There are many ways to customize your home, whether you’re building a brand-new home or tweaking an existing space. Between design styles and fixtures to ceiling height and room sizes, there are many decisions you will have to make alongside your builder. Perhaps the most important aspect to consider is your floorplan, and in today’s modern homes, openness reigns supreme. Although open floorplans continue to be the popular choice, there are other floorplan styles that may work better for you, so how do you choose? There are a few best practices when it comes to analyzing a home’s floorplan to decide whether or not it will work for you. Fortunately, if you implement these four simple steps, you’ll be able to make the right decision regarding your home’s layout.
Here’s how to evaluate a home floorplan in four easy steps.
Step #1: Focus on Floorplans You Like
If you find yourself not loving open floorplans, then design experts advise focusing on the layouts you do like. You may desire a more segmented home, with dedicated enclosed spaces for more privacy, or you may gravitate toward a two-story home that provides the space you need for your family’s needs. No two homeowners are alike, which is why choosing what’s “in” right now may not be the right choice for you. Establish your needs and style preferences, then find the floorplan that works in tandem with these particular needs and design requirements.
Step #2: Consider the Size of the Space
You may have found the ideal lot for your home; however, in order to maximize size, you may have to build up so that you’re able to have a bigger backyard. On the flipside, you may want to take advantage of the space and build out, so that all of the rooms in your home reside on one floor. The size of your space will help dictate the layout of the home. In addition to square footage, you’ll also want to consider the following:
- How many bedrooms/bathrooms do you need?
- Will you require a home office space?
- Would you prefer having a separate guest suite?
- How big of a kitchen do you require?
- Is a large outdoor living area a must for you?
In establishing what size space you need, it will help you evaluate your floorplan options to maximize this space accordingly.
Step #3: Don’t Forget Your Budget
Setting a budget is imperative so that you’re able to build a home that works with your financial needs. Keep in mind that different floorplans come with different prices, which means that budget should be a contributing factor in your ultimate decision. You don’t want to choose a floorplan that doesn’t fit into your budget, as this may require you to make compromises on other aspects of your home later.
Step #4: Keep Your Future Needs in Mind
Maybe you’re looking to start a family soon, which means you’ll need more space, or maybe you’re looking to retire in this home. This means that you’ll need to make sure the space will work for you as you age. The floorplan you choose should meet your requirements for the future, as well as the present, so keep this important factor in mind when you’re evaluating your options.
When you want to ensure you’re happy with your floorplan, keeping these steps in mind is a good practice. Here at Gulfstream Homes, our team wants to help you build the perfect home in Southwest Florida! Call (239) 254-1664 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com to learn more.
