Category: Features

How To Find A House Floor Plan That’s Right for You!

Features

Choosing the perfect floor plan is a big step in turning your dream home into a reality. Whether you want something big and elegant or small and classic, it all starts with finding the right house plan. Frank Betz Associates is the expert in house plans, with over 100 years combined experience. We make it easy for you to find and customize a house plan that suits your lifestyle, preferences, wants, and needs. If you’re just starting to explore your options, we welcome you to explore our guide on how to find a house floor plan with us.

Our Process

At Frank Betz, we believe finding your perfect floor plan is the first and most important step on your custom home journey. Many people will look at a home’s exterior first, and then look at the floor plan. Ideally, you should begin by finding the floor plan as the exterior (or elevation as it is called) can easily be changed to another style that better suits your personal taste.

The process for how to choose a floor plan should be fun and simple. That’s why we’ve developed a simple step-by-step process. And that’s not all — we provide tools, resources, and expert guidance along the way to help narrow down our wide variety of plans and find your perfect fit.

Choosing A House Plan

Search Our Plans – We have over 1,000 plans and counting!
Refine Your Search – We have several ways to filter your search results.
Save & Compare – Use this tool to save your favorite plans and compare them later.
Make A Change – Modify plans by selecting Modify on the plan page and filling out the form or contacting us directly.
We’re Here to Help – Always reach out with any questions.
Send Us A Picture – We love to show off completed projects. Once your home is finished, feel free to send us pictures!

Frank Betz ensures you have access to everything you need. One way to get started is by using our Find the Perfect House Plan feature. This easy-to-use tool allows you to narrow down options based on square footage, the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and specific styles. You can customize your search criteria and instantly browse the best house plans for your needs.

You can further refine your search with our Refine Your Search and Advanced Search tools. This will expand your options to include typing in a specific house plan, square footage range, features like a bonus room, and more. If you prefer to start broader in your search, we recommend starting with our House Plan Categories, New House Plans, or Drawing Board House Plans.

FAQs: Guidance at Every Step

Whether you’re buying home plans for the first time or you’ve worked with us before, we ensure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Our comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions serves as a great resource if you’re just starting your search or have questions along the way.

Important questions like, “What information do I need to provide when I purchase a set of plans?” or “Should I buy the plans or let my builder buy them?” are great to ask before you purchase your plan or plans. Many people like to understand the ordering process. Here, you can find answers to questions about pricing, how to order, refunds and exchanges, how long it takes to receive a plan after purchase, and more.

Unsure of the terminology of our features? Our architectural glossary is another great resource to check out. Frank Betz wants you to feel confident when buying home plans, therefore, we provide tools and resources like this to keep you informed and educated. If you need help understanding home-building terminology, this glossary explains common terms to help you better understand the plans you’re reviewing. Don’t feel overwhelmed by architectural jargon, we have you covered!

A Variety of Plans to Choose From

When it comes to house plans, selection is key. Frank Betz Associates stands out by offering a wide range of house plans to build. Our award-winning portfolio includes hundreds of expertly designed home plans that cater to various lifestyles, family sizes, and architectural preferences.

Colonial House Plans: Colonial house plans are inspired by the early settlers from Europe in the American colonies. They’re best known for their saltbox shape.
Duplex House Plans: Ideal for multi-family living or investment properties, these plans allow for dual occupancy while maintaining privacy and comfort.
European House Plans: Known for their old-world charm, these plans often contain a vast assortment of styles and features from all of Europe including French, German, and Dutch.

Beyond these categories, we also offer farmhouse plans, ranch plans, craftsman plans, and more. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cottage or a sprawling estate, we’ve got the best house plans to suit any preference.

For those who require a bit more customization, we offer modification services. You can tweak any of our plans to better meet your needs or personal tastes. Whether it’s adding an extra bedroom, expanding the kitchen, or modifying the exterior design, our in-house design team is here to bring your vision to life.

Connect with Frank Betz for the Best House Plans!

At Frank Betz Associates, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect floor plan that not only matches your needs but exceeds your expectations. Whether you’re just starting your home search or are ready to buy home plans, we offer a customer-friendly process that’s tailored to you. Explore our website to discover the many house plans we have available. You can also reach out to our team by phone or online. We’re here to make the process easy, educational, and enjoyable!

