Building a new home can be incredibly exciting, but there are quite a few details to consider before construction can begin.
Before one scoop of dirt is moved or one nail is pounded, you need a blueprint for your house.
In order to build the home of your dreams, it is critical that your floor plan includes everything you’ve desired and meets all of your needs.
At Design Tech Homes we know that you want a floor plan that is space-efficient, thoughtful in layout, and designed to meet your specific needs.
That’s exactly why we’ve written this article.
When you’re finished reading, you’ll be able to confidently choose a floor plan that you get to enjoy every single day and for many years to come.
Let’s get started!
Should You Design Your Own Floor Plan?
Since building a new home can be expensive, it’s tempting to want to do as many things as you can on your own.
That’s completely understandable!
Some things are great to tackle yourself – but designing the layout of your home is probably not one of them!
Architects study their craft for many years to become experts in their field. Their knowledge and experience allows them to assist with many design aspects you may have never imagined.
Plus, designing a home is more than aesthetics and a simple layout. You also have to make sure to design your home in a way that passes inspection and is structurally sound.
Many home builders also have years of practical experience in designing homes. A great way to get started on building your own dream home is to contact a local contractor and look through their home floor plans.
You should expect to work with your home builder in choosing a floor plan that works for you.
It’s critical that you have a grasp on the most important aspects of floor plans, and understand which type of layout is best for you!
Let’s move on to learning how you can work with a home builder to develop your perfect floor plan.
5 Tips for Finding the Perfect Floor Plan
Perhaps the only thing more difficult than designing a good floor plan is actually getting started on the project.
After all, it’s hard to make good decisions when you have more questions than answers.
That’s why we’ve laid out a few initial considerations for making the floor plan designing process smooth and enjoyable.
Things to Consider Before Choosing A Floor Plan
Before you design or choose a floor plan, here are a few things you should consider.
1 – Which type of floor plan fits your lifestyle?
Imagine a young father of 4 driving by a car lot and drooling over a brand new sports car. He would love nothing more than to get behind the wheel, mash the gas pedal, and feel the thrill of speed.
But if he’s wise, he’ll say no to the sports car.
It just doesn’t make sense with his current lifestyle. His current priority is safely transporting his family – not impressing the gearheads with an flashy car.
The same goes for your floor plan. While there may be some features that you love, you need to consider if they are important for the lifestyle you live.
Do you have a bad back? Maybe don’t choose a floor plan with a lot of stairs. If you have teenagers, smaller spaces can increase privacy throughout the house. On the other hand, open spaces can be great for keeping an eye on toddlers.
Here’s the bottom line: make sure you carefully assess your lifestyle before choosing a floor plan.
Once you’ve looked at your lifestyle, you’ve taken massive strides toward knowing what the key characteristics of your floor plan should be.
2 – How can you maximize your property?
Do you already know the location of your new home? Use that information in planning the layout of your house.
For instance, you might want to make sure that your large bay windows don’t face the south, so you don’t have hot sunlight pushing your cooling bills upward.
3 – Consider Accessibility
Have you ever visited someone only to find the bathroom in an awkward spot? Attached to the kitchen, for instance?
Or maybe you’ve encountered inefficient corridors, such as a having to go through the home office to get to the guest bedroom.
Both of these are examples of surprisingly common mistakes that you should avoid when planning your floor layout.
Aim to have rooms that are easy to access, and make sure to design spaces that flow intuitively from one to another. You’ll also want to consider incorporating adequate privacy for rooms that need it.
4 – Design rooms to be flexible
Every room in your house should have a purpose, but they should also be easily convertible. For example, try not to design a bedroom so that it could never be an office or vice-versa.
If you have a growing family, your lifestyle may change within the next several years. You’ll never regret having the flexibility to change your home as your family and lifestyle morphs over time.
Plus, multi-purpose rooms make the home easier to sell if you ever desire to do so.
5 – Pay attention to the size
We’re all for maximizing every inch of space you can use – and we understand that you don’t want to break the bank.
However, there is a good chance you are building a new home because you need more space! That means you already know that no matter how efficient you are, there are times you simply need a bigger area to live in.
