Floorplan Basics

Consider the Site

• One of the most important factors in determining the ideal floor plan for your home is the site itself. Issues with the terrain may affect the way that you can set up your floor plan, so it is important to consider potential blockages before the building phase. You should also consider the surrounding views on the site in order to create a floor plan that takes advantage of mountain, lake or beach views. You may want to center your entire floor plan around a certain focal point on the site, which will affect the home's orientation. If the terrain and view surrounding your home are essentially the same on all sides, you are better off concentrate your efforts on the interior of the home and designing the floor plan so the rooms focus on one another for visual interest.

Focus on Your Needs

• The next thing to consider when creating a floor plan for your home is how you plan to use the space and what specialized needs you and your family might have. For example, a weekend home does not necessarily require the same floor plan as your main dwelling. You may also need to adjust your floor plan if you entertain guests regularly. In that case, a large living room and kitchen likely takes priority over spacious bedrooms, and you may want to include extra spaces for socializing such as a screened-in porch or wraparound deck. If you have children, you may also want to include extra space for a playroom or a family room in addition to your living room.

Choose a Style

• Settling on a style for your home's floor plan often makes the process easier. If you prefer a formal look for your home, a closed floor plan is your best option because it creates distinct spaces within your home. However, if you prefer a casual, informal look, an open floor plan is a better option. In this type of floor plan, there is little distinction between spaces so your home has a wide, open feel. Minimizing the amount of hallways in your home also helps create a casual feel. For example, you can set up your floor plan so the master bedroom is reached through a door right off the living room or your front entryway opens right into your family room.

Keep Traffic Flow in Mind

• Another key factor in creating an effective floor plan for your home is traffic flow. Your goal should be to create as convenient a floor plan as possible, so you and your family can easily navigate from room to room. As a result, make sure that there aren't obstacles that block entry or exit from areas of your home. Try to create a floor plan that encourages traffic to move on the sides of a room or space instead of through the center of it.