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Reasons to Consider Build-to-Rent Homes

Custom home design

Over the last few years, there have been many changes in the real estate market. One unique trend that has gained popularity is the investment in build-to-rent communities. Not only are private investors shifting their capital in favor of them, but major homebuilders too. This is due to the change in market demand.

More renters are choosing single-family homes versus traditional apartments for many reasons, like more space for remote working and larger families and community amenities. With over 100 years of combined experience, Frank Betz Associates has the expertise needed to design house plans that will meet the needs of builders, investors, developers, and tenants.

Read on to learn a few advantages of investing in build-to-rent homes and our top house plan designs perfect for this type of investment.

Are Build-to-Rent Homes a Good Investment?

Build-to-rent properties are a type of investment where homes (or, more often, whole communities of homes) are built specifically for rent. These can be single-family dwellings for renters seeking the benefits of a new construction home without the mortgage requirements. Along with advantages for the tenants, there are many advantages for investors.

More Long-Term Tenants

Build-to-rent properties offer the lowest vacancy levels because of the many ways they appeal to potential tenants. This is especially true for Millennials and Gen Z age groups, who may not be able to obtain homeownership yet. Newly constructed single-family homes built with higher quality and excellent property upkeep are an attractive alternative to traditional apartments. Rather than renting for about one to two years, we’re now seeing a 70% resident renewal rate for build-to-rent properties.

Strong and Increasing Demand

After the pandemic, people began leaving big cities for properties in the secondary market, such as single-family rentals. Tenants from multi-unit apartment complexes are flocking to this option now more than ever, and industry experts expect the trend to continue.

Higher Risk-Adjusted Return

Along with the stable investment of residential real estate, adding build-to-rent properties will help streamline efficiency and ensure lower vacancy. They can use strategies to create a balanced portfolio and file everything to avoid potential risks. As a result, portfolios with these strategies will allow investors to capitalize in each market segment and benefit from the portfolio associated with vacancy, liquidity, maintenance, and market valuation.

Better Rent Growth

Control over rent rates is a major benefit of this type of property investment. Since 2017, there’s been a significant increase in rental prices, and most markets expect to see rent growth exceeding inflation while maintaining occupancy. When combined with a robust property management system, investing in build-to-rent communities will bring in high income that could become an inflation-shielding investment.

Choosing the Location

Instead of waiting to find single-family homes in foreclosure, built-to-rent homes are an excellent investment that lets builders, developers, and real estate investors strategically select the homes’ location. Imagine the possibility of choosing markets with lower property taxes. Also, with the high demand coming specifically from the Millennial and Gen Z age groups, the option of developing in communities near sought-after job opportunities can result in an even better ROI.

Examples of Our Build-for-Rent House Plans

Riverbrooke

Within the 1,835 square feet of this house plan, renters will find a large kitchen island that opens to the spacious vaulted family room. A flex room at the front of the house is ideal for whatever they need, like a dining room, living room, or den. The second-floor hosts all bedrooms, including a jacuzzi tub and his and her walk-in closets in the owner’s suite. Renters will enjoy the convenience of a laundry room in the hall, steps from the two family bedrooms.

Oak Grove

A house plan like this is perfect for future tenants who want upscale features. In the owner’s suite alone, they’ll find dual walk-in closets, a shower and garden tub, and tray ceilings. There are 3 additional bedrooms in this 2,386-square foot plan, one with its own walk-in closet. The first floor provides an open layout with an easy flow, a fireplace in the great room, deck access, and a large kitchen with an island. Near the breakfast nook, a computer room provides a great place for WFH tenants or a homework space for kids.

Clarksville

This house plan is perfectly suited for an infill lot and makes for a cost-effective option. In less than 2,500 square feet, there are 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The stone and shingle embellishments provide lovely curb appeal to attract many tenants. It also has walk-in closets in the owner’s suite as well as in two of the three remaining bedrooms. A rear deck is a perfect spot for tenants to have more outdoor space than they’ll find in traditional apartment options.

Liberty Park

A country-style home with plenty of space in the common living areas for quality family gatherings. Specifically in the kitchen, tenants can enjoy a home-cooked meal out on the deck, in the dining room, or even on the large snack-bar island just off the family room. There’s a window-side tub in the owner’s suite for a much-needed retreat for tenants. The second-floor laundry room will also provide convenience, generous walk-in closets in the owner’s suite, and two additional bedrooms.

