Planning your build

How to Choose the Perfect Floor Plan for Your New Home

Building a custom home is an exciting project, as it allows you to create a space perfectly tailored to you and your family’s needs and preferences. One of the most important decisions you will face in your home building journey is choosing the right floor plan. The floor plan of your home influences the flow, functionality and overall aesthetic of the space.  

Many aspects of custom building your home can be daunting, but this blog aims to assist with at least one of these, floor plans! Where do you start the process of choosing the perfect floor plan for your new dream home? This blog will discuss open floor plans, where you can find floor plan inspiration, what a floor plan looks like and how, with the right help, you can create your own floor plan. 

What is a floor plan?

A floor plan is a visual representation of a home’s layout. It showcases the arrangement and dimensions of rooms, doors, windows and other architectural features. Floor plans provide a bird’s eye view of a property, allowing you to envision how each space connects and flows. They are essential tools for architects, builders and homeowners, serving as a blueprint for construction and interior design decisions. 

An example floor plan from our G.J. Gardner Homes home designs

Understanding the open floor plan 

When it comes to modern home design, open floor plans have gained immense popularity. An open floor plan eliminates unnecessary walls, creating a seamless flow between spaces. It can be the sole difference between feeling closed-in versus comfortable. This layout allows for better natural light distribution, increased interaction between family members and guests and a sense of spaciousness.  

If you’re looking at building a family home that encourages togetherness and versatility, consider choosing an open floor plan.  

Finding a floor plan 

Browsing through architectural design books, magazines or the various home floor plans available on the G.J. Gardner Homes website (check out the inspiration page), is one of the most common methods to find the right floor plan for you. These sources provide various floor plan ideas and inspiration.  

You can also visit display homes or attend home shows to see various floor plans in person (check out G.J. Gardner homes for sale near you). Additionally, there are numerous websites and real estate platforms that offer searchable databases of floor plans, which can be filtered based on your desired specifications. 

Factors to consider

When choosing a floor plan, it’s crucial to consider several key factors. Start by assessing your lifestyle and the needs of your household. Do you require spacious common areas for entertaining or do you value more private, secluded spaces? Consider the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and the desired square footage. Evaluate the flow of the floor plane and ensure it aligns with your preferences and daily activities.  

Additionally, consider your future needs. Will the floor plan accommodate potential family growth or changing mobility requirements? 

Making your own floor plan 

If you can’t find an existing floor plan that matches your vision, you have the option to create your own. Numerous online tools and software applications offer user-friendly interfaces to design floor plans. These tools allow you to experiment with different room layouts, sizes and configurations. However, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of architectural principles and building codes to ensure your self-made floor plan is structurally sound and meets safety standards.  

Seek professional help 

Building a custom home is a complex process and seeking professional assistance is highly recommended. Architects and designers possess the expertise to understand your requirements and translate them into functional floor plans.  

These professionals can offer valuable insights, creative solutions and industry knowledge that will help you make informed decisions. Collaborating with professionals ensures that your floor plan is optimized for both aesthetics and functionality.  

Get in touch 

Deciding on the floor plan for your new home is arguably the most important step in the custom home-building process. By understanding the concept of an open floor plan, knowing where to find floor plan inspiration, comprehending what a floor plan entails and considering important factors, you can make an informed decision.  

Whether you find an existing plan or decide to create your own, you’re not alone, working with the professionals at G.J. Gardner Homes will help you bring your dream home to life. With their experience in custom home building and commitment to delivering high-quality results, they can help you find a floor plan that suits your needs.  

The ideal floor plan is one that caters to your unique lifestyle, preferences and future needs. It should provide the perfect balance between practicality, aesthetics and comfort, creating a space where you and your loved ones can make memories for years to come.