Look for efficient circulation and storage. Walk through the plan from foyer to kitchen and bedrooms. Imagine opening all the doors on the plan. Is there a graceful, efficient flow? See how the kitchen connects to the family room, where most people live.
Follow the path from garage through mud room to the kitchen: coming in with groceries or other items should be as convenient as possible. Is there adequate storage? Are closets, wardrobes, and pantries large enough and where they need to be? Storage areas should suit the type of object being stored. Plan 137-252, shown at the top of this post and here, offers efficient circulation and a variety of storage options.
Is each space right for its function? Is there adequate natural light? Measure the width, length, and height of rooms you’re living in now or of rooms you like and compare to the room dimensions listed on the plan you have selected. Porches should be spacious enough for sitting or dining.
Windows on at least two sides of a room balance daylight (thus avoiding glare) and create a spacious feeling. In Plan 452-1, below, the great room has on three sides: porch entry, living area, and dining niche.
How will the plan connect to your lot? Think about your site and how the plan should link with it to make the best use of outdoor space and sunshine or shade by way of porches, decks, patios, or courtyards. Every stock plan should be customized to fit you and your lot. It’s easy to add doors for access to the yard and windows for a visual connection to the site. Plan 460-3, below
offers a variety of ways to connect with outdoor spaces. And more could always be added. Remember that well designed and situated porches and patios help a house expand in good weather.
Follow the path from garage through mud room to the kitchen: coming in with groceries or other items should be as convenient as possible. Is there adequate storage? Are closets, wardrobes, and pantries large enough and where they need to be? Storage areas should suit the type of object being stored. Plan 137-252, shown at the top of this post and here, offers efficient circulation and a variety of storage options.
Is each space right for its function? Is there adequate natural light? Measure the width, length, and height of rooms you’re living in now or of rooms you like and compare to the room dimensions listed on the plan you have selected. Porches should be spacious enough for sitting or dining.
Windows on at least two sides of a room balance daylight (thus avoiding glare) and create a spacious feeling. In Plan 452-1, below, the great room has on three sides: porch entry, living area, and dining niche.
How will the plan connect to your lot? Think about your site and how the plan should link with it to make the best use of outdoor space and sunshine or shade by way of porches, decks, patios, or courtyards. Every stock plan should be customized to fit you and your lot. It’s easy to add doors for access to the yard and windows for a visual connection to the site. Plan 460-3, below
offers a variety of ways to connect with outdoor spaces. And more could always be added. Remember that well designed and situated porches and patios help a house expand in good weather.
