House Plans ? Research Is Key

When you think about building your new home consider your needs and your lifestyle. If you are newlyweds your choices will be different from a couple who is ready to retire and is looking for a smaller home. The lot may affect the type of house and its placement.

If your lifestyle is such that you plan to entertain frequently, you might want to consider including a formal dining and living area that is separated from the family's living area. If you just plan on having a couple of friends over for a dinner and conversation, then you might want to eliminate the formal dining area and create a simple dining area that can be used by your family and your guests.

Is your lot large enough to allow you to build your house and still be able to expand in the future? Will you need an extra room for guests or extra living space for aging parents or future additions to your family? It is imperative that you keep all of these possible concerns as you choose your lot and your house plan.

When choosing a house plan you will want to keep your privacy needs in mind. If you work from home, you will want privacy, space away from the main activity of the home so that you can work effectively. You could have a workroom or a hobby room where you and your family can gather together. The placement of your windows could also affect your privacy. You certainly don't want your neighbors to be able to peer in at you. Window treatments and privacy hedges or fences if appropriate will alleviate some those concerns.

Now that you have an idea of what your house might look like, it's time to think about the lot. I am sure you have a really good idea of what you want your new home to look like but if it doesn't fit on the lot you will have a serious problems. It is recommended that you purchase your lot before you look at plans for your home.

Some other things that you will need to consider are whether or not there is bedrock under the soil. Bedrock and clays will make excavation for the foundation difficult.

Pay attention to the weather and your house. Will your windows be placed for maximum exposure to morning and evening sun? The sun and wind can affect heating and/or air conditioning costs depending in which direction the slope is facing. Check the surrounding rivers and streams as related to your lot. If they overflow, how will it affect your property?

If you live in the flood plains be sure to find out if you can get flood insurance. If not, you may want to reconsider the place where you will build your home. Check the site for ditches or drainage issues. Soil drainage can be another serious problem as it can cause water seepage into the foundation. This can cause structural issues such as cracks and holes in the foundation.

The type of soil could also affect the foundation. Some clay soils, shrink when dry and expand when wet. This could cause cracks and make it difficult to maintain a dry basement.

Finally, check your zoning laws to be sure the type of house you want to build is within their specifications. If expansion is permissible and how much you will actually be able to do. The zoning commission also governs the placement of your home on the site. You want to keep well within their regulations.

Look at lots on which to build your new home. Check out the landscaping. Does the soil allow for proper drainage? Will you be able to plant privacy hedges or put up a privacy fence? How and where does the sun hit the lot? If you want maximum light exposure you may want to place your house to get that. The type of house you want to build could affect where on the lot your house will sit. The size of the lot will affect the type of house that you will be put on it.

Also check out the neighborhood where you want to build your home, does the style you have chosen mesh with others in the area. Will the house fit on the lot? Will the soil support the foundation? Get organized. Keep any and all information about your plans, your lot, and anything regarding your home in one place. Always check with the zoning board regarding your plans. You have many decisions to make good luck!

(c) www.1st-4-house-plans.com

Reprint Rights feel free to publish this article on your website but you must agree to leave all active links contained within 'About The Author' intact and "as is" and NOT hidden behind a java or redirect script.

About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for home buyers and consumers on purchasing a variety of Dream Home which includes Cottage Plans, Beach House Plans, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information

---

Consumer Guides: Finding A Quality Contractor and Power Washing Tips

Power washing is the application of high pressure water spray.... Read More

10 Things To Consider Before Planning And Installing A New Bathroom

Whether you want to install a new bathroom or make... Read More

Making a Pen with Your New Wood Lathe

So you just purchased a wood lathe but do not... Read More

Creating Your Joyful Home: Inspiration to Make a Home Planning Journal

If you are planning a home makeover or remodeling project,... Read More

Buying Home Appliances The Smart Way

When you add up all the money that you can... Read More

Chairs, Rocking Chairs and Other Comfortable Places To Park It!

A chair is one of the best inventions ever made.... Read More

Baking Soda for Cleaning

Baking soda is a common, inexpensive household item that can... Read More

Chester Conservatory Build Process

1. The site of the proposed conservatory.2. Construction work begins.... Read More

How To Find Cat Mailboxes

You can add a personal touch to your home or... Read More

Easy Renovations for Your Home

Renovating should be a fun and exciting process (really!). The... Read More

Interior Design For Children

Interior design for children is one of the most fun,... Read More

Installing Vinyl Replacement Windows In A Wood Frame Opening

When we left off last week, we had removed the... Read More

The Ultimate Comfort - Top 5 Reasons For Getting an Awning

Awnings are an economical and efficient way to shade a... Read More

Colour Your World With Art

When you buy art, you may think you not consciously... Read More

With A Stylish Bathroom Vanity You Can Take Pride In Your Bathroom?s Appearance!

An easy way to instantly improve your bathroom's image is... Read More

Imported Tools vs. Brand Name - Are They As Good?

So you are looking for hand or power tools on... Read More

How to Buy a Home with Good Feng Shui

Buying a home is usually a stressful experience. So much... Read More

Be Cool and Comfortable While Saving Money

The cost of energy is on the rise, so if... Read More

Professional Asphalt Paving Contractors In California

Choosing an asphalt paving contractor can be a major event... Read More

Laminate Flooring - Cleaning & Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of laminate floors is that... Read More

Building Wood Stairs

Building a set of wood stairs is not nearly as... Read More

Get Your Home Ready To Sell

Have you been considering selling your home in the near... Read More

What Are Circuit Breakers?

Circuit Breakers are devices that stop the electrical current of... Read More

Remodel Your Kitchen or Bathroom For The Best ROI!

Trying to decide which home improvement project to tackle next?... Read More

Help Choosing Door and Window Hardware

Who would be the best person to help you find... Read More

Planning For a New Deck

Part of the fun of a new deck is the... Read More

Feng Shui, Design Psychology and Bed Placement

I love Feng Shui! Whether you believe this ancient Asian... Read More

New Construction Windows Or Replacement Windows? Which Is Right For You?

Hello, my name is John Rocco.I grew up around the... Read More

Building or Decorating Your Home Requires House Plans

There are some things to consider when creating plans for... Read More

Area Rug Buyers Guide

When you begin decorating your home there are some important... Read More

How To Identify A Quality Interior Shutter

1. Shutters have proper louver tensionThe shutters louvers should be... Read More

How To Choose The Canvas For Your Awning

The main factor for the canvas for your awning, it's... Read More

The Art of Power Washing Siding

Some of the most common mistakes to avoid made by... Read More