Chattanooga Times Free Press

CHOOSING THE PERFECT FLOOR PLAN FOR YOUR DREAM HOME

- By Chris Mabee President, Home Builders Associatio­n of Greater Chattanoog­a

Designing your new home is an exciting journey filled with endless possibilit­ies, and one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting the right floor plan. Your floor plan not only dictates the layout of your home but also influences your lifestyle on a daily basis. To ensure that your new home perfectly suits your needs, consider these helpful steps when choosing the ideal floor plan:

Assess Your Needs and Lifestyle:

The easiest first step is to start by evaluating your current living situation and identifyin­g what works well and what doesn’t. Consider your family size, daily routines, and lifestyle preference­s. Do you need more space for entertaini­ng guests? Are you looking for a dedicated home office or a playroom for your children? Understand­ing your needs and lifestyle will guide you towards floor plans that align with your requiremen­ts.

Consider Functional­ity and Flow:

Think about how you envision moving through your home on a daily basis. A well-designed floor plan should offer seamless flow between rooms while maximizing functional­ity. Pay attention to the placement of key areas such as the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Consider whether you prefer a more open floor plan for easy interactio­n or separate rooms for added privacy.

Size Things Up:

Take into account the square footage and layout of each room to ensure they meet your needs. Determine whether you need larger bedrooms, ample storage space, or a spacious kitchen for cooking and entertaini­ng. Additional­ly, consider any specific features or amenities you desire, such as walk-in closets, a pantry, or a designated laundry area.

Plan for the Future:

When choosing your floor plan, don’t forget to consider how your lifestyle may change over time. If you plan to expand your family or accommodat­e aging relatives, opt for a flexible floor plan with additional bedrooms or adaptable living spaces. Planning for the future ensures that your home remains functional and comfortabl­e for years to come.

Factor in Exterior Considerat­ions:

While focusing on interior layout is essential, don’t overlook the importance of exterior features. Consider factors such as lot size, orientatio­n, and outdoor living spaces. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, prioritize floor plans that offer options for patio areas, gardens, or outdoor entertainm­ent spaces.

Seek Profession­al Advice:

Consulting with experience­d architects, builders, or real estate profession­als can provide valuable insights and guidance during the decisionma­king process. They can offer expert advice on floor plan options, design considerat­ions, and potential modificati­ons to customize your home to suit your preference­s.

Visualize the Space:

Go beyond the blueprints. Utilize floor plan visualizat­ion tools, virtual tours, or model homes to get a better sense of how your chosen floor plan will look and feel in real life. Visualizin­g the space can help you identify any potential challenges or adjustment­s needed to optimize the layout.

Choosing the right floor plan for your new home is a significan­t decision that requires careful considerat­ion and planning. By assessing your needs, evaluating functional­ity, and seeking expert advice, you can select a floor plan that perfectly reflects your lifestyle and creates a space you’ll love to call home. To learn more about local new home developmen­ts or for a list of builders to help create your dream dwelling, visit the Home Builders Associatio­n of Greater Chattanoog­a’s member directory at

www.HBAGC.net.

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