April 2005

Choosing the right floor plan

One of the advantages of building a custom home is being able to design a floor plan exactly the way you want. One that fits your lifestyle and reflects your personality. However, for anyone that has embarked on this adventure, you know this process can become challenging very quickly. Doing some research, becoming informed, defining your needs, and obtaining some sound advice will go a long ways towards a successful project.

Why re-invent the wheel.

Existing floor plans are available through various means such as bookstores or Internet sites. Typically these plans can be purchased for a fraction of the original cost to develop them. There are some drawbacks however, before purchasing one of these plans ask the following questions:
o Does the company guarantee the plans will pass your local plan review?
o Should there be correction requests, how does the company arrange for this?
o Are there extra charges involved?
o What is the turn around time?
o If you have questions is there a number you call for answers, is this extra money?
o Most cities require a site plan, do the plans include this?
o Do the plans include structural or mechanical engineering?
**Two Internet sites that sell locally drafted plans are
     www.arizonahouseplans.com
     www.jpelaarchitect.com

Scrapbook
Start a scrapbook of ideas that you like and would consider using, carrying a camera with you, when you see a feature you like, snap a picture of it. This can include anything from interior rooms to exterior styles or landscape ideas. Magazines can also be an excellent source for ideas. These pictures will help your draftsman and contractor to better meet your expectations.

Your wants
Wants can be expensive, try to priorities what is most important to you. Wants can include fireplace(s), guest casitas, courtyards, fountains, home theaters, pools, extended patios, wet bars, wine cellars, and walking decks.

Needs
Evaluate what your needs are now as well as in the future. Needs can include number of bedrooms, a home office with a separate entrance, size of garage, an open floor plan for entertaining, extra storage space, a basement or mother in law quarters. Make a list of your wants and needs.

Model homes
Model homes can be a good place for ideas and they may give you a small copy of the floor plans. Keep in mind that due to copyright laws you cannot use there exact plan and some models will have restrictions against cameras.

Measuring tape
As your plan develops breakout the measuring tape, become familiar with how large the room dimensions on the plans are in real life. Compare the plan dimensions with actual measured size in an existing room, you may be surprised by what you find.

Cut, paste, and white out
One plan may have that perfect kitchen but the rest of the house is unappealing, another plan may have a great master bathroom or laundry room. If the plans are on standard size paper, make extra copies, than cut out the rooms you like and begin to paste them on a blank sheet of paper or over another plan. This takes some trial and error but can be an effective way to start your plan, take what you have to your draftsman, it’s a start?

Lastly
Find a reputable draftsman and contractor that will listen to your ideas. Check there references, drive by a few of there current or recent projects, ask to speak with a current client, and always check a contractors status with the Arizona Registrar of contractors at www.rc.state.az.us before signing a contract.

Submitted by Steve Darby

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* The information contained in this “tips” section is to be used as a general guide only. When making decisions about your project a professional should be consulted using the specific information that is unique to your project.