That’s why we strongly recommend making sure your floor plan is big enough.
In fact, we encourage you to measure your existing furniture, tables, and walking area to determine how much space you really need in your next floor plan.
This ensures you’ll have the space you need, and won’t be disappointed with how quickly things get crowded.
PRO TIP: Consider the size of your family and where and how you like to spend time. If you are working on a tight budget, you can minimize the areas where you won’t spend much time and make sure you have enough space in the places that matter.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing a Floor Plan
Now that we know a few things you should consider when brainstorming on a home layout, let’s explore a few mistakes you should make sure to avoid!
Not Understanding Floor Plan Drawings
Do you remember sitting in school as a child trying your best to comprehend a math problem your teacher was explaining?
Even if you didn’t quite understand, it was hard to admit you were confused!
Adults still have the same problem – we want people to think we’re competent, even when we’re wildly confused.
For many homeowners, the symbols and signs on blueprints can be difficult to understand.
That’s ok! Most homeowners aren’t construction workers or architects, and can’t be expected to understand blueprints.
Don’t assume you are supposed to know what every door swing, window, stair, and multi-story space looks like on a floor plan. If you don’t know, please ask!
Admitting that you are confused is much better than being frustrated with a feature of your home for years to come.
And remember: your home builder should be more than happy to look at a drawing with you and answer any questions that you have!
Disregarding the Safety of Your Home Layout
Amenities like balconies, stairs without railings, and expansive glass shower enclosures look great for adults but aren’t a good idea for families with small children.
Before you decide on any such amenities make sure to consider the needs of your family – and please remember: safety always comes first.
Your amazing balcony becomes the bane of your life the first time you or someone else’s child is injured playing there. Even if no one ever does get hurt, the strain of feeling like you need eyes in the back of your head is no fun.
Of course, having a balcony or staircase is perfectly fine for some families. The point is simply to consider how the layout of your home may affect your safety.
Investing in Architectural Features That Cost You More in the Future
Walk into a room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and your jaw drops. It’s stunningly beautiful, especially if there’s a pretty view outside.
Unfortunately, if you asked the owner of the house what their energy bill is, your jaw may drop again – and not in a good way.
Some architectural features are beautiful but have a negative long-term impact on the cost of maintaining your home. Unless you’re not working on a budget, these are the kind of features you may want to avoid.
If you aren’t sure of the long-term cost of certain architectural features, ask your builder. There’s a good chance they may know of some good alternatives to particular features.
Failing to Observe Your Budget
One mistake homebuyers often make when looking at floor plans is overspending for the future, rather than planning for the present.
You can always upgrade your home in the future with things like finishes and innovative additions to add living space and amenities. However, losing your home, or being completely financially strapped for years on end isn’t something you can go back on.
We’re not suggesting you go cheap – we want you to make smart financial investments. However, thinking too much about the future without thinking about your current situation could ruin your present.
Plan for your budget now so you will feel comfortable living in your home and not feel “financially strained” each month to make payments on your home.
Hiring the Wrong Builder or Home Architect
There may be nothing more important than hiring a builder that is knowledgeable and has your best interest in mind.
In fact, If you have a budget, you’ll be well-served to consult with builders to get calibrated with respect to current construction costs before you select an architect or close on a lot.
We suggest selecting your builder early on so you can get them involved early in the design process to help ensure you don’t stray too much from your budget target.
Plus, a good, local builder is a reliable resource for you to gather ideas and get answers to questions.
You simply can’t make a more important decision than choosing a reliable, trustworthy builder that can guide you through each step of designing and building your home.
5 Functional Floor Plan Features You Need
Sometimes, it’s easier to know what to avoid, but more difficult to know what you should do.
For example, we know these types of things usually make for a bad home layout:
- Adjoining bedrooms
- Satellite living rooms (living rooms far away from kitchen and dining area)
- A hallway facing the front entrance
- Poorly located guest bathroom
But let’s think on the bright side.
What are some features you should consider including in your floor plan? Let’s find out!
Walk-In Pantry
Humans have to eat, which means you need a place to store the food.
Large cabinets, additional shelving, and wide islands may be adequate storage places, but you can’t go wrong with a walk-in pantry.
