Whether you are buying your very first home or, building your forever home, it’s a thrilling time in your life. After all, purchasing a new home is a major decision. Once you’ve made the initial decision to buy a new home you can move forward to the next step. And, that is choosing a floor plan.
Think of a floor plan as a road map of how you will function in your home on a daily basis. A floor plan is a drawing of the layout of a home. It can sometimes be difficult to understand and frankly, a bit overwhelming. But, on-the-other hand, it can also be a great visual tool and an advantage when making decisions on available builder options. A floor plan outlines every room in a home including outside areas and the garage. It also shows where entry ways, doors, closets, and optional extended areas and amenities are located. Primarily, the floor plan gives homebuyers the opportunity to see on paper the general flow of a home and its overall size and shape.
When it comes to selecting a floor plan there are a lot of things to consider. With so many builders and floor plans to choose from, how do you know which one is the right one for you? Here at Travisso we did some research and put together a check list to help lead you down the street to success.
Determine a budget
Time, of course, as the saying goes, is money. And, you can have save yourself both if you know from the start how much money you have to spend. Knowing how much money you can spend will help determine the number of choices you have within that price range. Home builders, including those at Travisso, have a variety of available collections with multiple floor plans in varying price ranges. In addition, when setting a budget, it is advisable to include a fixed dollar amount for upgrades. To keep on track, set a limit, and don’t go over budget.
Lot Size Can Be a Determining Factor
Lots come in all shapes and sizes. From straight and narrow, to pie-shaped, to scenic, to sloping. Consequently, it is extremely important to make sure your floor plan conforms to both the size and shape of the lot. And, there are other things to consider. Do you like extra space and want a corner lot? Or, do you want a one-story home on a wider lot? Are you going to put in a pool? Or, do you prefer a narrow lot so that you don’t have to cut the grass as often? Will you need extra space for an expanded driveway as your family grows? Do you want a big backyard for kids to play? Do you like sunrises or sunsets? Are you required to have a fence around your entire yard? Do you need space for a garden? Remember to look at the total picture and ask questions. And, make sure the floor plan that you ultimately purchase will fit on the lot.
Choosing the Right Size Home for your Family?
Finding the right sized home for your family is essential. Decide on the number of bedrooms you need. Is each child going to have their own bedroom or are they going to share? How many bathrooms do you need? Do you need a guest bedroom? Do you work from home and need an office? Will your family grow in the future? How many cars do you have? All these factors weigh into determining the square footage of a home.
Make Sure the Flow of your Home is Functional
Your floor plan should be both comfortable and functional. Do you want a one-story home with everything on one level? Or, a two-story home where you have walk up the stairs? Where do you want the master bedroom? Do you have small children and want all the bedrooms on the same level? Do you want a laundry room on the second level? Or, do you prefer a combined laundry/mud room on the first level near the garage entrance? Do you eat in the kitchen as a family together? Again, think about how your family functions from eating to sleeping to relaxing.
Visit a Spec Home
Here’s a great tip if you are considering multiple floor plans. You can visit the builder’s model homes. But, most people have a difficult time separating the upgrades and home décor from the main structure. The goal is to concentrate on the floor plan and the flow of the home. Model homes are beautiful to look at. However, to get a true feel of the flow of a floor plan without all the extras ask the builder if there are spec homes with the same floor plans that you can view. These homes are built by builders without a buyer in mind. They are also readily available. Chances are the floor plans you are considering exist somewhere in a spec home. You may have to go to another development to view the home, but in the long run it can be well worth it.
Know your Personal Design Style
Traditional home designs generally are more compartmentalized and partitioned off by walls and doors. While, more contemporary designs generally follow the open concept floor plan. And, when it comes to Modern designs think simplified forms and clean lines. Choosing the right floor plan to match your individual style is essential. A great way to determine if a particular style is for you is by looking at your furniture and accessories. If your furniture coordinates then, a contemporary or modern concept plan is the preferred option. However, if your furnishings encompass a variety of different styles then a more traditional option will probably work best.
Consider your Lifestyle
Lifestyle is a state of mind. So, consider how you like to live your life and have fun in your home. And, remember you have to feel comfortable in your space. Do you like to entertain? Do your guests hang out in your kitchen? Can your kitchen accommodate your guests? Will you have large outdoor barbecues? Do you need a formal dining room? Does your family like to sit together in front of the TV on Saturday nights? Will your kids have friends over to play games? Do you like to dance in your family room? Whatever you like to do, make sure you can do it in the floor plan you choose.
The Perfect Floor Plan Doesn’t Exist
You might be able get close to getting everything your heart’s desire in a floor plan but, realistically, you’ll probably have to make a compromise or two. Consequently, to get close to your “perfect” plan make a list of your needs, wants, and those things you can’t live without. The best way to do this is to take a good look at the house you currently live in. Do you need a bigger kitchen because you don’t have enough cabinet space? Or, do you need a bigger garage to store kids sporting equipment, bikes and tools?
Furniture and Rooms Aren’t a One Size Fits All
Just because your furniture fits perfectly in your current space doesn’t mean it will fit in your new space. This may be especially true if you plan to use your existing furniture. So, it is best to measure, measure, and, then measure some more. Measure your furniture, rooms, and doors. If you plan to put an existing chair that’s in your current master bedroom in the new one, make sure it fits through the door. Or, if you choose to purchase new furniture, again, the best advice here is to measure to ensure a perfect fit.
Consider the Future
Though no one can predict the future, it may be a good idea to plan ahead. Are you planning on having children? Will your family continue to grow? Or, will you need to be a caregiver to a parent in the future? Do you plan to retire soon? Lifestyle changes can definitely affect the floor plan you choose. Remember choosing a floor plan is all about you, your family, and how you choose to live your life.
Building your Dream Home?
Travisso, a master-planned community among the backdrop of the Texas Hill Country in Leander offers state-of-the-art floor plans from award-winning premier builders. Homebuyers can choose from one and two-story floor plans ranging in size from 1,900 to over 5,000 square feet with prices starting in the 300s to over one million. Visit us today. We can’t wait to meet you. For additional information call our Information Center at 512-243-8583.
