Most home builders rely on floor plans and detailed plans when building homes for their clients. In many cases, the right designs are chosen from a variety of offers by potential buyers who have carefully studied the plans and chosen a style that works well for them. In some cases, however, buyers are disappointed after moving in because they didn’t take their family dynamics into account. To avoid this problem, be sure to visit several show houses, and consider these six key items when you’re shopping for your next home:

1. How many rooms do you currently need? Determining needs vs. wants

It’s easy to say, “I want a two-bedroom house” or “I have to have at least five bedrooms,” but consider carefully why you really want them and what you really need for your current family. Will you need an extra bedroom for a home office? Would your kids really want to be apart or would they rather share a spacious single room so they can keep each other company after lights out? Your current needs may be smaller than you think. Also consider entertainment; If you frequently host large groups of family and friends, consider having a separate entertainment area or larger rooms that will improve traffic flow.

2. Will you need more space in the future? Look for designs that are flexible

If you choose family home designs that include three bedrooms, they may be perfect for you and your two children, but what if you have more children in the future or have to bring an elderly parent into your home? Consider whether you would prefer to move to a larger home later, or if you would prefer your builders include an extra bedroom that could be a play area now and a nursery later. If you don’t like the idea of ​​moving or paying for additional rooms that you may not use right away, make sure the lot you choose is large enough to allow for potential future expansion of the home. When visiting show houses, be sure to note any unusual room uses that could make available rooms work for you now and in the future.

3.How much outdoor space do you want? Gardens, lawns and outdoor living

Talk to family home builders about lot size and plans for an outdoor entertaining area. Many of today’s house plans include an outdoor area that is fully or partially screened for outdoor dining and relaxing, but some have a postage stamp-sized lot beyond that area. If you want a lot of grass for your kids to play on, look at the lot and the floor plan of the house. If you simply want an easy-care patio area without a lot of lawn or garden to tend to, you may be able to expand the outdoor area for more usable space.

4. Which rooms will you use the most? How will you use them?

If you usually get together with your kids and spouse in the kitchen every night, consider home designs with spacious kitchens or an open concept so you can prepare meals without missing out on what everyone is doing in the living room. On the other hand, if formal entertaining is more your style, you’ll want to look at showhouses that feature formal dining and living rooms or specialized entertainment spaces such as private theaters.

5.How much storage will you need? Are you a minimalist or a collector?

If you haven’t talked to any single family home builder recently, you may not be aware that one of the most important considerations for most buyers is storage space. Showhouses often highlight upgrades such as extra robes and ensuite master bedrooms. Be sure to ask if robes and ample kitchen storage are included in the layouts you chose, or if you’ll need to pay extra for these features. Fortunately, today’s most savvy builders are responding to buyers’ needs with larger robes and extra storage in kitchens, living rooms, and even garages.

By comparing features found in various show homes and reviewing your list of living needs, you can determine which family home designs will work best for your family now and in the future.

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