Choosing the Best Design

Prospective buyers are often asking for opinions as to which design is best. I explain that it is different for each person and their individual lifestyles. People who do more entertaining will want a different type of home than people who spend time traveling. Some will want separate dens/library or computer rooms while others will want more space for the lanai and pool area.

When you first start looking at model homes begin by looking at different types of homes such as Great Room versus Family and Living Room designs and open plans versus more traditional plans. Make a list of pros and cons. Look for the overall type of design before looking at specific designs or builders. Not doing this can make the entire process more difficult.

Today’s Florida home designs are open, brightly designed homes. They are also much different than homes people are used to in other parts of the country.

After visiting several different types of models you’ll find that there are several basic designs:

Great Room – The great room is the primary living area (sometimes referred to as the living room). The great room generally is open to the rest of the home with the master bedroom on the opposite side of the home as the other bedrooms.

Great Room with Den – Same as Great Room but with an additional room in the front of the home used as a library, study, computer or other type of room. (Not a bedroom)

Living Room and Family Room – Separate formal living room and family room with the master bedroom on the opposite side of the home as the other bedrooms.

Living Room and Family Room with Den – Same as Living Room and Family Room but with an additional room in the front of the home used as a library, study, computer or other type of room. (Not a bedroom)

Two, Three or Four Bedroom Plans

This is always a big point of discussion. First you need to think about how you are going to use your other bedrooms. Will anyone else be sleeping in one of the bedrooms on a regular basis? Who will that be? Do you want a guestroom for all those people who said they would visit you when you move to Florida? (And they will.)

Almost universally two bedroom homes are difficult to sell and for that reason alone you may want to not consider it. Homes with dens can be considered by some to be a fourth bedroom but a well designed fourth bedroom is located near the other bedrooms and close to a bathroom.

Some tips to guide you in choosing a home design

Talk with your family. Discuss what each of you want.
Look at how you live and where you spend most of your time.
Reflect on homes you have visited. What features did you especially enjoy?
Consider the features of your land. Where is the sunlight best? Which direction offers the greatest views?
Browse through building plan catalogs.
Use the search function offered by online directories of building plans.
Select a floor plan that most closely matches your ideal.
Select exterior finishing details.
Estimate your building costs. Your budget will determine many of the choices you make in the design of your home.
Consider hiring an architect to personalize your building plan, or to create a custom design.

Tips:

Choose your floor plan first, your exterior facade second. Most plans can be finished in nearly any architectural style.
It's usually best to purchase your land before you select your building plan. The land establishes the amount of area and the type of terrain you have to build on. Pre-purchasing the land also helps you budget the rest of your project.
Be sure to budget for landscaping and finishing touches.

(source: About.com)

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Last Updated: August 06, 2005 09:01 PM