One of the most exciting times in your life can be deciding to build a new construction home. Here at Homes By Dickerson, we know that finding the “Home of Your Life” begins with choosing the right floor plan.

Which floor plan you choose depends on how you use your home and how it fits with your lifestyle. From the size and shape, to where the rooms are located in relation to each other, every part of the home can affect your living experience, so knowing what you really want is crucial. 

Here are five tips for choosing the right floorplan for your new home:

Figure out what size home will best suit your needs

Choosing a floor plan should start with how you envision living in your new home, what type of layout works best, and how you would use each space. Though important, square footage should be your secondary consideration. Instead, focus on how many sleeping spaces do you need? Could a guest room double as an office or home gym if it won’t be used often? Do you need a certain amount of storage space? Prioritize your most important needs by thinking about your current space and what you need or don’t need in terms of rooms.

Choose a floorplan based on your lifestyle 

Every family has their own style, so choosing a floorplan that meets your needs is essential. Do you need an office? Do the kids need a rec room? Do you like to exercise at home, rather than at the gym? Would you  prefer a multi-purpose flex space that can change as your family grows? Think about the space you need to be comfortable based on your daily activities.

Trust your instincts on what “feels” right when choosing a floorplan

You know when a space feels comfortable. Take these instincts into consideration when looking at different floorplans. For example, someone with children may want the primary bedroom to be close to the other bedrooms. Others may prefer the primary bedroom to be separated for quiet and privacy. 

Be honest about your needs and lifestyle

Preferred features in a home differ depending on what stage of life you are in. Before choosing a home design, ask yourself: 

• Is your family situation changing, either growing or shrinking?
• Will you need guest rooms for overnight visitors? 
• What about dedicated living space for longer visits by parents or grandchildren? 
• Are you approaching retirement? Should you choose a plan that’s better for aging in place? 
• How do you entertain? Do you want formal spaces or more relaxed gathering rooms? 
• Do you travel frequently and need a lock-and-leave lifestyle?

Don’t forget workspace or entertaining considerations

Are you working from home more these days, possibly even full-time? A dedicated office in a quiet part of the house is a necessity. Even better, an office with sound proofed walls and a door that locks! 

Do you have hobbies or special interests that might require special rooms to enjoy them? A wine room for your bottles of Napa Valley Chardonnay or Italian Barolo. A media room for special showings of your Akira Kurosawa films.  

  Do you need lots of attic or storage space to store your treasures? For example, the holiday decorations that seem to grow exponentially every year. Halloween, Christmas, 4th of July… Cinco de Mayo? (Really?) Or the model trains/Lego sets/doll houses that were supposed to be temporary. 

Do you want to be able to eat/live/entertain outdoors? A deck, patio, covered/screened porch is a must. Make sure there’s room for a dining table, and a conversation area. Then add a fireplace and an outdoor kitchen! 

Answering these questions honestly will ensure that you choose the right floor plan for your lifestyle now and into the future. If you need any guidance or suggestions, connect with our online sales associates!