Innovate Your Home’s Design with U-Shaped Stairs

Features

Every home is a complex arrangement of many parts. And stairs are an integral part of any multi-story home. They may be both utilitarian – providing access to different levels of the home – and architectural – offering a unique design element or a dramatic focal point. And they come in a variety of “shapes” – straight, spiral, curved, cantilever, L-shape, and U-shape. At Frank Betz Associates, we have home plans with all kinds of stairs. In this blog, we’re going to discuss U-shaped stairs.

What Are U Shaped Stairs?

If you are planning on building a two-story house, it will have at least one set of stairs. Depending on the size and style of the home, the architect/home designer will choose a staircase that fits both the space available and the style. If floor space is an issue, a U-shaped staircase is a good choice.

What are U-shaped stairs? U-shaped stairs are essentially two parallel flights of straight stairs joined by a landing that creates a 180-degree turn, also called a switchback. Because of this, this stair design is also known as the “switchback” or “half-turn” stairs.

There are several advantages to U-shaped stairs design. They are easier to fit into a plan, and they offer some architectural and visual interest. They occupy less linear floor space and are ideal for small entryways and corners. U-shaped stairs with a landing are safer and more comfortable to climb than the steep straight staircase, and the landing(s) can offer a resting point partway up the stairs. The landing also provides extra space and can be a handy nook

Enhance Your Home Floor Plans

For many home designers, figuring out where to put the main stairs can influence not just the arrangement of the rooms, but also the placement of the windows. A U-shaped stair gives the designer some flexibility, especially when they are trying to use every inch of space efficiently. For example, a foyer with a 10-foot ceiling can have a smaller footprint if it is adjacent to the stairs. Why? The “hole” for the stairwell becomes part of the foyer and allows light to filter down into the foyer. Thus making a smaller space feel larger.

As one of our designers notes, “U-shaped stairs at the entry of a home has become a more commonly used feature in new plans. Having the stairs next to the foyer upon entering a home allows the builder a place to show some creativity. So often home buyers become bored with the same typical, if not purely functional, stair locations.”

Having a U-shaped stair in the front of the home not only creates a different feel when entering but also allows designers to use it as an architectural feature on the exterior. How? Having the landing for the U-shaped stairs against the front wall opens up numerous options for the exterior elevation, giving the designer the ability to devise a creative arrangement for the windows. For example, the designer can break up a plain exterior by placing a large window (as much as 9′ wide and as much as 12′ high) in the landing. It can give the same effect as the window in a 2-story foyer, offering light and the feeling of open air space.

At Frank Betz Associates, two of our newest plans, Stansbury Glen and Forsyth Knoll, feature U-shape stairs. The Stansbury Glen’s first floor is just 1,364 square feet, so tucking the stairs next to the foyer gives the compact layout a bit more breathing room. The foyer takes you right into the open living room/dining area/kitchen, and the stairs fit neatly into the foyer space, not intruding into the living space. The large window above the landing spans a floor-and-a-half and allows tons of light to shine down the stairs as well as into the upstairs hall. From the outside, the substantial window adds both character and interest to the exterior.

The Forsyth Knoll is a larger home with a broader and more complex exterior. The large window in the stairwell adds both balance and a bit of mass to the stone facade portion of the exterior. Inside, the corresponding U-shaped stairs act as an anchor in the center of the home. Surrounded by the foyer, the family room, and a flex room, the compact stairs help create a welcoming entry point as well as an intersection in the front hall, without taking up a lot of floor space. The “half-turn” of the landing is actually two landings with a few steps between – it’s charming and unique! And upstairs, the oversized window sends plenty of light into the upper hall and the adjacent media room.

Two very different homes, both featuring U-shape stairs and demonstrating how this functional and interesting design choice can fit into a variety of home sizes and styles.

Contact Frank Betz Today!

For a homebuyer, there’s no better feeling than finding the right style of home for their family. We hope this article illuminates the benefits of a U-shaped stairs plan. If you need further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We have many home options available in our portfolio. When you’re ready, contact Frank Betz Associates.

Three Cost Efficient Floor Plans That Are Perfect for Your Next Home

Features

Designing the perfect home can be an extremely costly experience. To get the home of your dreams while staying within your budget, read on to find out how to find a cost-efficient floor plan that meets your every need.

What Makes a Cost-Efficient Floor Plan?

There are several characteristics of a cost-efficient floor plan. Find one that includes the features listed below, and you’ll be sure to stick to your budget.

Simple, Straight Lines

Simple, straight lines are not only pleasing to look at, but they are also incredibly cost-effective. Keep roof lines simple and side and rear walls straight for an elegantly modern exterior with great curb appeal.

