Tag: new build

Main Level Master House Plans

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

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

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

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.

Single-Use License House Plans Now Offered in Digital Format

At Frank Betz Associates, we strive to provide the best service to our customers, and seek to save them time and resources by delivering trend-setting, award-winning house plans that meet or exceed end users’ expectations. To that end, we are making a change from printed to digital single-use license house plans that will create more efficiencies in our customers’ building processes.

 

What’s Changing?

For single-use license house plans, we currently offer customers 5 to 8 printed copies of the plan that cannot be reproduced. The customers can only build one house from that plan. 

Going forward, we will offer single-use license house plans as PDF documents that come with a single-use license. 

 

Why the Change?

Many counties now require house plans to be submitted digitally for building approval. Previously, customers could submit a paper copy, which they would not receive back.

With single-use license PDF documents, customers can submit a digital copy of the plan to the county, making that part of the building process easier and quicker. If a customer needs printed sets from the PDF, they can order them from Frank Betz Associates, or have copies made at their local print shop. Only one house can be built, no matter how many sets of copies are made.

 

What’s NOT changing?

Usage of multi-use PDF house plans and CADD files will remain the same. If a customer purchases a multi-use PDF or CADD file, they can build the house as many times as they like. 

We believe this change to digital-only house plans will result in easier management of house plans for our customers, creating more efficiencies, saving them time and money.

 

If you have any questions about house plan formats, please contact us.

most popular floor plans of 2021

Best-Selling Home Plans of 2021

As 2021 winds down, we are looking back at a few of our most popular home plans of the year. There was definitely a preference for large-scale, open-concept living and plans that included a dedicated space for everyone in the family, and every activity. Bonus rooms, flex space, full guest suites, and expansive outdoor living spaces topped the list for many of our customers. Aesthetically, the Modern Farmhouse was the big winner, along with exteriors loaded with nuance and visual interest.

 

Best-Selling House Plans of 2021

 

Chestnut Pointe

  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Baths
  • 2 Stories
  • 3-Car Garage
  • 2,823 Square Feet

With Modern Farmhouse-style still commanding the attention of designers and home buyers alike, Chestnut Pointe was one of our best-selling house plans of 2021, and demand for it continues into next year. With open, light-filled interior spaces, a wide front porch, and expansive dormers, this house feels like home from the moment you step in. Delightful design touches like beamed ceilings in the great room and boxed bay windows in the owner’s suite make living here feel like an act of indulgence.

 

Shaker Heights

  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4 Baths
  • 2 Stories
  • 2-Car Garage
  • 3,009 Square Feet

This classic farmhouse-style home has everything the modern family needs to live, entertain, work, and thrive. With smart, flexible rooms throughout, open spaces that invite gathering, a deluxe owner’s suite, and outdoor living that rivals the indoors, this beautiful home has style that will last a lifetime.

 

Haddington

  • 4 bedrooms
  • 2.5 Baths
  • 2 Stories
  • 2-Car Garage
  • 2,300 Square Feet

Bright, airy, and open, the Haddington has a classic, open-concept layout that encourages gathering in multiple places — be it the welcoming front porch, the large living/dining room combination, or around the kitchen island. The first-floor owner’s suite is tucked away and easy to navigate, while each of the upstairs bedrooms offers quiet and privacy. This home design features an optional upstairs bonus room — perfect for multi-functional use.

 

Bristol Walk

  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4.5 Baths
  • 2 Stories
  • 3-Car Garage
  • 3,045 Square Feet

Visually stunning both inside and out, Bristol Walk is a show-stopper. With complex roof lines and a mix of exterior materials including painted brick, fieldstone, and vertical siding, you will love pulling up to your home every day. Inside, a wall of sliding glass doors across the grand room and dining room give access to a vaulted covered porch and a covered outdoor dining room, with space for a grill. The master suite occupies a private wing of the first floor, with a guest suite occupying the other. Upstairs, along with the secondary bedrooms, there’s an open loft area as well as an optional bonus room above the garage. With this house plan, there’s room for everything — and everyone — special in your life.

 

These home plans were some of our best sellers of 2021, and we fully expect their classic styling to buoy their popularity into the new year and beyond. Please contact us to learn more about any of these beautiful home plans.

 

The FAQs of Choosing a New House Plan

You’ve heard there’s no place like home, but the truth is, there’s no place like YOUR home, and you want to learn as much as possible before you begin building one. If you’re thinking of purchasing a house plan, or are about to start the process, you’ve probably got questions. Because we want to provide you with as much information as possible, we compiled the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. 

 

We see a plan we love but want to make changes. Can we modify a plan? 

 

Yes, it is common for customers to choose a stock house plan and modify it to suit their needs. Purchasing a pre-designed stock house plan saves you money while still getting the design expertise and knowledge you would from a custom plan. The choice of a stock house plan saves time and money because most of the work is already complete. To modify a plan, come up with a “wish list” of changes and email it to us at modify@frankbetz.com and we’ll send a quote to you.

 

What if I need the plan flipped and the garage on the opposite side?

 

With modern CADD (computer-aided design) systems, producing drawings and documents either right-reading or reversed is a very simple task and is readily available.

 

Do you design custom homes, too?

 

The design process is what we do best! Our vast knowledge and experience makes Frank Betz Associates the best choice for conceptual design whether it’s a one-of-a-kind custom design or a speculative design. Even if you have drafting or CADD capabilities, we would really like to produce the design concepts. Floor plan design, elevation design — we do it all.

