Author Archives: HouseplanGuy

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There are many different styles and types of houses on the market, but there is not usually one home that meets all the wants and needs of a person or family. When you have decided it’s time to buy a new home for your family, the choices can also be overwhelming. There are many considerations that need to be made, from the location, schools, landscaping, layouts, and floor plans. The problem is that many pre-built homes have floor plans that you wish you could change, adapt, or shift around.

When investing in a new home, the plan is typically to live there for many years, so you want everything to be just right. Choosing to have your new home built is the best way to get exactly what you need and want out of your purchase, but even choosing the right floor plans can be tough.

The great thing about floor plans that you are looking at is you can often have them customized, so you can make the small changes your family needs. When you are looking through the many different layouts, you should be sure to keep in mind how convenient daily chores will be in the setup, because what you may think you want might not be the most practical once you are moved in.

One thing you really want to consider is closed floor plans versus open plans. If you are someone who loves to entertain family and friends, then open floor plans are going to be your best choice. Open plans sacrifice levels of privacy with no walls between primary common rooms, such as the kitchen, living room, and dining room. When entertaining, the open floor plan prevents people from being separated by walls.

While it may seem obvious to verify that your lot is big enough to accommodate the size of the floor plans, not all people check this beforehand. There are many restrictions or possible building codes that you must know about your property before you begin selecting the home plans. Not knowing what these are can only cause many problems and delays in construction.

floor plans for your home interiorsIt’s also a good idea to think about what is going to matter the most to your family. If you decide in the future to add a hot tub or a swimming pool, will your property accommodate the build? Think about this before picking the floor plans for your build. If your home is really large then you are taking up some of your yard area. Special rooms in the house, such as kid’s play rooms, offices, hobby rooms, and even extras like home theaters and gyms can be added in later if the house is accommodating, so keep that in mind as well. If your family is into fitness and has gym equipment, then you want to consider the possibility for a workout room when choosing floor plans.

You want to be sure that your home is not only built to suit the present day, but also the future. Your kids are probably not going to need a toy room in a few years, and there will be other changes, so thinking about all of these possibilities will really help you to customize your floor plans to meet the needs for you and your family both now and in the future. Whatever your floor plan needs, click here to browse our wide selection ofhouse plans.

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When someone chooses to buy a new home it can bring on many emotions, and they are typically mixed. There is the excitement of owning your own home, stress from the process itself, and fear about investing so much money into any one thing. It’s important that you are able to get exactly what you want when you build your own home. That is primarily the reason that you are getting your home built and not moving into one already standing, right? Many people shopping for homes find they look at house after house only to be dissatisfied with everything they see for small reasons. The reasons vary across the board, from not having enough bathrooms, the bedrooms are too close together, or the kitchen is closed off from the dining room. There are several other reasons, it all depends on the seeker. This is when finding house plans that work for your family can be so beneficial.

dream house planNaturally, most people have an idea of how many bedrooms and bathrooms they need in their new home, some may even already have an idea of how they want the home laid out before they begin to look at house plans. Too often people walk through an already existing home, and think that is exactly what they want without looking any farther, and they don’t realize their mistakes until they are moved in. The same can go with house floor plans. Sometimes, people look at the plans, and do not take into consideration all the needs that the family has on a daily basis or the size of the lot, and they wind up paying for a brand new built-up home that is actually not what they wanted at all.

A budget is the most important thing you should figure out before looking at house plans, or considering buying a new home. Such a large investment should not be taken lightly, so the last thing you want to do is buy a home that is too big that and costs too much. This is when you find yourself having to move out of your dream home because you can’t keep up with the payments. It’s a good idea to call a few builders and find out how much it costs to build different style homes per square foot so you have a good grip on reality when it comes to building your home. No matter how much you love a specific floor plan, if you can’t afford it then keep looking. Numerous people buy homes based on what they need today, and in the future they find themselves having to move because they have outgrown their home. If you have children, be sure that the house plans you choose will accommodate them as they get older, while still suiting your needs after they have moved out.

you are wanting an open layout or a closed layouts. It’s important to consider all of your options, and the difference in costs when you begin your search. Multi-level homes can often save you money by giving you much more square footage in the home, but for a lower price. A common mistake people make is forgetting to take their property lot into consideration. The house plans you choose must be suitable for your lot and you want to be sure that you are not breaking regulations or building codes to build your dream home.

Everyone loves the idea of building a new home but sometimes it can be more work than they expected. The end result is well worth it because you are left with a home that is built specifically to your wants and needs. Finding house plans that suit you or having them customized is the best way to end up with your dream home. If you are ready to start your search, check out the vast and customizable house plans selection we have available here at Monster House Plans.

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If you are considering building a new home, then you need to know that there can be a lot of questions that come up prior to starting. Whenever you choose to build a home from the ground up, you need to take the extra time to make sure that you are getting exactly what you want and need. There are many decisions have to be made regarding numerous things, including the house floor plans, location, and landscaping. It can seem overwhelming to figure out exactly what you want in your new home, but asking yourself some questions can help you to get started.

First of all, you must know that house floor plans are a breakdown of the rooms and space in the home that you can visually see. They have all the details, including the notes for builders, and they work out all of the kinks for the homebuilders to ensure the home build will be in legal compliance with building codes and regulations.

