Before buying or building a house, we often consider several factors so that we will not regret our action after buying or building the house. We consider the location, scenery, provision of basic amenities and infrastructures like good road network, power supply, water supply, and standard of the schools, hospitals, malls and markets in the area, amongst other things. Apart from these factors, you must also consider the design of the house. A house design is a representation of the dimensions of a house which is used as specifications for building contractors.

A house design or plan is drafted as an overhead view showing inner and outer walls, windows, levels, staircases, and other architectural features. So before you design that your dream house, you should put some factors into consideration. The following tips will help you to choose the right design.

Family Needs and Lifestyles

Before designing your house, think of your needs and the lifestyle of your family to ensure comfortability. Building a house that does not serve all aspects of your routine or fit in into your lifestyle is like putting a fish in a dry bucket. Family needs and lifestyles vary as it depends on the individual preferences, stages and future plans. The size of your immediate family and others who will live with you, as well as your present and future needs, should determine the square footage and the number rooms to include in your plan.

Aside this, how often do you entertain guests, especially visitors who stay with your family for long period of time? You may want to consider creating a separate room for them.

Where do you often gather with your family to spend time together maybe during prayer, family function, or just to play? Is it in the living room, bedroom, or the kitchen area? This should be considered.

Also, when designing the workspaces, your lifestyle should be a determinant. If you often engage in certain outdoor hobbies with your family, for example, you may need a special place to wash off after the games. Let your design be flexible in such a way that it may be adjusted in the future to meet new needs.

Your Privacy Matters

Though you have to make room for visitors, your privacy is also paramount, after all, it’s your house. The level of privacy you want from the prying eyes of other occupants or neighbours should be considered. You may also want to have a separate bedroom. House plans with L- or U-shaped designs have been found to offer more privacy, especially when building urban or suburban areas.

Consider the surrounding homes or property to know how to place your windows. If you also need outdoor privacy, design your home with enclosed patios, porches, and deck areas.

Workspace

Think of your workspaces. Where would do your laundry? How big and large do you want it? What if you or your children have special hobbies or interests such as cycling, football or handball? These hobbies and games will definitely require additional spaces. 

Also, if you work from home, for instance, you will want a private home office area where you will not be disturbed while working. You even may need a large room to do noisy projects. If you enjoy gardening, you may want to include a mudroom or utility room with a half-bath for quick and easy cleanup.

Furnishings

Create a house design that will accommodate the pieces of furniture you have now and those you intend to buy later. Create enough space for sitting areas and placement of furniture when planning the sizes of your rooms. Do this by picturing the layout of each room on the floor plans you are considering in order to determine what type of furniture, and how much of it you have or will need.

If you don’t plan to buy new furniture, your house plans should accommodate the ones you have. You need at least 3 feet of walking space around each item of furniture. You can measure your current furniture to determine if there will be adequate walking space and clearance for doors to swing.

Consider the traffic flow from room to room and the best place to place the furniture to allow natural light and air penetrate through windows, doors and views.

Building Lot Size

It is very important to evaluate the size of your building lot before choosing it, as it will determine the type of design to consider. Make sure the lot is large enough to accommodate the structure you have in mind, the driveway, easements, sidewalks, and other areas. If you want a single level home, a narrow or sloped lot will not work.

Aside the size of the lot, the aesthetics it will offer your house should also be considered. Practical access should be provided to connect roadways by considering the surrounding homes.

Finally, consider the direction of the rising/setting sun, as well as the blowing wind, when choosing where in your house plans you prefer to have windows, doors and deck areas.