Building your dream home can be an exciting prospect. A key step in the process is selecting a floor plan that fits your needs.
Selecting a floor plan will also give you a sense of the flow of the home from room to room. A builder can recommend floor plans with flexibility and functionality that maximizes the space available on the lot.
If you’re not sure which floor plan to select for your new home, consider the following steps.
List your must-haves
Making a list of must-have features will help you stay focused. The best place to start is by thinking about the features you’re missing in your current home and what would be ideal in your new home.
Would you prefer a bigger bedroom or kitchen? A larger master bath? Your builder can make recommendations based on the structural and design elements you prefer.
Assess daily needs, lifestyle
Beyond bedrooms and bathrooms, think about the other spaces you’d like to have in your new home.
For example, a home office, media room or laundry room might fit your lifestyle needs.
There are also spaces and features you might not be considering but would actually use such as a mudroom, storage closet or large kitchen island.
You also want to think about your preferences with the level of noise and privacy, as your home layout will impact both.
Exterior needs are important considerations as well. If you enjoy entertaining outside, a patio, water feature, pool or outdoor kitchen are other items you should discuss with your builder.
Consider your future needs
It’s important to also consider how your lifestyle and needs can change. For example, you might someday need space for children, pets or aging parents.
If you want to have different ages of individuals living comfortably under one roof, it might be a good option to select a floor plan that accommodates multigenerational living.
Use online resources
Even with a detailed floor plan, envisioning the layout of your new home can be challenging. Utilizing online programs and touring individual homes can help.
Lukas Levin with Pratt Home Builders shares, “We offer a great set of digital tools to help homebuyers find their new home including ... [3D] walkthroughs, interactive site plans and a home finder tour. During the latter, customers can answer a few questions and get results based on what’s most important to them.”
To learn more about local home developments or for a list of builders, visit the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga’s member directory at www.HBAGC.net.