discussing the benefits of pre-designed houseplans.

If you decide to build your own home there are two things you can do when trying to decide on a design: you can create completely custom houseplans with the help of an architect or you can choose from an array of professionally pre-designed houseplans.  The obvious caveat here is that pre-designs will be much cheaper than custom, from scratch ones.  The great thing about using a pre-designed plan however, is that you know it’s been done by professionals and it’s not set in stone.

Once you decide on the houseplans you like, you can discuss with your builder the potential of moving the location of a room, abolishing a room entirely or rearranging a room with pre-set fixtures (like a kitchen) to something that suits your personal style better.  Just because you choose to use houseplans that are already drafted up, doesn’t mean you can’t add custom touches.

Houseplans will be a very important part of your home building experience so you want to make sure you choose plans or design plans that will include all your necessities.  It’s also important to think ahead.  If you intend to be in this home for the long haul, you’ll want to consider things such as an expanding family, room for guests, accessibility, storage and resale value.  Although this may be your long term family home, once your nest is empty you might just find that it is far too much space for you to continue to maintain.  If you think that you would like to stay in the family home well past your retirement years then you may want to consider things such as including additional major amenities on the ground floor.  Having a master bedroom and ensuite-bathroom on the main floor will be an asset in later years if injuries, illness or infirmity make it difficult for you to climb stairs. Thinking about these things this far in advance will help you choose houseplans that suit you and your family throughout the various stages of life.


Your houseplans will also dictate your lot size or vice versa.  If you have pre-purchased a plot of land to build on then you will need to choose houseplans that will be appropriate for that plot. If you bought a long narrow strip of land then building a sprawling mansion will be out of the question.  Similarly, if you do want to build a large home, you will have to shop around to find the appropriate space for it.  Urban developments are tightly packed, with neighbor’s just feet away so if you want big, you might have to build up, rather than out! If you would like to avoid the urban jungles that you will have to go rural to find land big enough to accommodate your home – the biggest issue with this is expense.  The more land you need, the more you are going to pay for it.  You also need to consider that rural land will need to be electrified and have a lot of prep work done well in advance of building unless it was previously used for a residence.  Take all of these things into consideration when designing your home budget; otherwise you may break the bank before the foundation is even laid!

Leave a reply

You have finally made the decision to build your dream home and you are overwhelmed with the large selection of house floor plans available; you have not even started yet. Read on to learn what to do to narrow down the choices.

With all the options out there when choosing floor plans, it can be hard to know where you should begin.  Then there is always that possibility that you find a few house floor plans that you like but they are either too expensive or need some minor changes to be able to work.  Since this is most often the case, you will want to read these pointers on how to choose the best house floor plans for you and your family.  With the right calculations and choices, you may still be able to keep some money in the bank.

What does my family need in a new home?  This is the first question you will want to ask yourself before you begin to even look at house floor plans.  How many bedrooms?  How many bathrooms? How many square feet?  These are all questions that will need to be answered in order to narrow down the search for house floor plans.


One of the biggest mistakes a person makes when beginning to look for house floor plans is guessing what size home they need or choosing a home style based on something they have never seen in person.  This is a mistake because it is vital that considerations be made for other options including personal family needs.  It is also critical to establish a budget that you are able to afford comfortably without it being a strain on the family finances.

Once you have gotten these things out of the way it is important to start your research with the average cost of house floor plans. One way to do this is to contact a few different builders in your area and get an estimate on square foot pricing from them.  It is important to remember that this is an estimate and not the final pricing.  You will also want to ask the difference in costs between getting a single level home in comparison to getting a multi level home.  Often times a multi level home costs less per square foot.

The great thing about floor plans is usually you can have minor changes done to make it the perfect house for your family.  If you have found house floor plans that you love but the laundry room is in the wrong area, many times the company will try to adjust the plans for a small fee.  Changing room sizes or location can also be changed if needed.  If the changes become too drastic then it might be time to choose different house floor plans that will possibly take less work to adapt to the needs of the family.

Choosing to build a home can be a very exciting but scary time and the number of house floor plans out there is very intimidating.  Taking some of these tips to start off can help narrow down your search and help you find the perfect house floor plans for you and your family.
If you are thinking about building your own home, we have all the possible house floor plans you can imagine to choose from, over 23,000. The selection of house floor plans is top of the line and all architectural designs are available for your satisfaction.

Leave a reply

Many people end up deciding to build a home and pick from a variety of house plans. More and more, people are going with log home plans because they really love all the features and traditional makeup of the log cabin home.

Whether you are in the market for a new home for your primary living quarters or are searching for a dream vacation home for your family to enjoy for generations to come; a log home plan can be exactly what you are looking for.  Modern day log home plans are very spacious and offer all of the amenities that we have come to expect, along with the beauty and characteristic features of a log home.  Wouldn’t you love to wake up feeling as if you are surrounded by nature, but also feel the comforts provided by a log home plan?  The beauty of the timbers and natural stone mesh together perfectly, just as they would in their natural environment.

Most log home plans come in kits which are more cost effective and will save you on architectural expense.  Whatever your desires are, a log home plan can fulfill your every need.  For a smaller family of three or four, a log home floor plan of 1,500 to 2,500 square feet would more than meet your needs.  Even more modest styles of log home plans have many amenities to choose from.  A wrap-around porch or a screened in porch would be perfect to enjoy the kids playing joyfully on the lawn while you are sipping on your tea or lemonade. Your log home plan can even include a cozy fireplace for times during the cool weather or a grilling porch for entertaining family and friends. These charming additions to your log home plan, can allow you to further enjoy nature’s beauty in the comforts of your own home.

