Category: Custom home design

Need a Personalized or Custom House Plan? We Can Help!

Custom home design

Building a new home should never be a cookie cutter process. Every person and family’s needs are unique, so even the most perfect house plan on paper may not work in reality. That’s why, at Frank Betz Associates, we are happy to accommodate almost any change to our existing, award-winning house plans, or even start from scratch and develop a custom plan just for you. We work from a library of trend-setting, modern, remarkably-functional house plans, so making an adjustment is typically an easy process. Here’s how we do it:

Modify an Existing House Plan

We offer hundreds of house plans, so if you can’t find the perfect one, there’s likely one that will serve as a great starting point for your unique home. Whether you want to make one change or 10, we recommend starting with a base plan so that you can envision how your home will look. The process is easy:

Step 1: Select a house plan that you love from our extensive collection, then fill out and submit the Modification Request Form.

Step 2: We will get back to you within 3 business days with an estimate for the work and the time needed to complete the modified plan.

Step 3: We will deliver the finished product dependent upon the license that is purchased. Regardless, all files are created using exceptional quality control standards and exact precision.

Here are a few of our most frequently requested modifications, and ones that we can make for you, too!

Upgrade to a 3 Car Garage
Add/Delete Living Space or other square footage
Add a Floor Over a Two Story Area
New Front Elevation
Garage: Front to side load or vice versa
Add Front or Back Porch, Screened Porch, Sunroom or Deck
Change Exterior Building Materials
True Reverse of Plan
Post and Beam Basement
Slab Foundation Plan
Change Exterior Walls from 2″ x 4″ to 2″ x 6″
Adjust Plan for Handicap Accessibility

A note about timing…

The time it takes to return a final set of plans will depend on how many jobs we have in queue. We take great pride in making sure every set of drawings is accurate, so we don’t rush through any job just for the sake of getting it done, including yours. Home is the most special place in the world, and we give each the respect and care it deserves.

We do, however, realize that some of our customers may be on a tighter deadline than others, so if you or your builder have local CAD resources, or we are happy to pass on the final concept and design work so that you may get it drafted to meet any internal deadlines.

While we are able to make any revision or modification to our existing house plans, if the changes become so extensive that they are no longer economical or feasible, we may recommend starting from scratch with a custom house design. Our designers have years of combined experience, and can easily determine early on in the process if a custom design is appropriate.

Design a Custom House Plan

Our designers are happy to work closely with you to develop a custom house plan that meets all your needs and accommodates your lifestyle. The custom home process is divided into two phases: design phase and construction document phase. We’ll work closely with you on both to make sure you leave with the house plan of your dreams.

Design Phase: Our designers will work closely with you to develop an initial concept. Through a series of approximately 2-3 meetings, as a team we will meticulously work through ideas for the first floor, second floor, and front elevation. While we will take our time and explore all ideas until we have the concept just right, we pride ourselves on being intuitive as well as in-tune with each client to efficiently work together during this phase.

Construction Document Phase: Here is where your new home begins to come to life! Once the design is approved, your plans are transformed into a set of CAD files, which represent your home at 1/4″ scale and with dimension. Now you can start to visualize how your home will flow, where furniture will be placed, and where you will spend your time during different parts of the day. If you are already working with a builder/contractor they can provide input regarding the type of plans they require. After any necessary revisions, your house plan will go through a rigorous quality control process to ensure the accuracy and quality for which all our designs are known.

The custom home design process typically takes about 6 – 8 weeks until you have a final house plan in hand. Through constant phone and email communication, we’ll keep you up-to-date on where we are in the process, and when we need your input, so you never have to guess.

If you are interested in a personalized house plan, or a completely custom one, we can help! Browse our house plans and gallery, then give us a call at 888-717-3003 to get started. We can’t wait to start designing with you!

best selling craftsman house plan frank betz

Top-Selling Craftsman House Plans

Custom home design

Craftsman homes first appeared in the early 20th century as a rebellion against the mass-produced, excessive, ornate Victorian styles that were popular at the time. Shifting focus back to natural, functional, and handmade elements, the original Craftsman architects focused on building homes that were simple, efficient, and low maintenance.

