Various types of families have different needs when it comes to selecting the house plans that will best match their unique lifestyle. For example, a retired couple might want one level living, while a family with young children would benefit from having the bedrooms all on the same floor. Many other factors come into play, including budget and long-term plans.
If the same house plans worked for every lifestyle, all homes would be identical. Obviously, this isn’t the case. Some of the questions you’ll need to answer as you explore various house plans are:
What is the minimum square footage you need?
Some of the factors that will influence this decision are how many people will live in the household and what their relationships are. For example, a couple might need less space than a mother and daughter living together. Siblings who can share a room will need less square footage than those who can’t. If, over time, you expect your family to grow or you expect to have family members move out, take this into consideration as well.
What is the maximum square footage you want to maintain?
More space isn’t always better. Larger homes require more ongoing maintenance and cost more to keep comfortable. Although your budget might allow for a larger home, think about what that means in the long run. If you don’t think you’ll want to clean and maintain the extra space, consider investing in higher-end finishes or other features that will contribute to your quality of life.
How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need?
Think about how many people will be living in your home over time. Do you like to have space for overnight guests? Would an in-law suite be a good idea for the future? It’s also important to think about the types of rooms you will need. Maybe only the master suite needs a full bath, while the others can be half, three-quarters, or even a powder room.
What are the must-haves for your home’s layout?
Did you know that we spend more time in the kitchen then in any other part of the home? A built-in island with seating can make the room comfortable for everybody in the room. Maybe you like to work on vehicles, and you need the space of a two-car garage. You’re building a custom home—take advantage of this opportunity to get exactly what you want in the layout.
What type of monthly payment are you comfortable with?
For most people, having a realistic budget is a necessity. Determine what you can afford to pay per month so that you can keep that number in mind throughout the design and pricing processes. Also, think about how your finances will change over time. Perhaps your monthly payments will need to be lower after you retire. Make sure to plan for the future and take those plans into account when determining which house plans are the right fit for your lifestyle.
The Home Ownership Counselors at Adair Homes will work closely with you to select a plan that fulfills both your practical needs and your dream-home wish list. Together you will create a comprehensive budget that includes the cost of land, the home, and site preparation so that you know exactly what to expect and how to plan financially. Based on your overall budget, we’ll help you select the floor plan and features that will allow you to get the most for your money while providing long-term financial flexibility and an immediate return on your investment in terms of appraisal value. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today for a free consultation.