There are many reasons why build-for-rent homes and communities are a good investment. Frank Betz Associates is an excellent resource for house plans that appeal to potential tenants. Call, email, or visit us online for questions and information about our house plans.

The Perfect Floor Plans For Vacation Views

Custom home design

Whether you’re looking to build your primary residence, a vacation home, or an investment property, the first thing most consider is location, location, location. This is a common phrase used by real estate agents and investors alike because it really is one of the most important aspects of building a home. The location you decide to build on is probably based on several things, like proximity to conveniences, the lifestyle of the area, and the surrounding views or scenery.

Once you’ve selected the lot of land you’d like to build on, the next step to consider is the house design, square footage, and, more importantly, the floor plan. The floor plan you choose is important because you want to be able to fully maximize the gorgeous views of the location you’ve fallen in love with. Frank Betz Associates has numerous floor plans to choose from that can do just that. Here we’d like to highlight three floor plans we think would be ideal for a vacation home.

Allegheny – Luxury Holiday Living

The Allegheny offers plenty of room to enjoy a fun-filled family vacation. Whether it’s near a glistening lake or high in the mountains, this floor plan allows for beautiful views and quality family time. As soon as you walk into the front door, there’s a streamlined view through the great room into the porch. A set of French doors leads the way to this covered porch with its own fireplace for a cozy, chilly night. There’s also an entrance through the master bedroom for an even cozier night watching the sunset with your partner.

If you’ve chosen to spend the holidays with a group of families or if your family is particularly large, this floor plan boasts several sleeping areas and spots for entertainment. Depending on the weather, you can host a huge family dinner in the dining room, lower level terrace, or out on the deck. Build your own mountain of memories playing board games or other fun activities in the oversized recreation area or separate game room.

From the deck to the porches to the terrace, there are ample areas to choose from to view every angle of the beautiful scenery wherever you build.

Glenville Overlook – The Peaceful Re(tree)t

The Glenville Overlook floor plan is ideal for vacations in the mountains and cooler climates. Here you can invite friends and family to enjoy a relaxing vacation. With several bedrooms, a bunk room, a bonus room, and a computer nook, there’s room for everyone. Every room is built to let in an abundance of natural light. Wake up early to the fresh smell of trees or ponder over a vast hillside. This floor plan is perfectly built for sloping lots, hills, and mountain sides.

After a long day of adventure, take advantage of the expansive front screened-in-porch or back deck. Grab a quick nap or catch a cool breeze while reading a good book. This floor plan also features a detached garage that can be placed on the building site where it won’t obstruct a fabulous view. You’ll find another sweet retreat on a quaint porch located off the mudroom and breezeway. You can spend hours enjoying the views from multiple areas of the home, all while relaxing in your glorious, spacious vacation property.

Lake Pointe – Warm & Welcoming

The durable materials used to build the Lake Pointe floor plan make it the perfect selection for any climate. Its exterior design alone incites a warm and inviting feeling. The front porch is donned with timber columns and on stone pedestals that invite guests to settle in its cozy atmosphere. After stepping through the front door, you’ll find a wide open concept that provides an easy flow through the home’s main spaces. It also gives a straight line of sight to the covered back porch, bringing the outside views in. Large window groupings also allow ample natural light to flow throughout the first floor.

If you’ve chosen a lot near water, mountains, or golf course views, this floor plan is a delightful choice as the master suite is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the magnificent views. With a large kitchen island and a grand room, you’ll be able to host many family gatherings. Additionally, the terrace level bedrooms and family room allow extra space for movie nights or simply relaxing for the evening. Use the covered porch as another extra living area and enjoy the outdoors in any weather. The rest of the additional square footage on this lower level provides tons of storage space so you and your family can keep items safe for every time you visit.

Wherever you choose to build and for whatever purpose, you’ll find a Frank Betz house plan to exceed your expectations. Finding the right floor plan for your vacation home is even easier with the multiple filter options you’ll see on our website. We hope you’ll consider one of these highly recommended floor plans, but if you still need help searching, give us a call at 888-717-3003 or connect with us online today. We’re happy to help!