Today, Craftsman-style homes, like those you’ll find on our website, have sleeker lines and more modern interiors, though they still feature the wide porches, thick support columns, low-pitched roofs, exposed beams, and natural materials like wood and stone that were used in the early 1900s. On the interiors, these homes open up into large living rooms, the kitchens tend to be centrally located in the open floor plan, and bedrooms are tucked away for privacy.

At Frank Betz Associates, the Craftsman is one of our top-selling house plan styles. Though we offer 148 different variations that vary in elevation, number of bedrooms, and square footage, there are three that our customers request time and time again.

Sonoma

With 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths (including a jack-and-jill bathroom), and 2,707 square feet, the Sonoma has plenty of space for the entire family, plus guests. The first floor — with its wide covered front porch, two-story foyer, open-concept kitchen and family room, plus formal living and dining spaces — is meant for gatherings of all sizes. Upstairs, the owners’ suite is large and luxurious, with a tray ceiling, a vaulted bathroom with separate soaking tub and shower, vaulted sitting room, and private covered porch. The additional three bedrooms are spacious and placed well apart for privacy and quiet.

Castle Rock

One-story living at its finest, the Castle Rock plan includes everything you need for comfortable, yet elegant, living. Whether it’s relaxing with neighbors on the welcoming front porch, having a quiet glass of wine on the back deck, or entertaining in the gourmet kitchen and large family room, you have space to do it all. With 3 or 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, flex rooms, and 2,336 expertly-designed square feet, this is the home for you if you crave function, style, and beauty in one package.

Altamonte

A classic Craftsman aesthetic coupled with modern design sensibilities make the Altamonte the perfect plan to call home. This well-proportioned home is easy to live in, with rooms flowing naturally into one another, making the best use of form and function. The tucked-away location of the first-floor owners’ suite guarantees privacy, and with a separate soaking tub and shower, every day will feel like living in a luxury resort. The other downstairs bedroom can easily be used as a home office, private gym, or nursery. Upstairs there are two additional bedrooms, along with a vaulted loft overlooking the family room that’s perfect for a playroom, sitting area, library, or any other space your family needs.

Excellent craftsmanship, thoughtful layouts, and today’s modern conveniences create simple, easy, living in these popular Craftsman-style homes. For more information about how you can purchase any of these in-demand Frank Betz house plans, please contact us at 888-717-3003.

2019 Kitchen Design Trends | Frank Betz Associates

At Frank Betz Associates, we know that the kitchen is where the heat happens — so we always incorporate the hottest trends into every design. From holiday brunches and celebrations to milestones and weeknight meals, there are so many memories waiting to be made in your kitchen, which means you deserve nothing less than the best. If the kitchen is the heart of the home… then one of our house plans is where you truly belong.

From more space to gather with guests to contemporary, sleek appliances, homeowners today are looking for entirely different kitchens than they were even five years ago. One of the reasons our Frank Betz team is so trustworthy is our ability to constantly stay on top of trends, and incorporate what matters most to you into your expertly designed house plan. Take a look at a few of our favorite things that we include in our beautiful kitchens:

Massive Islands with Pendant Lighting and Seating:

Whether you’re a Sunday-morning-breakfast kind of person or a big fan of weeknight wine tastings, a large center island in your kitchen is the perfect place to relax, gather, and enjoy whatever it is you love most. Complete with pendant lighting and comfortable seating, there’s nowhere else you want to get “stranded.”

Built-In Refrigerators:

Refrigerators may do the most important job of all (keep our delicious foods safe and sound!) but let’s face it… they should take up the least amount of space as possible. When a refrigerator is built into the cabinetry of the kitchen, they make efficient use of space and look incredibly sleek while they’re at it.

