Tag: floor plans

Happy multi-generational family father, son, grandfather hug each other sitting on floor in cozy home. Male generations

Multi-Generational Homes Are Not Just Practical, But Popular Too!

Custom home design

Home designs and plans have changed a lot over the last several years. As the population grows and lifestyles change over time, so do the styles of homes. At Frank Betz Associates, we don’t want to just move with the times but set the trends for future house plan designs. One of the rising trends is building multi-generational homes. This style of home is the perfect solution to the ever-changing ways of life when it comes to family, finances, and living space needs. If you’re not familiar with multi-generational styled homes, we’ll explore what they are and all of the advantages of living in one.

Some Facts About Multi-Generation Housing

What is multi-generational housing? They are specifically designed homes that allow more than one generation to live under the same roof. For instance, your parents, yourself, and your children. The basic rule of thumb is that at least two adult generations are living together, so that could include an older child as well.

It’s becoming much more common for families to choose multi-generational living. One in every five Americans is living in this style of home, with a third of adults saying the main reason is for caregiving of an elderly family member. There are also a lot of cases where finances are the reason. For instance, adults between 25 and 39 are moving back in with their parents due to financial struggles or to build their finances before moving out on their own.

There are other unique benefits, aside from being able to take care of elderly parents or save money. Space and privacy may seem like they’d be issues in this type of home. However, their unique layout actually accommodates it. Additional suites, living areas, and private bathrooms allow families to each have their own space without sacrificing togetherness.

Quality family time is another wonderful benefit. Sixty percent of parents living with an adult child rate the experience positively overall. Homes are a place for families to spend quality time together, learning family recipes, playing games, and understanding each other. With a multi-generational home, you and your family can have even more opportunities to build lifelong memories and build stronger bonds, which can create an overall happier quality of life.

Floor Plans with In-Law Suites? We’ve Got You Covered!

Frank Betz Associates has over 100 years of combined experience. If there’s a style of home you’re thinking of, chances are we designed a house plan to fit. Our multi-generational housing plans can be built with an in-law suite or older child suite as well as additional optional upgrades. Upgrades like a bedroom with its own living area and a separate garage are ways we make it easy to provide a sense of privacy for additional family members, extended family, and vacationing guests. There’s also the option for larger doorways and hallways to help with higher traffic areas throughout the home. You won’t have to worry about personal space with these homes or feeling squeezed in.

We’ve made it a priority to design the in-law suites and offer additional upgrades to accommodate the many reasons for transitioning to this style of home. This popular style of plan isn’t going anywhere, and the reasons for building them can vary widely. Some common reasons would be to take care of an elderly parent or have an adult child move for financial reasons, to live close to their college, or a major life change. People with parents in their retirement age can save thousands on a retirement home by opting for multi-generational living. Sometimes elderly parents will even help with the down payment or mortgage on the new home. Another useful reason for building this style of home is a private work-from-home space with a separate entry, so you’re not stressing over “bringing work home.”

With Frank Betz Associates, you can revise our plans to accommodate whatever your family needs. There’s more than one way to design a home that’s right for every family member. Maybe you’d like larger kitchen areas with varying height counters, additional living room areas, or separate access to backyards.

Whether it be a multi-generational home with an in-law suite or a single-family home with an extended back porch, we’ve got you covered! Understanding the benefits of different styles of homes will help prepare you for your next home build, and we’re prepared to answer any questions you may have. We’d also be honored to help design the home of your dreams inside and out. When you’re ready to begin your new home journey, connect with us by phone, email, or online. We’re happy to help!

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!

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!

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

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.

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 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.

WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER CHOOSING AN ARCHITECT/DESIGNER

Custom home design

You’ve made the decision to build a new home. That was the easy part. Now’s the time to find and choose an architectural firm. If you have a home design style in mind, and you should, you will want to look for a firm that has experience designing that same kind of home. You can compile a list of firm options by asking the owners of local homes you admire or searching architecture firm websites in your area. Once you have identified a number of candidates, you will want to set up in-person meetings. By meeting first hand with the perspective firms, you will be able to get more information and gauge the working chemistry. You’re about to begin an intensive working relationship that will last months, so feeling comfortable with your architect or architects is highly suggested.