How To Do A Craftsman House Plan Right

Custom home design

Some things truly never go out of style. Like the ever popular Craftsman house plan. Built out of the early 1900s Arts and Crafts movement, the Craftsman style homes were a rebellion against the mass-produced, excessive, ornate Victorian styles that were popular at the time.

It’s not hard to see why this house plan is still among one of the top-selling house plan styles we offer at Frank Betz Associates. We make sure to stay true to the architectural simplicity while implementing a modern twist by featuring several key characteristics of this style such as wide porches, thick support columns, low-pitched roofs, and exposed beams.

When building a new Craftsman house plan, it’s important to note that while this style of home already stands out with its unique architectural features and designs, there are a few different ways to make yours even more outstanding and eye-catching.

A Carefully Chosen Color Palette

Though the Craftsman house plan can stand out on its own, choosing the right color palette can highlight many of its architectural details. Playing with nature-inspired color combinations typically goes well with these house plans, so think of using shades of green, brown, and other earthy tones. This is a great way to keep the home feeling welcoming and warm before stepping inside.

If you prefer a more modern look, you can still highlight the uniqueness of these homes by using grays, navy, and cooler tones. Then use white or off-white for the trim and columns to really pop against the main home color.

Most importantly, when it comes to choosing a color palette, make sure to test different combinations and see how they look together. Play around with different tones for different elements of the home to see how they work, especially in the sunlight. Luckily, many of our Craftsman style homes are made with natural materials like stone, brick, and wood, which gives a nice starting point to build the colors from.

Low-Key Landscaping

One of the major keys to creating an appealing view of a Craftsman house plan is by sticking to the KIS (keep it simple) method. Overcrowding of bushes and shrubbery, unless a natural part of the lot, can bury the beautiful craftsmanship of the home. Think about planting smaller bushes, flowers, and greenery native to the area you live in. Also, place the plants in unique patterns along the exterior of the home to enhance the overall appearance.

Another important aspect of the landscaping for this style of home is the walkway and wide porch. There are many opportunities to embellish the natural elements of its architecture without going overboard. You could create the walkway using the same elements used in the home’s exterior, like stone or brick, or you could frame the walkway with complementing flowers, plants, and rocks. The porch lends room for plants as well, but remember that less is more when it comes to landscaping.

Keeping It Natural

It’s easy to get excited about setting up the decor of the interior of this house plan due to its open concept focused on building the rooms off of a centrally located family room or living room. When it comes to the exterior, it can be difficult to decide what will look best with this already attractive architectural design.

Things like lighting, porch furniture, and hardware can truly make the home feel more inviting and cozy for family and guests alike. A lantern is a simple touch that can add quite an impact to lighting the entrance. Keep in line with the natural materials of the home and bring in more warmth by selecting bronze and copper details. You can also create a sense of a cozy feel through Craftsman-styled furniture that you know will seamlessly fit the style of the home.

Building a new Craftsman house plan with Frank Betz Associates is the start to having a quality-crafted, timeless home style with modern touches that stands out from the average conventional home style. When you’re ready to build, we’re ready to help. You can begin your search by viewing our myriad of Craftsman house plan options on our website or by contacting us at 888-717-3003.

Main Level Master House Plans

Custom home design

You deserve to enjoy a brand new home that’s not only designed to your standards of quality, but designed to fit your lifestyle. In one of our Main Level Master Home Plans, you’ll get to experience the many benefits of a master bedroom on the main floor!

What are the benefits of Main Level Master House Plans?

Happier mornings.

There’s something a little magical about waking up feeling refreshed, and enjoying a good cup of coffee before the day begins. In a home with a master suite on the main floor, you can step outside of your bedroom and walk right into the kitchen, enjoy a cup of coffee, then go right back into your bedroom to get ready for your day without having to climb up and down stairs.

A brighter future.

Having a master on the main floor means your home is built to age with you in place. While stairs may not be an obstacle now, it’s nice to know your home will be just right for years to come.

Guests are welcome.

A main level master suite could also be perfect for an aging parent, a caregiver, or even a child who has moved out and returned. It’s quite nice being able to provide guests with their own space, especially their own bathroom.