A Modest Footprint

Opting for a cozy floor plan with a modern footprint is a great way to keep your home cost-efficient. Homes with modest footprints require less energy to construct, so you’ll save in plenty of areas, such as the foundation and even building materials.

No Offsets in the Foundation

One simple way to cut the cost of your floor plan is to eliminate offsets in the foundation. Though they are common, each foundation offset increases your bill once again. Removing offsets altogether is an easy way to ensure they don’t interfere with your budget.

The Beauty of Value Engineering

Frank Betz Associates’ unique concept of “Value Engineering” gives you yet another way to cut costs. Value Engineering lowers the cost to build your home by eliminating waste with regard to materials. Efficient use of materials means the necessary quantities are lower, and so is your bill.

Three Cost-Efficient Floor Plans from Frank Betz Associates

Frank Betz Associates has the experience and knowledge to help you design a home that is both gorgeous and budget-friendly. Below are three cost-efficient floor plans that are perfect for your next home.

Azalea Park

Azalea Park is a wonderfully cozy cottage that you’ll have no trouble settling into. With a functional design and three bedrooms, your family will be right at home in this modest two-story design. Relax on the screened-in porch and enjoy the natural light that floods the house throughout the day.

Haddington House

Create a place of belonging with a Haddington House floor plan. This modern farmhouse is the epitome of warmth and charm; welcome your guests home from an expansive front porch and entertain for hours in the connected kitchen, dining, and living spaces.

Waterbury Cottage

Sleek and modern, the Waterbury Cottage floor plan is packed with an open floor plan and wide windows to let the sunlight in. Though it features modest square footage, Waterbury Cottage is spacious due to its open spaces and strategic compartmentalization.

Contact Frank Betz Associates today to find the cost-efficient floor plan that’s right for you.

Small House Plans that Pack a Punch

Features

For many of us, our dream home is a grand house with more than enough space for everyone in our lives to spread out. There are rooms to accommodate every person, guest, hobby, and pet, and a large outdoor space where our kids can run free. It’s a beautiful dream that can easily become a reality with the right house plan.

And then, there are those of us who relish in the small and cozy, in spaces that bring family members together, and places we can clean in under an hour on a Saturday morning. That’s the beauty of living small.

In this article, we’ll share some of the top reasons people choose to build small (under 2,000 square feet), and a few of our coziest house plans from our extensive design collection.

1) More Affordable

Not only are smaller homes more affordable to build, they are much more economical in terms of energy usage. The smaller footprint combined with modern, energy-saving systems and appliances can lower your utility bills significantly. That means more money in your pocket to save, travel, or upgrade your home (more on that in a moment).

A smaller home is also less expensive to maintain. There is less square footage inside, and not as much surface space (like roof and siding) outside, so when it comes to repairing or replacing worn out materials, it will cost much less.

2) Faster Build Time

The smaller the home, the faster the build. The build time for an average-sized new home (about 2,657 square feet, according to U.S. Census Bureau data), is about one year. In that case, homes under 2,000 square feet could take as little as 6-9 months to build, all depending on your builder partner. No matter the exact number of days, the smaller, the faster, which is perfect if you have time constraints that cannot be changed.

3) Build in More Places

When you’re small, you can be nimble. The same is true for homes. When you build small, your home can fit in more places, including the most desirable neighborhoods with the most amenities. If there’s an area that you’ve fallen in love with, but it’s densely populated and existing homes or even condos are priced too high, consider grabbing a small plot of land and building new.

4) More Money for Upgrades

When you have a smaller space, you can deck it out with top-of-the-line finishes and materials. Tap into the money you saved building a smaller home and use it for upgrades such as marble countertops, solid hardwood floors, trendy wallpaper for accent walls, and anything else you wish.

5) Bring Family Together

In a cozier home, you can feel more connected to those you live with. See and hear your kids playing in the great room while you make dinner, gather round the fireplace for game nights or cups of cocoa, and never be too far that you can’t hear a baby crying. Keep in mind though, that in a home under 2,000 square feet, you don’t have to sacrifice space or style. The plan just has to be well-designed enough to make great use of every square foot.

