Monthly Archives: January 2013

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.

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.