Perfect for Privacy.

Whether your main floor master will be your own bedroom, a guest/in-law suite, a home office, or something else, it’ll be sure to provide a desirable sense of privacy. Maybe you’d appreciate distance from your teenager, or need a secluded area to get some work done. The possibilities are endless!

Meet Our Most Popular Main Level Master Designs

Haddington (2,300 sq ft)

Open, light-filled main floor

Private owner’s suite

Welcoming front porch

Large vaulted rear porch perfect for outdoor living

Selwyn Park (2,906 sq ft)

1st floor guest suite

Spa-like master bath

Laundry accessible from master closet

3 car garage

Ruskin Place (3,839 sq ft)

Carport and detached garage

Main level guest suite

Powder room with access to the rear yard, perfect for a swimming pool

Upstairs bonus accessible by rear staircase, perfect for a home office

Ready to find the perfect home plan for you? Contact us today!

How to Build a House on a Tricky Lot

Custom home design

With the housing shortage across the country, many families have turned to building their own homes. It’s a great way to make sure your home fits your family’s needs and your personal style as well!

One of the first steps to building a house is finding the lot to put it on. There isn’t unlimited space and sometimes you have to settle for an unusually shaped lot or one with additional obstacles.

Some homeowners with tricky lots worry that their new house won’t work in that space. But it doesn’t have to be a problem! We’ve put together this guide to help you build a great new home on the trickiest lot.

Gather All the Information

The most important preparation step for a home building project is gathering all the information about the lot for the house. This includes the size, shape, trees, slopes, and any other pertinent details.

Once you have a good picture of what the lot entails, you can get to work coming up with solutions for any issues.

We recommend getting a thorough, professional survey so you don’t run into surprises that will set your build back significantly. It’s important to know what pitfalls are ahead so you can prepare to save the end result.

Choose the Optimal Floor Plan

Once you know what obstacles you’re up against, it’s important to cater your floor plan choice to work around them.

This might mean choosing a plan that is long and narrow instead of wide. Or it could mean making the garage detached and in the back of the lot instead of the traditional space. Or adding the driveway along the side. There are a lot of ways to be creative and customize the floor plan to fit your exact space.

Prepare for Compromise

While there are creative solutions to be found when designing a house with a tricky lot, it’s important to be realistic as well. There is no house building project completed without some compromise, which is especially true with an unconventional lot.

Just remember it’s okay to stray a little from the typical steps to choosing a floor plan to make things work for your situation. When you have realistic expectations, it’s easier to handle the twists and turns that will surely come!

How to Build a House on a Tricky Lot

It might take a little bit more creativity to build a house on a tricky lot but the results can be just as satisfying. You’ll be able to enjoy a brand new space that is full of your design choices and fits your family’s needs.

These kinds of situations are why it’s so important to work with professional home builders who can walk you through the entire process. They can give you advice and creative solutions based on their knowledge, expertise, and experience with these types of situations. That help is invaluable when working on a construction project!

If you’re interested in seeing more of what we can do for you and your tricky lot, contact us today!

5 Things to Love About a Reverse Ranch

Custom home design

A reverse ranch is a type of floor plan that is opposite of your typical ranch home. In a reverse ranch floor plan, the outside looks just the same, but instead of having additional bedrooms and living space on a second floor, they’re located on a lower level, while the main living space and master suite are on the main floor. There are a few things that really help you fall in love with a reverse ranch.

1. Beautiful Views

Especially nice in vacation homes, the beautiful views you get from a reverse ranch can’t be beat. You’re sitting off the ground level so you can see past the trees or over the city skyline for a much longer distance. This is especially true on lots with rear views and sloped lots like you would find on a golf course or a lake.

2. Perfect for Empty Nesters

A reverse ranch, such as the Taunton Place floor plan, is great for empty nesters because there is plenty of space for everyone to stay and visit. However, when the family leaves, the lower levels can be closed off, still leaving you with plenty of space on the main floor for your day-to-day living. No worries about rattling around in a too big house here!

