A house refers to a building in which someone lives. In contrast, a home can refer either to a building or to any location that a person thinks of as the place where she lives and that belongs to her. A home can be a house or an apartment, but it could also be a tent, a boat, or an underground cave with a light touch.

What to consider when choosing the right floor plans for your home is critical to yourself and family before building or purchasing a home.

There are various ways of choosing floor plans:-

1. Budget.

When choosing the type of floor plan layout, the budget is key to all matters. If the budget allows various designs and rooms can be incorporated and you end up with a superb layout. One with a modest budget can also have their needs within but the size of rooms will be much smaller.

2. Living and lifestyle needs.

The age of the person and family needs define what floor plans to pick. A family with two children of different gender will be more comfortable with separate rooms rather than a children’s room. Older couples will want an en-suite bedroom whereas others may have common washrooms with the rest of the family. Features due to lifestyle also implore on the homeowner on the types of plans like having an open plan kitchen as opposed to the usually closed kitchen layout. Some families are more social than others, therefore, a layout with more than one guest room will be required due to overnight guests. Families with younger children will obviously go for a layout with domestic quarters. Also, older couples may require someone nearby to help with medication and this room will be appropriate.

3. Privacy.

The size of windows and doors will also play a part in privacy. A floor plan with large windows is good in isolated areas.

4. Room orientation.

The home owner’s hobbies, preferences will have an impact on room orientation. The rooms on the layout should have ease of use during the day and night. The laundry should be located near an exit for hanging out clothes. If the owner needs a gym, its located near the washrooms. If one is an outdoor person, a shed can be located near the kitchen for keeping tools and implements. Consider the orientation of your home and where major windows should face. Think about the possible scenery outside your windows. Do you want evening or morning sun are some of the things to check for.

5. Current home.

When in your current home, identify what works or doesn’t work. Pick the issues that don’t work or the good ones and compare with the layout your looking at. Get a wish list from your existing home. Consider what a floor plan will offer that you don’t have in your current home. How will it improve your lifestyle? Your answers may include increased storage, more bathrooms, more bedrooms or a bigger space for entertaining

6. Check for new features.

The kitchen? The size and what the worktops and positions will be.

The master bedroom? The position of dressers and windows.

The living room? Check for a fireplace, is it connected to the dining area or independent.

A back patio? The size should be adequate for family sitting space.

A front porch? The size depends on whether the homeowner wants a grand entry or not.

Finally, a floor plan shows how all rooms relate with each other. The homeowner is able to check where all rooms are located as this forms the basis of how the building will be erected. Nailing down a floor plan is one of the first steps of the home building process, and it lets you work through any obstacles you may encounter with the home’s design, allowing you to make changes in the design before construction even begins.