The new-home-build process is filled with choices, but aside from selecting your builder, perhaps no choice has a bigger impact on your final “product” than your floorplan selection. We all know things look different on paper than a real-life walkthrough, so if you have an opportunity to see a model, it’s a definite advantage. However, as that’s not always an option, there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing your home’s floorplan. Here are our top four.
Primary bedroom location
Where you sleep matters. If you plan on being in your home for the long haul, it may make sense to look at floorplans with a main-floor primary bedroom. However, if you have littles or prefer to keep the family in closer quarters, you may prefer a second-floor primary. Knowing your preference upfront can prove an easy way to quickly narrow your selections. But beyond the floor your primary is located on, consider its surroundings as represented on the floorplan.
For example, if you prefer a primary on the main, what sits over it? Will that become an issue in time? If it’s part of an open-concept floorplan, which room is adjacent? For example, if it sits just off the living room, will noise from other family members in the early mornings or late nights bother you?
Laundry room
In most cases, the laundry room will reside near the primary bedroom—but not always. If all bedrooms are on the main floor, that may not be a significant issue, but if you’re in a multi-level home you may find the location proves increasingly important as you (or children) age.
Front door entrance point
What you want to see when you walk in your front door is a matter of opinion—but one people tend to feel strongly about. Especially if you’re choosing a floorplan from an on-paper representation, take stock of how that front entrance will look. Will you have a foyer? Walk directly into the living room? Have a staircase right in front of you? Make sure the front door location aligns with your preferences.
Traffic patterns and flow
One element that can be harder to discern from paper floorplans is direct versus indirect traffic flow. While floorplans will show the doors and walls that separate rooms, they may not clearly show how people will tend to move through the house.
What are your likely daily traffic patterns to get from point A to point B in the house? For example, if you know you won’t use a lower-floor office, it may not make sense to choose a floorplan with a prominent first-floor office you need to walk past 10 times a day.
You should also consider if you want an open floorplan or prefer a bit more separation between spaces to limit noise carrying.
Don’t just get lost in spacious rooms or the openness on paper. Ensure any floorplan you consider represents your lifestyle, needs, and traffic patterns.