3. Lower Costs

You get more space for lower costs with a reverse ranch floor plan. Since you already have the main level foundation supporting the home, the extra space below is simple to frame in a finish out. Not only do you save on the costs per square foot in building, you also save on utility costs. When no one is occupying the lower level, go ahead and close it off. You won’t have to pay for heating or cooling and can greatly reduce monthly expenses.

4. Rental Opportunities

Particularly if you’re in a popular vacation spot, floor plans like the Lake Pointe offer an opportunity for renting. Live on the main floor and rent the lower level out using platforms like Airbnb. If this is your vacation home as well, you can rent it out for time periods when you aren’t around. The expanded floors make it perfect for families or multiple small families traveling together who want their own space.

5. Extra Storage Space

Along with the finished space on the lower level, there is usually extra unfinished room for mechanical areas and storage. All the extra room in the reverse ranch floor plan can be really helpful, and you’re not paying much extra for that space at all. Later, you may even decide to finish some of it and add more living space or bedrooms.

Choose a Reverse Ranch

When you’re getting ready to choose a floor plan for your new home, consider a reverse ranch. The dynamic floor plan is a great choice for retirees, families, and for those looking to get away from it all for a weekend. For a wide selection of beautiful floor plans, contact Frank Betz Associates, Inc.

5 Exciting Farmhouse Plans For 2022

Custom home design

Farmhouses have come a long way from their roots in the soil of rural, isolated homesteads. They line the streets of busy urban neighborhoods and quaint suburbs all across America. With pitched gables, clean lines, and homey porches, modern farmhouse plans give home buyers two things: timeless elegance and contemporary amenities.

If you want a farmhouse in 2022, here are five designs from Frank Betz House Plans that blend rustic simplicity with modern ingenuity.

Coles Crossing

Our Coles Crossing farmhouse is built for family time. While the lustrous white siding and wide porch lined by exposed wooden beams hearken back to farmhouses of old, the durable metal roof brings this design firmly into the 21st century.

Inside, you’ll find a kitchen that flows seamlessly into the living room. An abundance of natural light floods in from multiple large windows, including into a cozy loft any teen would love to call home. This two-floor, four-bedroom farmhouse has two bathrooms so everyone has time to get ready for the day.

Selwyn Park

If you have an active family that still makes time for BBQs and family game night, the Selwyn Park four-bedroom farmhouse is for you. Wooden double doors welcome you home while the covered porch with grill and dining area out back is the perfect spot to relax.

This farmhouse has four bedrooms and a spa-like master bathroom for a little you time. Combine that with beamed ceilings and large window groupings for a farmhouse that’s as charming as it is luxurious.

Shaker Heights

Fieldstone and timber on the porch, vaulted ceilings and a cozy fireplace — those are the things that make the Shaker Heights five-bedroom farmhouse home. Meet the family in the covered back porch dining area or the kitchen-side breakfast nook to share a meal. There’s room for a home office, study, den, and for everyone to have their own personal space.

Teesdale

Like the Shaker Heights plan, the Teesdale has raised ceilings, a fireplace, and a covered outdoor dining area, but the exterior is a unique blend of classic gables, timber, and modern contrasting colors and textures. This almost 3,000-square-foot farmhouse doesn’t fade into the background.

While the open-concept family and dining rooms bring everyone together, each bedroom has its own bathroom for busy mornings when everyone needs to go their separate ways.

Waterbury Cottage

Do you retreat to cozy mountain cottages on vacation instead of packed beaches? The Waterbury Cottage farmhouse plan could be your dream home. On the first floor, you’ll find three bedrooms and two bathrooms surrounding a dining room, great room, and dedicated dining area. Once again, everyone will love the covered porch and outdoor dining area in the back.

If that’s not quite enough space, add a second story onto this floor plan. Whether you need a home office or another bedroom with a walk-in closet, the optional second story is a quiet spot with tranquil views.

Find These Farmhouse Plans at Frank Betz House Plans

If crackling fires, summer BBQs and classic Americana architecture flood your daydreams, you can have it all with Frank Betz. Check out our inventory of custom floor plans then let us help you find the right local builder. From farmhouses to sprawling ranch-style homes, we can customize any plan to fit your needs.

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

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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.

