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New construction gives you a way to start fresh and build the home you’ve always wanted. However, coming up with the perfect custom floor plan might feel intimidating. You don’t have to be an architectural expert to create your ideal floor plan, but it does help to have some knowledge of basic design concepts. Consider the following tips to help you design a custom floor plan for new construction.
The way you and your family will be moving around your home throughout the day can help you decide on a floor plan. You don’t want a layout that feels crowded or cramped, such as a narrow galley kitchen or a lot of enclosed rooms. An open floor plan can provide plenty of space for you and your family, but you still need to consider foot traffic on a typical day. This can help you determine the best layout for your main downstairs living area, upstairs bedrooms and other areas. You should also think about the flow of traffic as people go in and outside. For example, you might want to include a mudroom near the entrance to your backyard or garden.
Having pipes and wiring installed can cost quite a bit, so it’s important to be efficient when planning these. Your floor plan should try to minimize the amount of pipes and wiring needed by having certain rooms aligned or near each other. For example, you might want to place an upstairs bathroom right above your kitchen, which helps cut down on the amount of wiring and pipes needed in your home. Otherwise, you’ll be paying more to have wires and pipes installed in wider lengths throughout your home.
The home you’re building should be able to accommodate you and your family for many years. Depending on your plans, you might want to include an extra bedroom, such as if you’re planning to have kids or if you’re expecting a parent or other family member to move in. If your plans include running a business from home, your floor plan should have enough space and the right layout for a home office. You might also want to consider having aging-in-place features, such as a downstairs bedroom, included if you’re planning to continue living in your new house as you get older.
Certain features can add a lot of convenience to your new home. You might want to put your laundry room on the second floor of your home, for example, so you don’t have to walk up and downstairs with laundry baskets. Having a separate utility space can also make it easier to have your water heater and furnace inspected and maintained on a regular basis.
Your custom floor plan for new construction should maximize the amount of natural light available. This creates a cheerful environment in your home while allowing you to cut down on your energy usage. Windows facing south let in plenty of bright sunlight throughout the day, while windows facing north let in softer daylight, so plan your window placement accordingly. Consider skylights and bigger windows to allow even more light to brighten your new home.
Raena has an exceptionally positive outlook on life. She believes every day presents a new and exciting adventure. She also applies this attitude towards her work. She was raised in Bangor, Maine until she moved to Venice in 2011. She graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with a bachelors degree in public management. She has been an entrepreneur her entire life, owning several small businesses in Maine. She contributes her success to her problem solving skills and her commitment to excellent customer service. These skills will easily carry over to her real estate career. Her market knowledge and customer service will provide great service to her real estate clients.
She is currently a Realtor(R) for Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in the Venice office.