Commercial Ranges with Decorative Hoods:

Who says that ranges can’t be stylish? While this part of the kitchen isn’t typically the first thing that comes to your mind, our sleek ranges serve as a focal point when they’re paired with a decorative hood. Both functional and aesthetically pleasing at the same time, this pair of appliances adds a trendy touch to your kitchen.

Open Shelving:

Openness in homes is now on the rise, and shelving in your kitchen is no exception. While traditional design called for closed cabinetry, our modern house plans incorporate shelving where everything can be seen. This way, you can get creative with how you display your items, and utilize pieces that enhance the vibe of the room.

If you’ve been looking for a house plan that lives the way that you do, Frank Betz Associates has the perfect fit. Our kitchens are expertly designed with contemporary trends to make your everyday life even more special, and we can’t wait for you to experience one for yourself. For more information, please call 888-717-3003.

Featured House Plan: Meet Mahogany Springs

Custom home design

When you finally come across “the one,” you’ll know it right away… With steeply pitched gables with brackets, mixed exteriors materials like stone and siding, and double columns on pedestals, our Mahogany Springs house plan is love at first sight — but wait until you step inside.

With a modern charm and timeless coziness, this gorgeous home offers the perfect blend of luxury and function. On the main floor, you finally get to enjoy the company of family and friends without the barrier of walls — in your warm and inviting open-concept living area, your best memories and meals are waiting to be made.

A flex room provides an abundance of space that can be used however you wish, from a formal dining room to a media space. Best of all, your stunning master suite is exactly what you’ve always envisioned, with elegant design and contemporary features, including a spa-like bathroom with a free-standing tub and walk-in shower.

On the second floor, you’ll fall in love with the convenience of a sleek tech center at the top of the stairs, which is ideal for computers, games, or homework, as well as secondary bedrooms that share a compartmentalized bathroom. If you want even more space, an optional bonus room can be turned into whatever you dream up.

Not to mention, a vaulted covered porch and front porch extend the beauty of your home to the great outdoors, so you can enjoy all of the little things that make life so sweet — from mornings with a good book and coffee to evening dinners with your family under the stars.

Whether you’re a growing family or a couple who loves to entertain and enjoy an abundance of personal space, this craftsman style house plan embraces and enhances any lifestyle. With an expert, thoughtful design that’s just as comfortable as it is contemporary, this home truly is a place unlike any other. For more information, please call us at 888-717-3003. All of us at Frank Betz Associates can’t wait to work with you!

Featured House Plan: Meet the Seneca Falls

Custom home design

There’s something undeniably charming about a modern, farmhouse-style home; it’s sleek but cozy, luxurious but warm, and of course, as stylish as a living space can get. At Frank Betz Associates, we’re always excited to design innovative, livable house plans that reflect what homebuyers want today — say hello to the Seneca Falls, a true beauty that proves the right home really does exist.

With a steeply pitched gable roof and wide porches, the exterior of this home is truly dazzling. In fact, it disproves the age-old idiom: don’t judge a book by its cover… Anyone who glances at the outside of the Seneca Falls can be sure that the inside is just as incredible!

Just past the charming foyer, a wide open living space waits with open arms for friends, family, and guests alike. A family room with a beamed ceiling and cozy fireplace connects to a beautiful kitchen with a casual dining area, large pantry, and home management center; perfect for both entertaining and relaxing.

From dinner parties and holiday brunches to weeknight family meals and morning coffee, the kitchen and open living area provide the thoughtful space needed to enjoy the little moments that make life so special. Best of all, a vaulted covered porch and outdoor dining area connected to the family room offer the added pleasure of the peace and privacy of the backyard.

Past the stylish main floor, which also comes with a mudroom, a convenient laundry area, and a guest suite, the second floor provides the essential comfort needed in day-to-day life. From the master suite and vaulted master bathroom ceiling to three spacious bedrooms, everything a family needs to rest and recharge is right up here. Plus, an optional bonus room adds more space (and personality) to this cozy, contemporary floor.