House Plan and Design Trends for 2022

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In 2022, it’s all about peaceful, calming, well-edited interiors. With many people still spending more time indoors, and an overall emphasis on minimizing stress of any kind, interior designers are transforming homes into retreat-like havens that incorporate soothing color palettes, natural materials, and spaces that can be… well… whatever you need. Whether you are designing an entire home, or just want to refresh a few rooms, here are the top new home design trends of 2022.

2022 Home Design Trends

Natural, Neutral Tones

While neutral colors are a mainstay of interior design, this year they are leaning toward the warmer, more natural tones, like beige, white, ivory, taupe, and brownish-gray. These are colors you would likely find in nature (think of a day at the shore or hiking through an amazing forest) and by bringing them inside your home, you’ll find yourself more grounded, relaxed, and focused. Play with these colors in different fabrics, materials, paint, and decor to create an interesting and layered neutral aesthetic.

Organic Materials

Playing right into the natural theme, this is the year to bring more organic materials into your interior design. Look for furniture and accessories in natural-finish wood, wicker, rattan, stone or ceramic, and natural fiber rugs like wool, cotton, or jute. Even mirrors and other wall art can take a million different natural forms. These organic materials create a calm and cozy feeling — a great way to combat the higher stress levels of the last few years. Designers fully expect this to be a long-term design trend as we all seek to lead simpler, less chaotic lives. A great side benefit is that these materials are sustainable and can easily be repurposed.

Biophilia

Minimalism is the way to go for furniture and decor, but in 2022, designers say bring in all the plants you can! Indoor plants have mood-boosting benefits like reducing stress, increasing focus, boosting productivity, and more. Not to mention, they help purify the air by converting carbon dioxide into fresh oxygen — perfect if you’re spending long periods of time indoors.

Flexible Spaces

Like plastic straws, single-use rooms are out. Multifunctional spaces are in — ones that can transform and change along with your life. A bonus room might be both a private study and a home gym, or a loft may start out as a child’s playroom then transform into a homework station. Even an open-concept living space can be flexible in that it allows you to place furniture whenever it makes the most sense during a particular period in your life.

Dedicated Home Offices

More people continue to work from home these days, and trying to focus in a highly trafficked room or clearing a space on the already-messy dining table just doesn’t cut it. In order to be “on” and professional, find a room or space in your home that can serve as a home office and nothing else (hello, flex room!). Bring in all the things that make you feel comfortable, inspired, and productive — like great lighting, a quality chair, bookshelves, photos, awards, and collectibles. Make this office “off limits” while you’re working, and your feeling of accomplishment will soar.

Laundry Room Off the Primary Suite

In keeping with the theme of minimizing stress, a laundry room just off the primary suite makes sense for a lot of people. More than likely, the owners of the home are the ones doing the laundry, so why not make it most convenient for them? Include another access point to the laundry room from the mudroom, kitchen, or hallway, and other members of the household can drop off and pick up their clothes without disturbing anyone.

Modern Farmhouse Style

A more sophisticated take on traditional country style, the modern farmhouse is the perfect blend of contemporary minimalism mixed with a warm and comforting, relaxed and rustic vibe. Distinguishing features of these popular homes include whitewashed walls, timber beams, a welcoming front porch, and an eye-catching gabled roof.

Single-Level Living

There’s nothing easier than breezing through a single-level, open-concept, light-filled home. With no stairs or unnecessary walls blocking your path or your view, everyday tasks are so much easier. It’s also an entertainer’s dream — all your guests can gather in one area without feeling cramped. And of course, one-story living is much safer if you have any physical challenges or even young children.

Outdoor Rooms

It’s no longer just the “patio” or “deck.” More designers are transforming these spaces into fully outdoor living spaces. It’s an easy way to enjoy more livable square footage in your home without actually adding any rooms. Bring in multiple seating arrangements, a cozy bistro table for coffee and breakfast, soft rugs for underfoot, and ambient lighting to make this one of the most used rooms in the home.

Minimalism

With many of us still spending so much time at home, we need our spaces to feel airy and open, no matter their size. Minimalism is both a way of life and a design aesthetic that can help accomplish that. Use only what’s necessary; keep only what’s meaningful and important. Decluttering your home goes a long way toward decluttering your mind so that you can rest more peacefully and focus when necessary.

