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Better Homes and Gardens House Plans
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Steps To Buying A New Home Plan
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Selecting the perfect home plan to meet your needs does not need to be difficult or time-consuming if you are prepared; know what to look for and what questions to ask.
While searching for the idyllic home plan consider what is most important to you and your family. How many floors and rooms will meet your needs? One of the most crucial decisions is the style of your new home plan. Home plans are quite easy to understand and not as complex as blueprints. They can provide you with a good overview of the estimated size and layout of various homes and styles. With many different house plan styles to choose from, having your information ready in advance can help you in choosing the right sized home and type of lot. To help you through this process, we have put together information needed to assist you during this exciting time. Reviewing a number of possible home plans while planning, and comparing them against possible available lots is often easier if you have a specific style and size for your future home in mind. The home plans and blueprints that you purchase will include the specifications and documents that tell the builder how you want your new house built. Although blue prints are more complex we can assist you in understanding how to read your new blueprints. Our blueprints include floor plans; front, side and rear elevations; foundation plan; footings and framing information; roof plan; kitchen cabinet layout; electrical layout and construction details. Additional aspects that you should consider: How much time do you and your family want to spend outdoors? Features such as patios, porches and decks can add to the enjoyment of spending time outside. Do you prefer a large eat-in kitchen or would you prefer a large formal dining room? Maybe you would like to have both. Will you want additional spaces for a den, home office or place for hobbies? Do you prefer open floor plans, with lots of natural light, or cozier rooms with a fireplace? All these factors should be considered and examined while searching for you ideal home plan. Another important factor while searching for you new home plan is its placement on your lot. Examine the existing homes in the area you hope to build and choose a style that might best fit into the current environment. Do they tend toward one style more than another or does the area comprise a mixture of home styles? Is the area you hope to build on flat, hilly or rugged terrain? Are the available lots that are available in your area narrow or wide? What is the natural climate in your chosen area? Flat roofs are ideal in mild climates; however, sloping roofs are better suited for climates with lots of snow and high wind. Zoning & Restrictions Zoning requirements also need to be taken into consideration when choosing a house plan to fit your lot. Find out what municipal services are offered in the area that you hope to build. Important questions to explore: Are there restrictions on the size or type of the house you can build? Are there zoning laws to protect you from having an industrial or other business being built? What are the estimated taxes? As you narrow your search for an appropriate lot, find out if there are any easement restrictions on how you can use your property. Does the property have access to public water and city sewer? If sewer service is not available what are the requirements and costs for a septic system? Where is the best place to drill a well (if need be), and do we need to bring utilities onto the property. |
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Plan Information |