Design Phase
Once you have chosen your architect, you are ready for the initial design meeting. It’s a good idea to bring a house design wish list of wants and needs including photos and/or material samples. This will help your architect or designer get a feeling for your style vision. After this first meeting, the architect will compile the information and use it to create a preliminary home design with floor plans and elevations. A follow up meeting or meetings is advised to allow for your feedback and enable the architect to make the needed design updates.

Documentation Phase

With your custom home design nailed down, the architect can move on to develop the working drawings. These are the drawings needed to obtain a development permit. Once approved, a structural design is then created to include your selections for exterior materials and finishes. Solidifying the floor plan, materials and finishes will also help the architect calculate a more accurate, overall project budget.

Permitting Phase

After completing the documentation phase, your architect can now get a development permit. That permit allows them to create site plans and drawings needed for a building permit. These new drawings include more detailed floor plans, exterior elevations, exterior and interior details, sections, roof and electrical plans. After acquiring a building permit, the builder now has a green light to proceed with the construction process.

Construction Phase

During this final and increasingly active phase, your architect/designer should still be available to oversee various aspects of your home’s construction. Being there throughout the construction process to make sure the home design is built according to the plans, can be very advantageous. A competent architect should also serve as a consultant on interior details like lighting, plumbing, hardware, glass and finishes.

If you are new to the home building process, choosing the right architect can make everything go more smoothly. An experienced architect will help you through every phase of the home building process. From taking your ideas and creating a design concept, to properly documenting the house design for the needed permits and finally getting through construction to the finish line, an architect will be one of the most important members of your home building team. Take the time to vet the right person or firm. Your new home and your sanity will be better off.

Should I have a Design in Mind Before I Find a Builder?

Custom home design

To have, or not to have a home design in mind before finding a builder. That is the question. Regardless of the correct answer, as a person or persons about to take the bold step of building a house, you are probably going to have an idea of what type of house design you’d like. Given those preferences, it is very unlikely that you will approach a builder without at least some of those ideas in mind. That said, there are reasons for and against how defined your home design desires should be when looking for a builder. Here’s a few of them.

Pros

Having a definite design idea for your new home can be an asset when looking for a builder. It will allow you to focus your search only on builders who are accustomed to building that type of home. For example, you would not want to hire a builder who specializes in building modern homes, if you have your heart set on a farmhouse style. Builders typically have a select range of styles they are familiar with working on. You will want to make sure your style is in that range and preferably go and see examples first hand.

Additionally, with a house design in mind it’s easier to get competitive bids from builders. Having built that style before, they know what to expect from a time and materials perspective. This will provide more accurate bids for your new home to compare with other builders.

Cons

There are a few downsides to having a predetermined house design, however. For one, your pre-selected house plan may not fit your lot. That may mean working with an architect to create another house plan design or adjusting the present one. This will require more time and expense in the long run.

Some builders tend to have better offers if you use one of their home designs. If your design is much different, you may not benefit from these discounts. Working outside their parameters tends to drive up the cost.

You might also encounter the fact that your desired plan does not fit your future neighborhood’s Home Owner’s Association requirements. Most of the time, an HOA will have its own pre-requisites for home designs. That’s especially true if you want to build in a neighborhood that has a set style. Your design just might not fit in.

Conclusion

Taking into account all the pros and cons, getting bids using your new home design and with builders’ options may be an optimal solution. Either way, being flexible with your design expectations is always suggested. Building a new home is a process. And if you stay fluid, your home’s design will evolve for the better. Above all, take your time on the front end. Figuring out what you want design-wise, in the middle of a build can not only lead to longer build times, but could negatively effect the end result. In the end, it’s quality that matters the most. So whatever home design you and your builder pursue, attention to craftsmanship should be the ultimate priority.