Before starting construction on your new house, creating a floor plan can help you develop ideas about what you want your future home to look like. Consider it a construction stepping stone to bringing your vision to reality.

From deciding how many bedrooms you want built to choosing which architectural style you’ll prefer, a floor plan can help you envision it all.

The floor plan layout will give you an initial idea of the location of windows, doors, walls, stairs, as well as room sizes. Floor plans can be broadly divided into three categories:

  • 2D Floor Plans– This is a type of diagram that illustrates the layout of the area from above. It is a ‘flat’ 2D drawing, which means it doesn’t offer depth or perspective.
  • 3D Floor Plans– This type shows the layout of the house in 3D. It gives both height and perspective, with a much more detailed illustration than 2D.
  • Live 3D Floor Plans– Live 3D is like a virtual walkthrough of your future home. It brings your design to life.

Tips for Designing the Best Floor Plan

Choose the Right Size for Your Family

Are you more in search of a sprawling estate or can your family easily fit in a 2-bedroom plan? Choosing the right floor plan should start with deciding how much living space your family needs. Keep in mind how many bedrooms you will need and what size would be comfortable.

Choose According to Your Design Style

Would you prefer a traditional compartmentalized floor plan or a more modern, open floor plan layout? Think about how you will decorate your home and what furnishings you will install. Coordinated colors will go best, for example, with an open floor plan.

Know Your Budgets before Choosing a Floor Plan

Let’s be honest, most of us would want the best and the most luxurious floor plan for our home. The bigger it is, the better. But don’t risk getting your mind set on a particular floor plan that is way out of your budget! Know what the costs of all floor plans are before settling on one. Ask a builder or a contractor to help you narrow your choices down to the one that fits your budget.

Be Open to Changes

Know that making the right floor plan can take time and effort, and while it would be nice to create the perfect floor plan in the first go, it’s not always possible. Be flexible and be open to changes. Be willing to modify your floor plan to adjust, for instance, a closet into additional space for the kids’ room or to open up a wall to let in more light.