 Tips on maximizing home for your money:
When looking for plans, focus on the smaller ones that match your criteria. It is easier to enlarge a home to suit
your needs that to shrink one to fit your budget.
Up is less expensive than out. Other features being equal, a two story home will cost less per square foot than a ranch.
Watch the extras. Spend money now on the aspects of your home that are not easily changed. If needed, cut back on such features
as flooring, lighting, decks, etc. that can be upgraded later.
Find the right site. Work with your builder to make sure that there are no no unexpected costs associated with your lot before
you purchase it.
Keep it simple. The fewer corners and angle the exterior of the home has the less it will cost to build. Fewer rooflines mean
less cost as well. Specialty windows and doors are more expensive than standard sizes and shapes. Also, fewer hallways will mean more livable square footage for less money.
Plan for the future. Consider unfinished basement space with the option to finish it later for more room. If the budget
constricts, design a home with add on potential.
If you do not know what you can afford, go to our financing page before you start looking seriously at plans.
Answering the following questions will help you choose the plan that is best for you:
Is this your last home? Choose a plan with all the primary living areas and master bedroom on one floor to avoid stairs.
Do you work from home? Formal living rooms, four seasons rooms, or extra
bedrooms can easily be converted to office space. Also consider locating the office to accommodate a private entrance.
Do you entertain guests often? If you frequently host parties or gatherings, consider a plan with
large, open places that include the kitchen area.
Do gatherings in your home include varying age groups? Separate public spaces such as formal living
and a kitchen hearth area, or a rec room in a lower level or bonus room can help keep the peace.
How many children do you have and what are their ages? Younger children can share bedrooms and you
may want their bedrooms close to your own. Older children will want more privacy.
Do you anticipate needing more room in the future as your family grows? Look for plans with optional
bonus rooms over the garage. Unfinished basements are relatively inexpensive and can be finished later as needs grow. |
