Before we know it, the snowy days of winter will be behind us, and that means warmer temperatures, sunshine, and building season! If you have been busy looking at new home plans and need some assistance in evaluating the many options that there are to choose from, check out our guide to choosing the perfect home plan to meet your needs. Building a new home is an exciting time, but it also requires some serious decision-making. Before settling on a specific home plan, you need to decide what is right for you. Let's take a look at the most important things to consider in order to ensure that you are making the best possible choice.

Ask Yourself What is Most Important to You and Your Family

Before you begin, you need to prioritize your needs and wants. This gives you a much more clear starting point when you are choosing a home plan. Things that you may want to take into consideration are questions such as how many bedrooms and bathrooms are needed? Do you need a separate family room, or will just a living room suffice? Is an eat-in kitchen a feature of a home plan that is important to you? Have you always wanted the convenience of an upstairs laundry room, or is it acceptable to have the laundry in the basement? By knowing what you are looking for, you can eliminate the inconvenience of being presented with plans that do not work for you.

Will This Home Be Big Enough for the Family in 5 or 10 Years?

While it may be tempting to choose a house plan based on your current stage of life, you need to look into the future and see if the home will still work for you. Are you planning to have children? You'll need enough space to accommodate them. Do you often have guests who stay with you for extended amounts of time? Make sure that the house plan has enough bedrooms. Or, do you think that an elderly family member will be living with you in a few years? You will need to make sure that the house plan includes room for them. Situations can change quickly, and you'll need to be prepared with a home plan that will work with your changing needs.

Do the Size of the Rooms Work for You?

Perhaps your family spends a great deal of time gathered in the kitchen. You need to make sure that the size of this room is appropriate for your needs. Or, it could be that you often have big family dinners, so you'll need a dining room that is large enough for everyone. Before you fall in love with a house plan, it is vital to take into consideration the size of the rooms that will be used on a regular basis in order to ensure that they are the right size for your comfort and enjoyment.

Consider the Pros and Cons of Different Home Plans

While there may be no such thing as the "perfect" home plan, you should definitely take into consideration the pros and cons of each plan that you may be considering. Are there things that you are willing to sacrifice? For instance, an open floor plan may seem lovely but does not provide much privacy in the living areas of the home. Or, another home plan may have the three-car garage that you've always wanted, but as a result, offers less space inside the home. It may be that the walk-in closet that is in the master bedroom means less square footage in the room itself. Consider each aspect of the home plan before making a final decision, and decide what you absolutely can or can not live without.

What Exterior Features are Important?

Do you need a large backyard? Or, perhaps a wraparound porch is a feature that you have your heart set on. It may be that you need space for outdoor grilling, eating, and entertaining. Take the exterior features of the home into consideration as well.

Find Out if Modifications are an Option

Do you see yourself making modifications to the home plan in the future? If so, it is a good idea to check as to if these modifications will be possible for when you are ready. Certain plans may not allow for what you could possibly be envisioning, so do your research beforehand.

Consider the Features of the Land

Surprisingly, the land or lot that you are building the home on can make a difference when it comes to choosing a home plan. There may possibly be zoning limits and regulations to consider, and you want to choose a plan that is making the most of the land that you are working with.

Does Your Chosen Plan Work in the Neighbourhood?

While it may not be essential that every home in the neighbourhood looks exactly the same, it probably won't look right if you choose a small, one-story bungalow home among many large, two-story colonials. This can affect your resale home value in the future, so consider it carefully before making a final decision.

Consider Your Home Furnishings

Your home furnishings are of importance when choosing a home plan that meets your needs! Will you need twin beds in one or more of the bedrooms? Make sure that the size of the rooms allows for this. Or, perhaps you need a large kitchen table that seats a certain number of people. Ensure that you will have room for this as well. Think about all the furniture that you have, plan to have, or know that you will need. Take the necessary steps to make sure it will work with your chosen home plan.

Choosing a home plan does not have to be difficult if you are prepared and know what you are looking for! If you are going to be starting the process of looking at home plans, let us help you. Come into our Home Centre to talk to our experts. Contact us today for more information!