What can we learn form our top ten best selling floor plans? They range from 2,091 to 3,230 square feet with at least three bedrooms and 2.5 baths, and offer the following key amenities.
Outdoor Living
Home buyers want useable porches and covered patios for sitting, grilling, and entertaining. Each of the top
ten plans includes ample living porches at front or back -- and sometimes at both front and back as in Plan 17-2131.
Master Suite Essentials
Every best seller plan puts a lot of emphasis on the master suite, where there are always double vanities and at least one walk-in closet.
Some configurations allow for two walk-ins, with hers being slightly larger than his as you can see in Plan 120-185. There is often a small sitting area in an alcove or bay at one end of the bedroom.
Kids' Bath
In seven out of the top ten plans, the kids' bathroom is shared. Also known as a Jack-and-Jill bathroom (in real estate speak), it usually includes separate vanities in the pass-through while the water closet
and tub or shower are fully enclosed -- as shown in Plan 120-172, above.
Flex Space
Planning for flexible uses such as a home office or media room that can become a temporary guest bedroom
is important, and most of the top ten plans include such a provision. In Plan 888-7 the home office is adjacent to the powder room so it can double as a guest room.
Kitchen Hubs
In each plan the kitchen is the heart of the home and opens to a great room, usually across a food prep/buffet
island or peninsula, as shown in Plan 140-149. In most cases the kitchen and the great room share the same space for a very open feeling.
A Less Dominant Garage
Most subdivision houses from the post World War II period have two-car garages facing the street, which makes for a car-dominated facade and minimal curb appeal. Planners and urban critics have called later and larger versions of these designs "snout houses." But in most of our top ten plans the garages are more
subtly integrated and angled to the side, or even placed somewhat behind the house proper, as illustrated by Plan 137-252.
Discrete Laundry Rooms
Whether large or small, the laundry room tends to be near the garage and often has its own door -- not part of a hall or mudroom alley -- see Plans 17-2131 and 137-252 above -- so the door can be closed. As a recent NAHB consumer survey revealed, homeowners don't want to see their dirty clothes.
Extra Luxury Features
Many of the top plans include a walk-in pantry near the kitchen. Additional extra features include built-in
desks and even an "exercise room" that's part of the master suite. Plan 120-172 includes all of these amenities.
Outdoor Living
Home buyers want useable porches and covered patios for sitting, grilling, and entertaining. Each of the top
ten plans includes ample living porches at front or back -- and sometimes at both front and back as in Plan 17-2131.
Master Suite Essentials
Every best seller plan puts a lot of emphasis on the master suite, where there are always double vanities and at least one walk-in closet.
Some configurations allow for two walk-ins, with hers being slightly larger than his as you can see in Plan 120-185. There is often a small sitting area in an alcove or bay at one end of the bedroom.
Kids' Bath
In seven out of the top ten plans, the kids' bathroom is shared. Also known as a Jack-and-Jill bathroom (in real estate speak), it usually includes separate vanities in the pass-through while the water closet
and tub or shower are fully enclosed -- as shown in Plan 120-172, above.
Flex Space
Planning for flexible uses such as a home office or media room that can become a temporary guest bedroom
is important, and most of the top ten plans include such a provision. In Plan 888-7 the home office is adjacent to the powder room so it can double as a guest room.
Kitchen Hubs
In each plan the kitchen is the heart of the home and opens to a great room, usually across a food prep/buffet
island or peninsula, as shown in Plan 140-149. In most cases the kitchen and the great room share the same space for a very open feeling.
A Less Dominant Garage
Most subdivision houses from the post World War II period have two-car garages facing the street, which makes for a car-dominated facade and minimal curb appeal. Planners and urban critics have called later and larger versions of these designs "snout houses." But in most of our top ten plans the garages are more
subtly integrated and angled to the side, or even placed somewhat behind the house proper, as illustrated by Plan 137-252.
Discrete Laundry Rooms
Whether large or small, the laundry room tends to be near the garage and often has its own door -- not part of a hall or mudroom alley -- see Plans 17-2131 and 137-252 above -- so the door can be closed. As a recent NAHB consumer survey revealed, homeowners don't want to see their dirty clothes.
Extra Luxury Features
Many of the top plans include a walk-in pantry near the kitchen. Additional extra features include built-in
desks and even an "exercise room" that's part of the master suite. Plan 120-172 includes all of these amenities.
