Blog Post

You’re thinking about a new home. You’ve got a checklist of features that matter. Then you start browsing, probably taking some virtual tours online. But before you fall in love with a home, Kettler Forlines Homes has helpful tips for choosing the right floor plan.

Find your floor plan flow

Whether you are looking at a one-dimensional floor plan or wandering virtually through a home via video or Matterport tour, it can be difficult to actually feel how you will move through your home on a daily basis. For example, think about the way you like to work in your kitchen. How far do you want your refrigerator from your stove? Would it be helpful to have your sink and dishwasher on the center island, so you could simply turn and use your range instead of walking over to it? Would a dual wall oven make life easier for you?

Imagine your bedroom. Do you cherish the quiet time there? If so, look at where the owner’s suite is situated. You might prefer a first floor owner’s suite, with the other bedrooms on the second floor or at least on the opposite side of the home.

Consider the location of the laundry room. What would be more convenient: close to your bedroom or off the kitchen? A second-floor laundry room has become popular with homeowners who don’t want to take the majority of their laundry up and down a flight of stairs.

Where do you need another closet? Where are the bottlenecks in your home? Walk through your current home and make note of what works for you and what doesn’t. 

Think ahead

How long do you expect to live in your next home? What changes do you expect in your life during that time? Maybe you’re thinking of expanding your household. That could be having more children or welcoming aging parents to live with you. You might also be thinking of the opposite direction, moving to an empty nest. 

With young children, you want to look at floor plans where a nursery or child’s room is close to the master bedroom. If you’ll have parents or even grown children moving in with you, they’ll be far more comfortable with a junior suite than just a bedroom. And they certainly won’t enjoy sharing a bedroom with your kids (no matter what they tell you!). 

Older adults may also need certain accommodations, like single-level living and wider hallways to navigate with a walker or wheelchair. They could also benefit from an oversized shower with a bench seat built into it.

Plan for a crowd

Do you enjoy entertaining? Certain floor plan features contribute to managing a crowd. An open floor plan eliminates walls that separate your kitchen from your great room and dining area. You can be getting the food ready in the kitchen and still see and hear what’s happening with your guests. The open concept floor plan removes the barriers from staying connected in the main living area.

The entertainer also needs a kitchen that provides room to work your culinary magic, along with the storage to have everything conveniently at hand. A center island with storage and a walk-in pantry are two must-haves in your new kitchen. Explore the option of having a butler’s pantry or service kitchen (although this feature is included with most of our homes). This additional space usually connects the kitchen with the formal dining room. It can include cabinets, a sink and dishwasher, and other extras like a wine chiller or small refrigerator. 

Don’t overlook the location of a powder room for your guests. Your floor plan should have a bathroom easily available, without requiring them to wander through your home.

Work out the workspaces

Did you shift to working from home (WFH) over the past year? Did your home comfortably accommodate your productivity needs?

In the past, a dedicated home office was nice to have but not essential. The WFH model seems here to stay for many workers and their employers. When choosing a floor plan for your new home, what do you need for your home office? Many floor plans include a flex room by the front entry. That’s a great location if you’re planning to have clients visit you, but it might not bode well for productivity to be so close to the front door. Deliveries (also more plentiful these days) and unexpected visitors can present an annoying interruption.

Some flex rooms lack storage space. It’s less distracting when you can keep your space organized. Look for a room with a closet or ask about having cabinets or shelves built into the room. The small investment now will pay off later!

Not ready to move? Try remodeling.

Could your current home be upgraded to better suit your needs? If you have an unfinished lower level, you could add valuable living space by adding a finished basement. Create a suite, family room, workout area, home theater, man cave, hobby studio, or office. Add organized storage space, too.

If your kitchen is large enough but not laid out for your current needs, a kitchen remodel is a great investment to fall in love with your home again.

Use these tips for choosing the right floor plan to determine if you could reimagine your current home and increase its resale value. In Montgomery County, Maryland, Kettler Forlines Homes is ready to help you to build your dream home or remodel your home. Look at our portfolio distinctive floor plans and let’s talk about putting our 40 years of expertise and excellence into bringing you home!