10 things to consider when choosing a house plan
The long awaited moment has arrived: you start building your home! Firstly, know that the quality of your house plan is crucial to the success of your project. A good plan must specify each architectural detail of your future home, both internally and externally.
Making your dreams come true starts with the design on paper, here are 10 things to consider when choosing a house plan.
1. Your Lifestyle
It’s essential that your house be in harmony with your lifestyle. To verify this, simply imagine yourself living inside it. Does it meet your daily activities? Will you be able to have guests over as you like?
Your home must be nice, of course, but it must also be practical. Remember to include the relaxation, game or entertaining areas according to your regular or favorite activities. Each family has a unique way to occupy its time; think about how you will furnish your home and make sure to focus on the most popular rooms in the house.
2. Your Privacy
Privacy is an essential need for everyone, we all agree it’s important. The need for isolation is essential, if you work from home, love working-out, are a cinema-lover or an aspiring cabinetmaker.
Give these rooms special attention to ensure tranquility when working on your favorite activities, for you and for the rest of your household.
3. Your Property
The amount of money at your disposal, the shape and size of your lot can have a major impact on your house plan. Do not forget to foresee your walkways and your drainage system. Also take into consideration the position of the sun, the wind direction and the proximity to neighbors the process. A large window facing the sunset is a good thing. With neighbors a few meters away, it’s less interesting.
4. Your Furniture
Make sure you have the necessary space to place your furniture in your new home. Do not hesitate to take all the required measurements and to expand or reconfigure some rooms accordingly. House plans are there to be modified and meet your needs.
Hint: It is recommended to keep at least 90 centimeters of space around each piece of furniture to facilitate movement within the room.
5. The Basic Structure
Concentrate on the basic structure of the proposed house. Forget initially about decoration and frills, especially if you visit model homes. The important thing is setting up your future construction and its ability to welcome you properly.
In terms of decoration, you will have the time to make it your own.
6. Future Costs
Consider the possible consequences of certain architectural features. On paper, everything is beautiful. In real life, the practical and economic sides are quickly put into perspective. Consider the maintenance costs of your future home. You need to establish your priorities and your budgetary limits.
7. Safety
Safety is of course essential in the design of any new home, especially if you have children. Is it safe to have access to certain areas? Are balconies and stairs well protected?
Your family home is sure to be a wonderful playground, however, make sure the baby does not end up in your workshop.
8. Your Family
Discuss your house plan with your family members. Do not hesitate to get feedback from your friends. Their reactions will inspire you or make you realize some things that you may not have noticed. Such an approach can also avoid much discussion and criticism in the future.
Your home will be the scene of your family life. Feel free to make changes to the rooms where you spend most of your time together.
9. Your Budget
Avoid spending too much in anticipation of the future, even though it may be tempting in the development of a modern house plan. Concentrate more on your short term needs and on your current and actual budget. This way you do not end up being squeezed by high monthly payments.
You can always make renovations or improvements to your home. You can even reserve some space for these purposes on your plan. It is for you to decide!
10. Your questions
Do not attempt to play the connoisseur. Unless you are an architect, house plans and design are not your specialty. Be humble and acknowledge your limits: it is quite normal that you do not understand all the symbols and terms used on your house plan. Simply ask questions. After all, you are in charge of your project!
Finally, be aware that there is no point in looking for the perfect plan. All the plans can be modified according to your criteria. Before getting the project rolling, make sure that the plan meets your needs and your aspirations. If you don’t find what you are looking for, consider doing custom plans with an architect.
