Deciding to invest in a custom home build is actually the easy part of the construction process. Once you have made this decision, you will realise that there is a multitude of factors that go into the building of your structure. The first major decision that you need to make is the floor plan for your future home. However, if you have no experience in construction design, you may be stumped as to what will be suitable for you and your loved ones. This article seeks to help first-time homeowners in determining a floor plan that will be best suited to their needs.

Step 1: Establish the amount of space you require

If you have never engaged in home construction before, you may make the mistake of only considering your immediate needs when thinking of your floor plan. But if you are looking to age in your residence, then you need to anticipate your future needs to so that you can have adequate space even when the status quo changes. Once you have an estimate on the square footage of the structure, you should identify how many bedrooms you want. And if the space is limited, you should consider multi-functional rooms that you could transform depending on what needs arise as you grow in your house. Lastly, if you have a pet or plan on getting one, you may want to consider leaving ample space for a yard rather than utilising all available footage for the structure.

Step 2: Identify your preferred design scheme

Once you know how your house will be partitioned, you then have to decide on what design scheme is most preferred to you. For instance, individuals that prefer having their privacy and like to enjoy some solitude when other people are in the home may want to opt for a compartmentalised design that allows them to be separate from other members of the household. Alternatively, if you like open spaces that allow for constant interaction, whether you are in the kitchen or the living room, then an open floor plan will be a suitable option.

Step 3: Factor in your lifestyle

If you are building your first home, it is likely that you want it to be your haven. Rather than settling for designs that you will have to remodel down the road, you should include features that are most suited to your lifestyle from the get-go. For example, if you love spending time outdoors, you should have your floor plan designed with indoor-outdoor living in mind, with your living room smoothly transitioning to the backyard via a spacious deck.

Contact a custom home builder for additional advice.