If you are a larger family, or plan to use your home as a vacation home to gather many family groups together, a more extensive log home plan may be exactly what you are looking for. If your desire is to entertain large groups then it is great idea to look for plans that include recreation rooms, ample great rooms and open floor plans.  Whether you require multiple bedrooms, or a few exquisite master suites, you will be able to find it all in the log home plans that are available to choose from.

New advances in material preparations will ensure that your log home will be protected from insects and weather which will certainly enable you to enjoy the choice you made of log home plans without any pesky concerns.  You will also get to choose your windows, doors, and roofing to personalize your log home further.  Log homes are very durable and will stand the test of time allowing your family to enjoy your home for many years to come. The sooner you start your search for your log home plans, the sooner you will be able to enjoy all of the benefits and comforts provided by your log home.

We have all the log home plans you desire plus more. Check out the log home plans we have and start envisioning the new log cabin home that even your great-great grandchildren can enjoy!

Leave a reply

A blog discussing how to create decor floor plans that look professionally designed without hiring a professional.

Floor plans are an important part of home decor design.  Changing your floor plans occasionally can be an easy way to refresh your home’s space without investing much financially.  Home decor design is almost its own science as there is a visual philosophy and mathematics that go into each design.  A properly laid out design can be inspiring and evoke specific emotions like calm or serenity.

Most people envision building a home from the ground up when they think about floor plans but there are many ways to think of floor plans and the aesthetic point of view is important too. A visually appealing or inviting space can be a great way to sell a home and is a tactic frequently used by homebuilders in model homes.  You will often find the highest quality finishes in model homes, as well as very stylish accents and tasteful furniture.

“Stagers” are people who come into homes that are either on the market or part of a new development and they stage the homes by bringing in beautiful furniture, accessories and accent pieces which help potential buyers envision how the homes will look when they live there.  Stagers are skilled manipulators of floor plans.  They can take a small confined or awkward space and add the right pieces in the right combination to make it feel livable and practical.  Adding a mirror to a key wall or using furniture groupings can help to define floor plans and make them seem larger and more open than perhaps they really are.

You don’t have to hire a stager to create professional looking floor plans in your own home though.  A good way to get an idea of arrangement possibilities is to go to a furniture store that creates displays and look at the floor plans they have utilized.  Furniture businesses often hire stagers to create their floor displays so by browsing through a few retailers you will be able to see the variations possible for your own space.  Professional displays also often tend to go above and beyond necessity as a tactic to entice buyers.  You can take advantage of this because not only will you glean a few ideas about furniture arrangement but you might also find some unique uses of shelving, mirrors, art, drapery and decorative accessories.

Something else to consider when designing your decor floor plans is your color scheme.  You don’t want it to be too bland or too busy; you need to find a happy medium.  Keep in mind that your furniture and the layout you choose can make a room feel busy too.  Having too much furniture incorporated into your floor plans can result in a chaotic feeling when you enter the space.  Consider pairing down your plans to include a few key pieces or create two separate spaces within the same room which will utilize all your furniture. When deciding on colors, you should have large pieces of furniture in solid uniform color, with cushions, knick-knacks and throws in an accenting color or even another large piece, such as a wing-chair in a complimentary but eye-popping pattern.

Floor plans are as important in the decor design of your house as they are in the building stage of your house so make sure you consider design potential when you’re deciding on floor plans to build from.

Leave a reply

When planning the design for custom homes, many considerations must be taken into account to create the appropriate layout for your lifestyle. I am currently in the process of constructing the home that my husband and I have dreamed of for years. After living in a number of different houses and apartments, I had a lot of do’s and do-not’s in mind. I knew that I did not want a bedroom with windows that faced the sunrise or hallways that were not handicap accessible. This house will definitely be the last house we live in. So when we met up with architects to create the perfect floor plan for our lifestyle, I emphasized the importance of wheel chair accessible showers, no steps on the first floor, and a security system like Fort Knox.

Traffic Flow Pattern

Traffic flow patterns should be devised in a way that allows people to move from room to room and inside or outside with ease. Identify quiet zones and place furniture in a layout that diverts traffic from such areas.
Traffic patterns should:

•    Be direct and convenient
•    Avoid paths that cut through rooms
•    Allow ample space for doors to open
•    Provide ample space without waste
•    Give easy access to kitchen

Open Space Concept

A common thing among today’s houses is an open floor plan. Narrow, long, interconnecting hallways are a time of the past. It is extremely important nowadays to utilize large open spaces. I find the idea of open floor plans to be especially attractive because they do not block exterior or interior views, space is not wasted, and entertaining guests is much more manageable. In order to successfully pull off an open space concept, consider maximizing square footage while maintaining a sense of separateness. This can be achieved through using small transition walls that have large entrances between each room.

Security System

Given the fact that this house will hopefully be our last house, we made a point to create a residence with a state-of-the-art home security system. Our architect proposed the idea of building a hidden safe below the staircase. We also had wiring placed around the house for motion sensor devices that can be controlled anywhere on the property using an iPad.

Sunlight and Exterior Views

Lighting is key to enhancing the elegance of any custom home. Setting the footprint of a home in the wrong direction can lead to poor utilization of natural light. Be sure to set the foundation of your house at an angle that will not cast shadows for the majority of the day. Take advantage of the views that your custom home has to offer by ensuring that social and entertainment rooms have large windows that are strategically placed to show off the natural beauty of your property. If you are forced to place master or guest bedrooms in a location that faces the sunrise, there are plenty of great blackout blinds.

It is very rare that a homeowner gets the chance to build his or her dream home. I highly recommend that these considerations be taken into effect so that you can enjoy every aspect of your new life.

Hannah is a security enthusiast and likes to stay up to date on the latest home security tips.