As you’re getting ready to buy a new home, you’ve probably already got some ideas about the style, location (Tomball is a wonderful place to call home) and size. Before you commit to a new home design, here are some suggestions on how to choose a floor plan for your new home.
Why Design Matters More Than Square Footage When Choosing a Floor Plan
Of course, size matters when choosing a floor plan, but don’t be too committed to a particular measurement. Your new home should be “livable” for you, meaning it has good flow and use of space. You might want to ignore anything under 2,000 square feet, for example, but that limit could cause you to miss out on a home that is so smartly designed that it feels much larger. “Sure, it’s not a 3,800 square-foot house,” says Jalycia Golden, New Home Consultant with Winfrey Estates, Tomball's only 55+ active adult community, “but our homes are designed with intention—spaces that flow, live easier, and often feel more functional than what you’re in today.”
Rather than square footage, prioritize the type and number of rooms you want, along with a general idea of the total square feet of indoor living space you believe is right for you. When advising home buyers, Dana Novotny, corporate vice president of sales with Epcon Communities, asks, “What’s motivated you to even think it’s time to move?” This inquiry helps her to understand the buyer’s needs so she can make informed suggestions that matter more than size.
To Stair or Not To Stair: Choosing Single-Level Living or Not
The ranch-style is very popular now. Homeowners and their families enjoy living in a single-level home. Choosing a home without stairs is ideal for people who are thinking about aging in place or have any issues with navigating stairs. “Our buyers have told us that they don't want to climb stairs anymore - they want their laundry room on the same floor," said Golden.
A two-story home enables you to add more square footage without expanding your home’s footprint, so this design is a good choice when you need more space than you can accommodate nicely on one level.
Many single-level homes offer the option of adding a second-story bonus suite or room. This additional space allows for a second owner’s suite or more living area, like a rec room, home office, family room or hobby space.
Although all floor plans, features, illustrations, and specifications of the homes and communities are believed correct at the time of publication, the right is reserved to make changes, without notice or obligation. Windows, doors, ceilings, layout, colors, finishes and room sizes may vary depending on the options and elevations selected. This information is for illustrative purposes only and not part of a legal contract.
Consider Your Lifestyle: Is an Open Concept Home Right for You?
People who enjoy socializing welcome the open floor plan. One wall-free space combines the kitchen, living room, and dining room—your main living area. It’s easy to spend time with your family and friends and continue the conversation even when you have to move from one room to the next.
Also, determine whether you need a guest room or merely a room that can double as a bedroom when the need arises. If you’re not welcoming a steady stream of overnight guests, that room might be put to better use on a daily basis.
Functional Spaces: Laundry, Mudrooms & Storage
Closets, bathrooms, laundry, mudroom, and the garage should be pondered now before you choose your floor plan. Although small in relation to the rest of the home, you might later regret the lack of closet space or a cramped laundry room. Perhaps you’ll wish you had a powder room closer to the main living area. Ask yourself how these functional spaces impact your lifestyle so you can narrow your choices to the best floor plan for you. “Our designers have spent a lot of time thoughtfully redesigning our floor plans to include more storage, and to open space a little more,” said Kelli Joyce. “I mean, they're constantly updating based on our buyers' feedback.”
Bobby Kane, ROC Homes' Marketing Manager, agrees with Kelli Joyce, design consultant with Epcon Communities, "Our homes in Winfrey Estates are designed to live easier—functional spaces with storage where you need it most.”
Winfrey Estates
Winfrey Estates features single-family homes designed for the way you want to live. With a low-maintenance lifestyle that takes lawn care and landscaping off your to-do list, you’ll have more time for what matters most. Our thoughtfully crafted floor plans feature smart use of space, abundant storage, luxury finishes, and stylish details throughout. Explore Winfrey Estates and discover the home design that fits your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to pick a house floor plan?
When choosing the best floor plan for your new home, you’ll want to consider the following items: your lifestyle needs, future needs, your budget, style preferences and lot and location.
What are three things to consider when designing a floor plan?
More specific than the above list, when designing a floor plan, think about the effective use of space, storage options, functionality, and natural lighting.
What is the perfect layout for a house?
The perfect layout for your new home depends on you. Your needs, lifestyle, and budget should dictate the floor plan you choose.
Ready to live the lifestyle you've always wanted?
Contact Jalycia Golden at 346.762.1864 to learn the benefits of buying a new home. We'll help you schedule a personal tour of our community and answer all your questions along the way.