It happens to almost everyone. You see a home you fall in love with only to realize its shortcomings once you are living in it.
The following is a list of things to either do before you design or to consider during the design phase of your new home.
Know Your Preferred Layout
Do you like single level living or do you love the idea of stairs doubling as a daily workout? Do you like open spaces or walls to keep spaces separated and private? Think about your lifestyle and what you like (or don’t like) within a living space.
Floor Plans Can Be Confusing
Most new homeowners are not in the home construction business; therefore most are not familiar with floor plans. All the symbols and markings can be overwhelming.
If you don’t understand a marking, be sure to ask. Wall heights, clearances, and the sense of how big a space really is, are often hard to “see” on a floor plan. Request a 3-D rendering or a virtual walk-through.
Ask questions and stay with it until you’re certain you understand what you’re seeing and that it works for you.
Dimensions, Dimensions, Dimensions
How many times have you read the dimensions of a room on a floor plan and wondered how those numbers translate into actual space?
If you are unsure of a space size, measure a room where you now live that provides the correct amount of space and use it as a guide. If your current space is cramped, add more square footage to the floor plan. If you are downsizing, lessen the space, but be certain you have enough room to navigate around furniture.
Plan Ahead
It’s all in the details when it comes to planning your new home. Make sure those details are going to serve you well in the future. Details such as expansive floor to ceiling windows, skylights and other architectural features could have an impact on heating and cooling your home, depending on the home’s location. Take green cost savings into consideration as you design your floor plan.
Entertaining
Imagine how your floor plan will function when you have guests. Depending on your lifestyle, if you love to entertain, consider your home fully occupied when planning the kitchen, dining room, and living room areas. This will ensure you plan plenty of space for mingling, eating, and moving about the area.