Whether for a growing family or for a couple who loves to entertain as much as enjoy an abundance of personal space, the Seneca Falls house plan enhances any lifestyle. With a high-quality design that’s every bit as detailed and thoughtful as you deserve, this home truly is a place unlike any other.

For more information on the gorgeous Seneca Falls house plan, please call us at 888-717-3003. All of us at Frank Betz Associates can’t wait to work with you!

HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR HOMES’ CURB APPEAL

Walk down any residential street and it’s the homes that make up most of the scenery. How your home looks from the curb point of view makes a statement. It’s a first impression that conveys a lot about who and what lives inside. Whether you’re looking to maximize your home’s curb appeal because it’s going on the market or you just want a great looking home, this article can help you get there.

Knock Knock

The front door is most often the centerpiece of a home’s front exterior. As people approach your home, they’re headed for the front door. As a major focal point, you should create a front doorway that is both strong and welcoming. Depending on your door type, this can be achieved with a fresh coat of paint or stain. While well-crafted hardware that includes the door knob, knocker and even the doorbell can dramatically contribute to the overall look of your front entry way. Long story short, a great front door is a must for curb appeal.

A porch that says, “come on up.”

If your home has a front porch, it already has a head start in the curb appeal department.

Nothing says “come on up for a visit” like a well-appointed front porch. Taking into consideration the style of your home, furnish your front porch with comfortable chairs or even porch swing. Potted and hanging plants and other attractive ornaments like windchimes, a door mat and sculpture are additional ways to turn up the welcome factor in this out-in-front space.

Landscaping matters.

Attractive landscaping means more than just freshly cut grass. From the curb, is there a path leading to the door? Make sure this path is well kept and even. Trimmed bushes, flowering plants and carefully pruned trees all add up to create a beautiful landscape. And remember, it all starts at the curb. The sidewalk and driveway are also important areas to keep looking neat.

A detailed approach.

Another step in increasing your home’s curb appeal is sprucing up the architectural details. These include any elements that can be seen from the curb. Make sure that any fencing is in order, the roofing and gutters look good and light fixtures and hardware are working and clean.

Even a neat mailbox can help. These items may seem insignificant alone, but together they have a substantial visual effect.

What a difference a color makes.

Finally, and quite important, is your home’s paint. Freshening up the exterior of your home with a shiny new coat of paint is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to boost its curb appeal. Shades of green and brown blend well with most landscapes. Light and dark tones of blue also work well to instill a look of calmness. And if your home is modern or traditional, white is a nice way to emphasize clean lines.

There are many simple ways to increase your home’s curb appeal. Start by standing on the curb and observing your home from an objective perspective. You’ll be able to identify key issues that can be easily addressed. With a little time and elbow grease, your home can be looking its best to you and anyone who happens by.

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING YOUR MASTER SUITE

Besides the kitchen, the master suite is considered one of the most important areas of a home. It’s where you’ll be spending a good portion of your life, not only because it’s where you and your significant other sleep, but where you get ready for the day ahead. Taking the time to design a master suite that best fits your needs is well worth the effort. With a few design tips outlined in this article, you’ll be on the right path to creating a well-planned master suite.

The matter of privacy
Because your master suite will act as a retreat from the hectic world, a sense of privacy should be woven into the design. Positioning these rooms near the back of the home and/or on the upper story is recommended. The privacy issue also comes in to play when locating windows and doors. Yes, you can add curtains or blinds, but it’s comforting to be able to dress and undress freely without having to worry about putting on a show for the neighbors.

The size is right
The master suite most commonly consists of the largest bedroom and bathroom in the house.
Larger walk-in closets and sitting rooms are also popular features for these areas. When designing your home’s floorplan, assigning a generous percentage of the square footage for the master suite is advised. One should also consider the furniture that will go in these rooms. The size of the bed, dressers and sitting room chairs can help determine the amount of space needed.