 

How much does it cost to build a house plan?

 

The price of building a plan varies greatly based on the location and materials used. We recommend consulting with a local builder or real estate professional about the cost-per-square-foot in your area. 

 

How much does it cost to buy a house plan?

 

Pricing for stock plans is at the discretion of the plan owner; however, within the industry, pricing for similar products from one designer source to another is fairly consistent.

 

How is the square footage calculated on a house plan? 

 

Designers and architects all calculate square footage differently. Some include exterior materials and volume space; others do not. Different architects may have differing square footage totals for the same plan. Also, certain tradesmen and sub-contractors will have their own method of calculating square footage related to their individual trade and scope of work. Our square footage calculations are made from outside the exterior frame wall and only include heated spaces. 

 

I love the floor plan but do not like the front of the home. Is there anything we can do?

 

It is relatively easy to change the exterior style of a particular design, within reason. Not all styles are architecturally correct for every plan, but that is typically left up to the discretion of the designer or architect to decide. We encourage our customers to find a floor plan that suits their needs, and if the exterior is not to their liking we will work with them to create a pleasing exterior.

 

Do you post pictures of your finished house plans?

 

Photography legitimizes our house plans. It is comforting to prospective buyers to know that someone else has experienced using the plans and has built a house based upon them. Graphically, it is so important to see pictures because some people cannot easily visualize the final structure. It is a huge benefit to work with someone who can see/think in “three dimensions” and visualize what the outcome will be. It is a must for someone wanting a career in this business!

 

We depend on our customers to send in pictures of our finished house plans. If we have pictures available for any house plan, they will be on our website! Make sure you check our Gallery for extra pictures as well! 

 

Do your plans meet local building codes?

 

Building codes change from one area to another. It is of utmost importance to check with the permitting department or code enforcement officers in your area before starting a project. When a customer is purchasing a stock house plan, it may need to be modified to meet your local building code.

 

How expensive is it to modify a plan?

 

Modifications are strictly a “time spent” issue — the more involved the request for changes are, the more they will cost. When you begin to make a change to the plans —  no matter how involved — you introduce the need for human assessment, which adds to the expense. 

 

Still have questions? Contact us  — we’d love to help!

 

HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR HOMES’ CURB APPEAL

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

Knock Knock

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

A porch that says, “come on up.”

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

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

Landscaping matters.

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

A detailed approach.

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

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

 

What a difference a color makes.

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

 

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

 

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING YOUR MASTER SUITE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DESIGNING HOME PLANS FOR REAL PEOPLE

When designing a new home there’s sometimes a tendency to get a bit off track. Yes, it’s nice to peruse the magazines and posh websites for fantastic home design ideas. But do all those fancy features and amenities fit into a normal family’s lifestyle? Usually not. Too often we’re mesmerized by a home design that makes a great magazine photoshoot, and not what really makes sense for day to day living. Beyond beauty, your home needs to be functional for everyday life. This article will help outline real world design tips that can make your new home beautiful and most importantly, practical.

Get organized

During the planning stage, it’s time to determine what you want and need out of your new home. Beyond ample living space for your family, what other features and amenities make sense? A new home can help a family keep their lives organized. The latest smart home technologies designed into a home can aid in organization. These products include smart thermostats that adjust temperature according to living habits, smart security, lighting and HVAC systems, and even smart locks that do away with keys. Carefully planned closets, kitchen cabinets and drawers have also evolved to increase storage and reduce clutter. Many home plan designs already dedicate spaces such as mudrooms, larger laundry rooms, working pantries and office nooks to encourage home efficiency.

Location matters

Take into account your location, climate and outdoor activities. Hot climates may dictate a swimming pool and proper protection from the sun, like covered porches, awnings and high-performance windows. Colder regions need a home with extra insulation and when possible, a southern facing lot position.  House plan designs that offer covered porches, screened porches and sunrooms can expand your living space while taking climate concerns into consideration. Whether hot or cold, energy efficiency should be factored in to the design. Features like energy efficient appliances and zoned HVAC units are popular and sensible methods.

All the comforts

Comfort should be a major factor when designing a home for practicality. Beyond shelter, your home is a place to feel safe and relaxed. With that, a home plan should have an adequate number of bedrooms and bathrooms for all members of your family. If the budget allows, enhanced amenities like spa tubs, walk-in closets and hardscaped outdoor living areas can help dramatically ramp up the home relaxation factor. Also, a large, open kitchen with an island can act as a central living area for the whole family to gather.

Accommodations that adapt

Another realistic consideration when designing a new home, takes into account the adaptability to lifestyle changes. If you’re building a family, a nursery is a must. As your family grows, you’ll need the right amount of bed and bathrooms. Will you have guests often? If so, a guest room is in order. The same goes for visiting or permanent older family members. Seniors in the home mean accommodations such as an in-law suite or second master bedroom.  And if these seniors have mobility issues, wider doorways and easily accessible bathroom amenities need to be incorporated into your home design.

There are many defining components that should be considered when designing a new home. Creating a place that fits the basic needs of your family is the best place to start. From there, you can expand the home plan design to include practical amenities that keep your family safe and comfortable with attention to efficiency and environmental concerns. The ability to support a changing family dynamic is an additional design aspect. Once all the functional elements are included, the creature comforts can be added to your home plan as the icing on your home cake.