In fact, we’ve never heard of one person regretting including a walk-in pantry in the floor plan.
A walk-in pantry provides benefits like:
- More storage space
- Flexible organization
- Ability to easily store large appliances
- All your food in one centralized place
- Keep up with inventory and don’t run out of things
Master Suite Privacy
While some parents want to be able to hear a child’s cries at night, many parents prefer to have a bit more privacy in their master suite.
We suggest prioritizing master suite privacy when it comes to your wish list. You won’t regret feeling like you have a space to relax in complete privacy when you need it most.
One of the best ways to do this is to have the master suite on the opposite side of the home from the kids’ bedrooms.
First-Floor Master Suite
Another good way to get the privacy you covet in your master suite is to keep it on the first floor!
A first-floor master suite can also be a good plan for the future.
If you plan to stay in your home for some time, the aches and pains that come along with getting older may make going up and down stairs difficult.
With a first-floor master suite you get the privacy you want when you’re younger, and the ease of access you need as you age.
Computer Workspace
There’s no doubt that there is an increasing trend towards working from home. Even if you aren’t currently working from home, don’t be surprised if you find yourself doing so in the future.
Most people have a family computer, a homework space for kids, or a charging station for their electronics.
Without a dedicated space for computer activities, you end up hunching over a laptop at the kitchen table or isolating yourself at a bedroom desk.
Mudroom
Busy families need a mudroom in their homes.
This convenient room helps contain the clutter that would otherwise spread throughout the space. You can leave muddy boots, snow-covered mittens, backpacks, and sports equipment in this area.
Instead of clutter and chaos throughout your house, you can keep the dirt contained in one room and save yourself a ton of headache!
9 Popular Texas Floor Plans From Design Tech Homes
By now, you probably have some creative ideas popping into your head about what your dream floor plan might look like.
But tying those ideas into a cohesive floor plan is sometimes a serious challenge.
That’s why Design Tech Homes has over 40 pre-designed floor plans ready for you to browse. All you have to do is keep an eye open for the features that you want and you’ll have all the inspiration you could ever need.
To get you started, here are the most popular floor plan designs that we offer at Design Tech Homes.
Popular Floor Plans
With its four bedrooms and two full bathrooms, this stylish home is a great choice for single or large families. In all, you get over 1,800 square feet with this plan.
An entrance leads directly into the family room, which gives this home a particularly family-friendly feel. Walk in the front door and join in the fun!
This design also boasts an extra kitchen that sits adjacent to the family room. You’ll have all the space you needs to cook, and can still chat with the family while preparing dinner.
With this home, you get multiple options for elevation styles like:
- Southwest Mediterranean
- Texas Hill Country
- Georgian
- Farmhouse
Check out all the styles with the floorplan brochure or browse the features included in this floor plan.
The Willis is an open concept plan that allows for plenty of room for family gatherings. The giant walk-in pantry and spacious kitchen are every home chef’s dream. This plan comes with an oversized 2-car garage for all of your storage needs.
Plus, you get 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ bedrooms – all kept on one floor for those that want to avoid steps. It would be perfect for those who want to age in place in their home.
As always, this home features multiple elevation styles and can be customized to meet your family’s needs.
View the elevation styles or peruse the home features now!
The Hearthstone suggests a subtle providence, yet offers a smart layout for single families. With its three bedrooms nestled to the side, family members and guests can enjoy each other’s company with the great room connected to the dining room, kitchen, and breakfast nook.
If the master suite is important to you, this home may be perfect! That’s because we paid extra attention to creating a spacious and private master suite in this design.
Finally, we added the details that make this home a true classic like a pillared front porch. This design is wonderful for families looking for a place to call home.
This home features multiple elevation styles and you can always customize it by contacting one of our new home consultants.
For more information on The Hearthstone check out the floorplan brochure and features.
This home delivers the ideal combination of elegance and casual living.
The Timbergrove is a 2,300 square foot house that includes 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ bathrooms. It’s a fantastic fit for a single or large family with its comfort-focused design.