With so many house floor plans available, sometimes you may ask how you choose which one is right for you? First decide on a budget and the total square footage of the home you can reasonably afford. There are lots of times that people try to just search through a ton of floor plans aimlessly without really giving any thought into all the details, wants, and needs that they have. This can quickly cause frustration for many people.

choose house floor plansOne of the biggest problems people make when looking through house floor plans without first knowing what they are looking for is choosing house sizes that will not work with the land that the home will be built on. Knowing the correct square footage needed is essential, or they can end up with a layout that they love, but once the home is built they are frustrated at the actual rooms and their sizes. It’s never a good idea to just pick a home based on a floor plan, without making a list of the rooms and functions you want in your new home and knowing how much room will actually be needed to accomplish them.

The next big step is to figure out what you can afford. This is going to take some research on your part to get an estimate of all the costs. Make a few phone calls to builders to get an idea of cost per square foot. It’s important that you remember it is a quote, and the total can be altered by materials you choose to change, or alterations you make. You also want to evaluate the difference in price for different style homes. House floor plans that are laid out with multi levels are often less expensive than others, which is beneficial because they have more square footage.

Finally, you must keep in mind that just about all house floor plans can be customized or changed in small ways. Many times you may find the perfect floor plan if only one or two things were changed. It is nice to know that you can accomplish that change usually. The investment in your new home is a long-term commitment, and so it is critical that you pay extra attention to the details so that you can to get it exactly the way you want it. If you are ready to look through house floor plans to see what may work for you and your family, our selection at Monster House Plans is extensive and customizable.

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When looking at house plans, there are many options and styles available.

Many people think of log homes as a sort of luxury item, and assume that all log home plans have to be big and elaborate. It is understandable how this mentality could have developed. Log homes are a bit of a rarity now as homeowner’s associations tend to limit anything that is aesthetically different or unique, and log homes might look a little out of place in most urban neighborhoods. However, it is important to remember that log homes weren’t always considered a luxury; in fact, they used to be considered the most basic and rustic type of home available! If you are interested in having a log home built, your log home plans don’t have to be large, sweeping, or dramatic. Your log home can be warm, cozy, and humble and still be beautiful.

As quaint and rustic as a log home can look, the truth is that they can be fairly expensive to build.log house in the woods Nowadays, there are many types of siding and building materials that are cheap to manufacture, such as vinyl siding, making them cheaper than log homes. Because log homes are unique, there aren’t as many builders who have experience handling log home plans. Don’t let this discourage you from designing log home plans, though. Log homes are worth every dollar you spend on them. They are stable, sturdy, and absolutely breathtaking to look at. However, the cost might mean that you should be open to designing a slightly smaller log home. Sure, there are many people with huge, dramatic log homes, but that doesn’t mean yours has to be excessive. You won’t be happy with it if you go outside your budget and are stuck with an overwhelming expense.

The interesting thing about log homes is that in many ways, they are more suited to a smaller size, so don’t worry if your log home plans aren’t massive. Log homes bring to mind warmth and comfort, and a certain rustic charm. Smaller log homes feel cozy and inviting, and pleasant and safe to be in. If you do choose to go with a larger log home, you should decide in advance how you want to decorate it. There will be a natural juxtaposition of styles between a large mansion and a rustic fabrication, so it might be a little tricky to come up with décor that feels natural, sincere, and fitting for the home. All it takes is a little thought and planning ahead of time, and no matter what size your log home is, it will be beautiful and truly feel like home.

When working with log home plans, it’s important to remember not to cave in to how you feel it should look. Log homes, in every shape, size, location, and style, are a unique statement, and you shouldn’t let other people dictate how you go about designing and decorating your own. Make your log home unique comfortable, within your budget, and a happy place for you, your friends, and your family to gather together. That’s all you really need out of a home and you can make it happen – with our help of course!

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Custom House Plans

When people are on the search for a new home to buy, often they wind up frustrated and tired. Buying a home can be a very exciting time for just about anyone, but the process of trying to find the perfect house that your family wants and needs is typically both time consuming and mentally exhausting. You may find a great home in the perfect location, but with the wrong floor plan, or the one has a great backyard, but the kitchen is too small. There are many times people end up buying a home that they are not 100% satisfied with because it fits many of their qualifications, and the few lacking they feel they can either live without or change. So many times they feel that it would be easy to just knock out the back wall and make the family room bigger. The sad truth is not only are these kinds of drastic changes in your home a huge mess, but they are usually pretty disruptive to your daily living. This is why getting the perfect house plans and building your home to your specifications should be the way to go.

There are many companies out there that provide basic house plans you can tweak here and there to create your dream home, but many of them are ‘cookie-cutter templates,’ so it is pertinent that you review your options so you are not ‘settling’. Another option is to talk with a professional that can draw you up exactly what you want, whether it is 4 bedrooms, a huge kitchen with an adjacent laundry room, or a Jacuzzi in the upstairs master bath. You decide how you want your house to be laid out, what amenities you need, and that is what you will get.

One of the great things about having a variety of house plans to choose from and customize is that it gets you thinking about what it is you truly desire. There are many times that someone thinks they do not want a formal dining room, but once they see a floor plan with it they change their mind. The important thing to do is sit down with your family and discuss what everyone is wanting in the home. Then look at what is actually needed in the home. While it’s important to get everyone’s opinions to take everything into consideration, you need to look at the long term. After you have discussed what everyone wants and needs, then you want to look to the future and figure out what you will need 10 years from now. Buying a home is not a short term decision, so thinking ahead prevents regrets when the kids are older. You want to ensure that your home is sufficient for a long term basis.

The most important thing to consider when building your home with house plans is your budget. There are too many people that end up building more houses than they can afford. While it is very important that you are completely happy with what is a life time purchase, you want to make sure that you are able to pay for it, and live comfortably within your means so you don’t risk losing your dream home in the event of a layoff or illness.

If you are interested in looking at house plans for your build, then please check out the extensive selection and customization options we have here at Monster House.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.