A couple weeks ago we presented five of the 10 tips to consider in a home plan. This week we present the other five tips.
6. Study your present home.
What works, what doesn’t? Often what you’re dissatisfied with is driving your decision to move, so those aspects should appear on your needs-wants-desires list.
7. Do the research.
Touring builders’ model and “for sale” homes is a great way to help you recognize design aspects you like as well as identify those you don’t. When searching plans online, rational search filters such as type of home, square footage, etc., help rule out plans that won’t work. And, remember, only on DesignBasics.com can you also search by the relative importance of the four Livability at a Glance™ lenses (see Tip #2)–tremendously helpful in identifying plans that fit your lifestyle and priorities.
8. Mentally and emotionally move in.
Take a floor plan you are interested in and place an “X” in key locations, such as the front entry, at the kitchen sink, looking into the bathrooms, etc. Then visualize standing in those areas. What do you see? How does it make you feel? Everywhere you look in your home you should like what you see!
9. Evaluate “stock” plans vs. custom.
Most builders and home design companies offer a library of readily available “stock” home plans. The advantages are good design, low price, and quick delivery. Like buying a suit off the rack, a stock plan may be a very good fit. As with alterations to a suit, modifying a stock plan could make it “perfect” for you. Still, there are many instances where a custom home plan is the only option that makes sense.
10. Work with a professional.
Family and friends may give you advice, but it’s often conflicting, causing indecision. Your designer should be your “go-to” advisor on trends, functionality, and aesthetics. Your design professional should also have considerable construction knowledge. During Design Basics’ 30+ years designing new homes, the company has developed a proven design, drafting, and customer support systems.
Contemplating building a new home? Odds are your future looks bright! It all begins with a plan, and where you get your home plan matters!
(Read Tips 1-5: Click Here)
