Choosing a building plan is one of the most important–and exciting steps as you prepare to build your home. But it can be a hard decision to make, considering the numerous possible options.

Settling on a plan for your new home will be easier if you are aware of the restrictions you face (such as lot size or limits on building heights) and also have an idea of what features you need in your new home. Narrowing your search from the beginning will make it easier to find the house building plans that are right for you.

Researching Building Plans

Books and magazines used to be the go-to source for those looking for building plan inspiration. While these are still great resources, you can also look at a wide variety of building plans online. Even if you choose not to buy a plan online, many sites offer vast libraries of plans to browse through, which can give you a good sense of the available options.

If you are attracted to older architectural styles but want a house with modern amenities, you may want to look at vintage home plans. You can also get inspiration from design magazines and books on architecture. As you browse, keep track of what you like and don’t like about certain plans and styles, and use this information to help guide your selection of a plan.

What to Look For in a Building Plan

Choosing a building plan that will lead to a house that you will love now and in the years to come is paramount. Before choosing a plan, think carefully about your needs and lifestyle now, as well as in the future. How many bedrooms will your family need? Will you be able to move around easily as you get older? Do you need a guest bedroom and a home office?

You will want a plan with good traffic flow, adequate storage space and living areas that work with your lifestyle. While extras such as wine cellars and home theaters are nice, you should also remember to consider less glamorous features of the home, such as the location of the washer and dryer, number and size of closets, and size of the utility or mud room.

Customizing a Building Plan

Customizing an existing building plan is possible, though this can sometimes be expensive. If you are having difficulty finding an existing building plan that meets your needs, you may consider working with an architect to develop a custom home design.

Questions to Ask

If you’re having trouble choosing a building plan, these questions can help you make a decision:

• How much can I afford to spend?
• How much space do I need?
• How will the home work with the surrounding landscape?
• What architectural style do I prefer?
• What are my current living needs?
• What unique features do I want or need?
• Will the house work with my future lifestyle?