One of the biggest perks of this design is the open kitchen that looks directly into the family room, allowing everyone to be part of the family activities. You don’t have to be isolated while cooking meals!
This home features multiple elevation styles and can be customized to meet your family’s needs.
For more information, check out the actual floorplan and look over the details of this home.
The Brantley is a single-story, spacious home perfect for new families. With this open floor plan, a large portion of space is dedicated to the kitchen and dining area, and a breakfast nook is also included.
The stunning entrance foyer leads directly into a large living area, which flows to the dining and kitchen areas, ensuring the family always stays connected.
You’ll also get plenty of space to move around with 2,411 square feet, 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms.
And as always, if you want to customize anything on this floorplan we’d love to help you do so!
Take a look at it now and view the different elevations this floor plan has to offer, or check out the home specs.
Does your family need a lot of space?
The Wakefield is a beautifully arranged home designed in a traditional style that combines both spaciousness and space efficiency at just over 2,600 square feet.
It is a family-centered home with its entryway leading directly into the family room and dining room. The kitchen, family room, and breakfast nook are also open to each other which makes for easy communication between the family.
Plus you get 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and an attached 2-car garage.
Check out the floorplan and view the home features now!
If you’re a little less traditional, the Belle Oaks may be the perfect fit for you.
The Belle Oaks is a leading-edge convergence of eclectic elements pulled from multiple design genres: Mid-Century Modern, Urban Industrial, Modern Farmhouse, seasoned with a touch of Rustic; a feast for the eyes at every turn, and yet, unexpectedly edgy.
Upon entering the home through the gregarious iron pivot door, you are greeted by an expansive space. Your eyes are immediately drawn up to the expansive 20-foot ceiling that expands throughout the foyer, family room, and kitchen.
Moving further into the home, you notice the floor-to-ceiling fireplace focal wall complete with a recessed nook to display your favorite accessories.
Plus, you get a lot of space with this layout.
We’re talking about 3,000 plus square feet, 4 bedrooms, 4 ½ bathrooms, a walk-in pantry, and a 3 car garage. Plenty for a larger family!
The Belle Oaks is an open and spacious home that can be customized to meet all of your family’s needs!
View the floorplan brochure and check out the craftsmanship that goes into this house.
This home offers a classic, spacious design for large families.
The dazzling entrance leads to the open spaces of the living room, study, and dining room. The gourmet kitchen is adjoined to the living room, which is a huge asset to families who enjoy entertaining guests.
Another big perk is the sense of privacy created by separating the master bedroom from the other three.
Plus you get all the extra features like a mudroom, walk-in pantry, study, and even a wine closet!
This home features multiple elevation styles and can be customized to meet your family’s needs. Check out the floorplan and specs now!
The Calais is a two-story home that is the perfect setting for a growing family. Its entrance expands into the dining room and two of the four bedrooms, including the master.
This home offers plenty for each member of the family and fits a busy lifestyle. For example, the house has some unique amenities like a game room and computer nook.
Plus, you get around 4,000 square feet with the home – including 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.
This home features multiple elevation styles and can be customized to meet your family’s needs. Learn more by viewing the floorplan brochure and reviewing the included home features.
Conclusion
There’s so much to learn about designing and choosing the right floor plan for your family – but now you are well on your way to getting started!
You know:
- Which questions to ask to get started
- Big mistakes to avoid when planning
- Must-have features in your new home
- Most importantly – already designed floor plans for major inspiration!
If you are looking to build a home, contact us at Design Tech Homes today. We are a custom home builder in Houston and Central Texas and we can help you with every single step in getting a new home.
That’s right – we can help you with everything from getting the right land to designing and building your home.
Our turnkey services are easy to work with!
Plus, we offer a few other perks that are unique just to us:
- Only custom builder in Texas whose homes are 100% inspected and certified by ENERGY STAR
- Only custom builder in Texas whose homes are 100% inspected and certified by Indoor airPLUS
- One of the few custom builders in Texas to undergo 3rd-party GUARDIAN™ certified inspections at 10 stages
- Every home is built to last and covered under a 20-year limited structural warranty
Get a quote from us today and get started on your journey to a dream home. We look forward to hearing from you!
