| Choosing a plan and layout for your new home | | | | Third, understand how much room you'll need. If |
| should be invigorating. There are thousands of | | | | you have a young child, consider how your child |
| small house floor plans from which to base your | | | | to roam freely throughout your home. Fourth, |
| own home. Unfortunately, the sheer magnitude of | | | | consider the energy costs of potential house |
| architectural house plans that are available can | | | | plans. Some plans allow the use of solar energy to |
| make the process confusing. But choosing a plan | | | | light and heat your home, helping you to save |
| is as simple as knowing what you want from | | | | money on your energy bill. Finally, make sure that |
| your home. Whether you prefer a one-story | | | | the house plans you're considering fall within your |
| cottage or a 2-story log cabin, you can find house | | | | budget for the materials and labor you'll need to |
| plans that will satisfy your imagination. | | | | have the house built. |
| Consider Usefulness Over Size | | | | Knowing What You Want |
| If you're considering using small house plans from | | | | Choosing the right plan for your home is largely |
| which to base your own design, your home will be | | | | about knowing what you want and planning ahead. |
| 1,800 square feet or smaller. There are several | | | | Plans aren't inherently better than other plans. |
| things you should consider before looking at plans. | | | | They are either appropriate for your needs or |
| First, think about the types of features in your | | | | not. Understand what you want from your new |
| current home or the homes of others that you | | | | home. Think about the placement of rooms, |
| enjoy. The placement of rooms, fireplaces, patios | | | | windows, the fireplace and other elements. |
| and windows can have a dramatic effect on how | | | | Consider how you and your family will adjust to |
| you feel about your house. | | | | your new home's layout. Think about the cost of |
| Second, consider what you'll do in each room of | | | | materials and your potential energy bills. By |
| your home. If you prefer to read in a particular | | | | knowing ahead of time how you'll use your home, |
| room, you can focus on plans that provide | | | | you can choose a house plan with confidence. |
| window space for the sun to enter the room. | | | | |