Here are a few of our smaller house plans that hit the mark:

Around 2,000 Square Feet

Huntington Ridge (b)

3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 1,982 Sq Ft
Plan Features:

Front Porch
Formal Dining Room
Large Fireplace
Bonus Room
Mud Room

Blantons Trace

4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths | 2,073 Sq Ft
Plan Features:

Front Porch
Rear Porch
Split Bedrooms
Bonus Room
Mud Room

Around 1,500 Square Feet

Abbotts Pond

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,406 Sq Ft
Plan Features:

Front Porch
Rear Porch
Vaulted Ceilings
Breakfast Area

Quebec

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,342 Sq Ft
Plan Features:

Bonus Room
14′ Ceiling in Great Room
Tray Ceiling in Owner’s Suite
Additional Space Available to Build 4th Bedroom

If you’re interested in building a smaller home for any of the reasons mentioned above, we’d be happy to help you find the perfect plan. Contact us to get started.

Trend Spotlight: Laundry Access From Master Bathroom

Have you ever browsed a house plan that seemed contemporary and stylish… but not quite the right fit for you? At Frank Betz Associates, we don’t just hold our new home design plans to the highest standards of construction and design — we hold our knowledge of what you want to the highest standards as well.

No matter how small, a desirable home trend can make all the difference in the look and feel of a living space. This week, we want to highlight a home feature that we’re proud to incorporate into our plans: laundry access from the master bathroom. Take a look at how this unique shift in design enhances the way you live every day:

In a house plan like Lavista Park, you and your partner don’t have to lug laundry up the stairs to get it done. With a laundry room conveniently placed off of your gorgeous master bathroom, you can simply throw your clothes into the wash in the morning after getting ready or in the evenings while unwinding. Imagine: after soaking in that luxurious tub, you would only have to walk a few steps to get your laundry… not up the stairs.

Having your laundry close to your bedroom, as opposed to on a separate floor or near the kitchen, makes a lot of sense. Easy access means less hassle — and who wouldn’t want to take the hassle out of doing laundry? After a load is finished, all you have to do is fold is up and take it right into your bedroom. And if you’re not a fan of laundry baskets, no problem; taking “trips” to and from your laundry room is as easy as can be.

If you have a growing family or are planning to start one, laundry days become more frequent than ever before. With your laundry room an entire floor away from your children’s rooms upstairs, you never have to worry about a late-night load of laundry waking anyone up. Especially when you have a newborn, you’ll want as much sleep as possible, which means keeping them far from your washer and dryer will work wonders for everyone.

At Frank Betz Associates, we pride ourselves on creating house plans that live the way that you do. If you’re ready to move into a home that caters to your modern design preferences and personal needs, we’re right behind you. For more information about our house plans, please call 888-717-3003. We can’t wait to meet you!

Featured House Plan: Meet Tuxedo Park

Features

That excitement when you see your new home for the very first time? We believe you should feel this every time you return home, whether from a getaway vacation or a work day. A house may be purchased, but home is priceless — so you deserve a modern plan that lives just the way that you do.

Meet Tuxedo Park, an innovative plan that combines contemporary features with timeless charm to create a home you can’t help but fall in love with. With 3,306 total square feet, you’ll have all the room you need to enjoy life’s little moments — from your charming porch to your gorgeous master suite and everything in between.

This one-of-a-kind house plan also comes complete with a flex room, a vaulted porch, and an optional bonus room on the second floor, which can be turned into another bedroom for family or guests, or a specialized space for whatever you wish, whether a movie room, a home office, or your own personal art studio.

Built with a mix of classic and modern charm, Tuxedo Park first catches your eye with an old-world English elevation with Cotswold elements. Past a beautiful front porch with classic dormers that break the cornice line, you’ll walk inside and feel the warmth of a wide open interior — and immediately know you’re home.

The first floor provides an abundant, open-concept living area with a kitchen, dining, and living room. The family room is expertly designed with a beamed ceiling and beautiful fireplace, perfect for get-togethers, celebrations, and weeknight dinners. You’ll also find a spectacular master suite with a spa-like bathroom that’s specifically created to make you feel your best, day or night.

On the second floor, there are three spacious bedrooms, each with walk-in closets and access to a bathroom. There’s also a large loft space that can become anything you want, from an entertainment area to a quiet place to read, relax, and recharge. Up here, you and your family will always embrace your most comfortable state.

When you come back to a home that fits you perfectly, every day suddenly feels wide open. You won’t believe all of the experiences and opportunities that are waiting for you in a home like this… For more information about Tuxedo Park, please call 888-717-3003. All of us at Frank Betz Associates can’t wait to meet 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.

HOW TO GET 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.

OUR 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.