Country Home Plans With Porches Tags

Here are ten standout small plans. And while everyone's definition of affordability differs (for example, what's reasonable to build in Tennessee might break the bank in California), these all feature simple footprints and open layouts under 1,500 square feet. And, of course, cool modern exteriors. Vacation Getaway, A contemporary take...

The ranch house floor plan was the American Dream in a box from the late 1940s to the mid 1960s. Sliding glass doors, kidney shaped swimming pools and back yard patios created a new informal way of entertaining guests. Though the ranch house floor plan was the embodiment of casual...

Leftover lots in existing neighborhoods are often compact but can be good investments for building a new home on spec if you find a plan that suits the particular constraints of the site. Some designs to get you thinking might include 2 bedroom 2 bath Craftsman Plan 479-10, at the...

Sports parties are a whole other ballgame (so to speak!). When I edited Builder magazine, we often hosted super bowl parties in show homes. Even though the game was running on multiple screens, guests tended to congregate around one screen in particular so that they could, in effect, watch the...

Consider hiring consultants: Consultants such as an architect or mechanical/electrical/structural/plumbing may be needed for advice on making your floor plan a reality. Seek advice on how much heating and cooling systems will cost, a civil engineer may be needed if your property site is uneven, and other consultants should...

Specialty Storage One of homebuyers’ biggest regrets is that they didn’t get enough storage space. Astute designers have answered that demand with over-sized utility rooms and pantries, big walk-in closets, and garage storage systems. Now they are including custom storage spaces everywhere. You can find storage for wine (Plan 888-17),...

Budget Considerations. One good way to find out what you can afford is to simply get three estimates from contractors. Discuss what you want with the contractor and if the estimate is high, ask them how you can reduce the costs. The estimate should be separated into cost of materials...

Turn on any home-design TV show and you’ll repeatedly hear the words “open concept.” Tearing down walls to create open floor plans for the living, dining and kitchen area is what open-concept design is all about. For some, separate rooms still hold their charm. But many homeowners today are taking...

Bring your family along with you when choosing a floor plan. Don’t make the mistake of keeping your floor plan decision making to yourself. If you are able to walk through physical models of homes before deciding on a floor plan, consider bringing your family along for the decision. It...