Closet space. More is more.
One of the most attractive features of a well-designed master suite is ample closet space. If the square footage is available, including two walk-in closets is the best course. This allows enough room for both occupants to keep their individual wardrobes. A master suite with two walk-in closets is also a huge advantage when selling your home.

Bathroom zen
While the rest of your home’s bathrooms are purely functional in nature, the master suite bathroom can be extraordinary. Beyond function, this bathroom can be a place of relaxation.
Double sink vanities, spa tubs and steam showers are just a few examples of luxurious master suite amenities.

Laundry convenience
Since the master suite is usually inhabited by two people, it will generate a significant amount of clothing and bedding. To conveniently handle the cleaning and upkeep of these items, designing easy access to the laundry is suggested. If the master suite is on the second floor and the laundry room on the first, a laundry shoot is a feature that can aid the accessibility and save time.

Every great home should have a master suite to match. As your own personal escape from the busy world, it should include the space and amenities that will enable both functionality and relaxation. As much if not more than any room in your home, the master suite should be a reflection of your style with the space and features that will complement the home as a whole.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MUDROOM DESIGN

Similar to an airlock on a space station, the mudroom is a vital transition area between the outdoors and indoors. Coming in from outside, it’s a place to take off and store your outerwear and other daily belongings. When leaving your home, it’s the last stop to gear up with the needed essentials. Coming or going, a well-designed mudroom is an essential part of any home.

A heavy traffic area

One of the keys to a properly designed mudroom is making sure it’s located adjacent to the most used entry way. Consider what door your family will be using the most often and that is the place for the mudroom. This is probably the area where everyone’s shoes, boots, gloves, coats, backpacks, keys and hats will live. So, it should be designed into the floorplan according to convenience and easy access to your home’s most popular doorway.

Everything in its place and a place for everything

Accessibility and organization are two very important components to a functional mudroom design.
Built-in shelving and cabinets are nice for storage. While racks and hooks to hang coats and hats make getting in and out of the house more efficient. If there is room for a bench, not only will it provide a comfortable place to sit while removing shoes and boots, but with the right design, the area under the bench can be utilized for storage, as well. Installing a small mirror is also a nice amenity, for a last-minute look before you head out the door.

Size is relative

Beyond location, the size of your mudroom should be determined by the number of people and pets in your home. Remember, with each person comes at least one set of shoes, a coat and hat. And for our
four-legged family members, you’ll need room for a leash and outdoor toys. If there’s space for its own room great, but a mudroom can be designed into a hallway, laundry room or larger closet.

Durable materials

The very definition of a mudroom describes a place where muddy and wet clothing is taken off before entering the rest of the home. It’s there to protect the rest of your home from the outdoor elements. With that, a mudroom should be designed using materials that can handle dirt and moisture. Tile flooring or an easy to clean rug will help keep things tidy. Metal hooks and wire baskets are also moisture resistant features that make for durable storage and organization.

All told, the mudroom should be designed for function. It is a place to keep outdoor clothing and any other daily items used outside the home. But just because the mudroom is designed for utility, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be attractive and complement your home. Incorporating the same color pallet and material styles will help weave this room into your home’s established décor. Yes, it is a mudroom, but it can be a beautiful room, as well.

DESIGNING A CRAFTSMAN STYLE HOME – IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Gaining popularity in the early twentieth century, the Craftsman style house is easy to identify. Its distinct design characteristics set it apart from most other home styles. From its iconic front porch, exposed beams and grand fireplace, the Craftsman home has a character all its own. If you’re planning to build a new Craftsman home, this article will highlight a number of its classic design features.

A welcome like no other

Of all the defining features of a Craftsman home, the covered front porch is one of the most recognizable.

Anchored with brick or stone footers, Craftsman porch columns start wide at the bottom and taper toward the top. The front porch has deep overhanging eaves, visible knee braces and exposed rafter tails that extend beyond the roof line. Shingled eaves and handcrafted trim are also a notable detail found on examples of the style.