Serene Green

In line with the overall trend of all things natural and soothing, green is making its way into every designer’s look book as a must-have accent color in 2022. Earthy, organic greens like sage, olive, and forest destress and revitalize, and are associated with nature and growth. Use green anywhere you need a pop of color or need to feel energized, like a wall, accent chair, or pillows. You could even try removing window coverings to highlight your green landscape outside — it’s like built-in wall art!

From all of us at Frank Betz Associates, we hope your new year — and your new home — is happy, peaceful, and rejuvenating. Happy Designing!

Our Top Family-Friendly House Plans

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When your family is growing or the kids are getting older, there comes a point when you just know you need more space — and sooner rather than later. Whether it’s too many hands going in and out of the fridge in a small kitchen, the need for more separation (i.e. peace and quiet) between the primary suite and the other bedrooms, or not enough outdoor space to relax and let the kids run free at the same time, there’s bound to be at least one nagging sticking point about your current home as your family expands.

We get it. That’s why we design house plans that are wide open, spacious on the inside and out, and can comfortably accommodate all your family members now and into the future.

If you’re looking for a new home to that will grow with your family, there are a couple of features you should always look for.

Top Features for Family-Friendly House Plans

Flex Space: Whether you need a dedicated space for homework, a game room for teens, or a serene yoga room for yourself, it’s critical to have a bit (or a lot) of extra space that can be configured in any way you need, and can change in the future.

Open Living Area: One way to make sure growing families spend time together is to have enough space to accommodate everyone in one area. Whether it’s for a sit-down family dinner or a low-key movie night, memories are made when you’re together.

Spacious Primary Suite: Between work and family, you’ve got a lot going on. Hang on to your sanity with a private, spa-like retreat. Whether you prefer your primary bedroom suite to be upstairs or down, it should be large and luxurious so that you get the peace of mind and rest you deserve.

Lots of Storage: With people (especially kids!) come things. Our house plans feature large closets in bedrooms and hallways, spacious and functional laundry rooms, garages with extra space, and second-floor bonus rooms that are perfect as simple storage. Whatever it is that you have, our plans have a place for it.

Here are our top three family-friendly house plans:

Selwyn Park – Designed for Active Families

4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths | 3-Car Garage | 2,906 Sq. Ft.

This beautiful home has all the bases covered for an active family of any size. The kitchen and living room are open concept, and flow right into a dedicated dining space that’s flooded with natural light. Whether it’s weekday breakfast or a holiday dinner, meals will always feel special here. The covered back porch extends almost the entire width of the home, providing ample space for outdoor living and play. For holidays and family celebrations, the spacious and completely private guest suite has an attached bath. Upstairs, two additional bedrooms are separated by a central bathroom with dual vanities. The optional bonus room is perfect for playtime, gaming, or kids’ movie nights.

Wood Hollow – Warm and Welcoming

4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 2-Car Garage | 2,436 Sq. Ft.

This refined farmhouse cottage is reminiscent of a bygone era, but updated with a modern layout and beautiful details that make this floor plan a favorite for today’s families. With its high-pitched roof, board and batten siding, and welcoming front porch, it’s easy to feel like you belong here. The open design is perfect for both busy mornings and relaxing evenings. The first-floor primary suite offers convenience and luxury, while the upstairs bedrooms inspire peace and quiet. A large, optional bonus room can be a recreation area, home gym, or an extra storage space.

Haddington – Classic Style That Delivers

4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 2-Car Garage | 2,300 Sq. Ft.

A modern farmhouse design that’s a family favorite, the Haddington has everything you’re looking for in a new home. Whether you’re hosting just your immediate family, or guests and relatives for holidays and celebrations, this home is built for any occasion. The elegant foyer opens up into a soaring living room with beamed ceilings, which flows right into the dining area and kitchen, complete with oversized island. Continue with the flow of the home and you’ll find yourself relaxing on a covered back porch with a beautiful vaulted ceiling. Back inside, the first-floor primary suite offers a serene escape, while children and guests occupy themselves upstairs.

If you’re ready to make the leap from a house that just feels “OK” to an extraordinary home that will grow with you for years, explore these three house plans and the many more that Frank Betz Associates offers. This might just be the best move you’ve ever made.