Definitive scale

Balanced proportion and scale are very important qualities of a Craftsman home. Standing vertical but solid, most Craftsman’s are only one or two stories. Their low-pitched roofs provide a squat facade which works proportionately with their wide floorplans. Intersecting roof lines also help to convey a textured dimension to the home when viewed from every angle.

Creature Comforts

Another hallmark of the Craftsman style is a large fireplace usually located in the living room. Working as the home’s centerpiece, it often uses the same stone and wood detailing found throughout the home.
As with other elements pulled from the Arts and Crafts movement, built-in cabinetry and shelving can a be found in the living spaces beyond the kitchen. More tell-tale interior details include multi-pane windows with wide trim wainscoting or chair rails, period light fixtures and paned doors. Intricate metal hardware on doors and windows add to the Craftsman charm.

Show the bones

Craftsman homes are known for shamelessly showing off their structural components. Exposed beams on the interior and exterior of the home act as signature architectural details. As mentioned above, the ends of the beams, called rafter tails notably extend outside of the roof line. Inside, natural wood rafters accent the ceilings in most every room. This treatment brings an element interest to an otherwise overlooked aspect of the home.

Naturally designed

With locally sourced wood and stone as the go-to materials, the Craftsman home exudes an earthy ambiance. The color palette of this style reflects the natural world, as well. Earth tones like browns and greens are most often used. While handcrafted dark wood detailing and accents add to rustic influence.

There are many reasons the Craftsman style home is one of the most popular across the country. It’s iconic style fits in nicely from coastal to mountainous regions. And in addition to its historic architectural beauty, the style is still quite functional in our modern world. Featuring a deep-rooted essence of comfort and hand-crafted elegance, the Craftsman home has earned its illustrative name while standing the test of time for more than a century.

DESIGN TIPS FOR YOUR NEW LAKE HOUSE OR MOUNTAIN HOME

Building a home where your family spends most of its time can be a project of a lifetime. Building a second, vacation centered home on the water or in the mountains is an adventure on a whole other level. A vacation home is just that, for a vacation. With that means every facet of the home’s design should be geared to comfort and relaxation. This article will help illustrate some of the best practices when designing your dream vacation home.

Rooms with a view

Whether it’s on the water or in the mountains, the positioning of your vacation home should always be oriented to achieve the maximum view of the natural surroundings. When designing a floor plan, locate the most frequently used rooms toward the back of the home. This includes the kitchen, dining and living rooms. Take advantage of the beautiful scenery by installing as many large windows and glass doors as possible. Not only will this expansive glass optimize your view, but the natural light can reduce electricity bills. Less used rooms like the garage, laundry and bedrooms should be situated toward the front of the home.

The positives of a sloping lot

Due to their remote locations, vacation homes are often set on rougher terrain. This usually means the lot will be located on a hill or mountain. These slopes can work in your favor if planned correctly. By putting the foundation into the slope and building upwards, you’ll have at least two stories that are open to the views and sunlight. A proper retaining wall will be needed to address water drainage from the downward slope.

Make every square foot count
Because it’s a vacation home you’ll want to maximize every inch of space. If you like to entertain, friends and family will probably be visiting and staying overnight. Designing a terraced home with multiple levels will allow you to pack in as many sleeping quarters as possible. Basement bedrooms are also a less expensive way to make room for guests.

Outside is the new inside

Your vacation home will hopefully be located smack dab in the middle of nature’s beauty. To best enjoy the surroundings, try to include as many exterior spaces as possible. Porches, decks and even outside kitchens and fireplaces are great ways to enjoy nature in functional comfort. An abundance of fresh air and sunlight are the keys to relaxation. A true vacation home will take these resources into account and blur the line between the indoors and outdoors.

Designing a vacation home is a perfect opportunity to push the bounds of creating a dwelling that embraces the tranquility of the natural world. A home with expansive views of the surroundings, cozy and ample sleeping quarters, as well as generous outdoor amenities should all be cornerstones of the design. Again, this home should be a place of serenity and outdoor fun. So, design with nature in mind.