House Plan GHD-3142 is a vacation home with fabulous outdoor and indoor living spaces. From a 10-foot deck off the side of the house to a spacious great room with dining area and eating bar on the main level, and a loft above, it caters to those with a comfortable escape in mind.

Our customers, the Jenkins, are building this home in a somewhat isolated part of British Columbia – a true “get away from it all” locale. This will be their cabin — their main home being near Vancouver. While they intend to spend a lot of time alone at the new cabin, they wanted it redesigned to better accommodate guests since they have a large extended family and many friends who will be invited up for long visits. 

They asked our modifications team to redesign the main level to include a larger master suite and a significantly larger kitchen. And they removed the garage from the lower level and replaced it with 2 additional bedrooms, a small living area, and a large laundry room. The Jenkins also had us increase the house length by 2 feet so the total length is 46 feet. Finally, we reversed the blueprint drawings, text and dimensions (so that what was once on the right is on the left and vice versa) to better suit the layout of their lot.

The couple are also planning to build a separate (detached) garage and are currently reviewing our selection of garage plans to find one that fits their needs.

House Plans GHD-3142

Main Floor Plan of GHD-3142

This ultra-contemporary hillside plan has some amazing details that add style to its appearance and comfort to its livability. Extensive fenestration on the exterior takes advantage of ambient light on the inside.

The upper level has a delightful entry foyer with stone columns, a bench and a niche. To the right is the open stairway to the lower level with a wall of windows on one side and a glass floor on the other. A wet bar connects the vaulted dining room to the professional-style kitchen (note the walk-in pantry). A vaulted nook with sliding doors to a patio is adjoining.

Step down into the vaulted great room, which also opens to the patio (note the outdoor grill and fireplace). A large, skylit laundry is close by. On the lower level you’ll find a game room with built-in entertainment center, three family bedrooms, another laundry area and a snack-bar area.

The lower-level patio area is reached from Bedroom 2 or the game room. Don’t miss the double garage with space for a shop.

(Photography by Bob Greenspan) CLICK ON ANY PHOTO to see the details for Plan AM-1410!

The outside is brought inside in this ultra-contemporary plan. Extensive fenestration on the exterior takes advantage of the ambient light on the inside. Natural elements such as wood and stacked stone allow this home to blend beautifully with its surroundings.

(Above) This outdoor living space has it all. An elegant stone wall houses all you’ll ever need for your next barbecue. Guests can gather around the fireplace while you prepare the meal on the stainless steel built-in grill, complete with a prep sink and mini fridge!

(Above) Nature continues both inside and outside this fabulous home. Here, guests can dine in contemporary elegance surrounded by rich wood and stacked stone accents while gazing out the large windows to the lovely gardens.

(Above) The focal point in this room is quite obvious. Natural beauty is found in the impressive stacked stone wall that not only serves as an artistic element, but also houses many practical items such as built in cabinets and a fireplace. Natural light illuminates the space and further enhances the ambiance.

(Above) This ultra contemporary kitchen is sleek in design but spares no amenities. A large breakfast bar also houses a sink, dishwasher, and cook top. Large cabinets placed in front of an enormous window create a sculptural effect while housing all of your dishes.

(Above) Earthy colors, a wood vanity, and sleek fixtures in this guest bathroom reiterate the natural contemporary style of the home.

(Above) Varying ceiling angles combined with a large wall that serves as a headboard and shelf conveys the ultimate modern elegance in this luxurious master bedroom. Sliding doors open onto a private viewing deck.

(Above) The serenity of nature flows into the master spa through large windows that flow with the angle of the ceiling. Sleek fixtures further communicate the modern style of the home.

(Above) This home is not only beautiful to look at, its kid friendly too! A magnificent playroom decorated with a beautiful wall mural allows children to travel to the furthest reaches of their imagination!

See FLOOR PLANS and other details of Home Plan AM-1410 by clicking here.

To get right to the PHOTO GALLERY page, click here.

I’ve been asked, by at least a handful of customers, what “universal design” means. They saw the term “universal design home plans” on our website, or they heard about it elsewhere. One customer recently asked if universal design meant the same thing as wheelchair-accessible.

My answer to that is yes AND no.

The idea behind universal design is that accessible features benefit everyone. The example we give on our website is raising the height of an electrical outlet: it definitely makes it easier for a physically challenged person to reach, but it also eliminates the need for anyone to bend over as far, making it universally more comfortable for everyone. Other examples of universal design features in our home plans include sloping walkways to the main entrance, wider doorways, wider interior passages and closet doors, lever-style hardware on cabinets and doors, and convenient heights for things like thermostats and light switches.

So, while universal design home plans are comfortable for wheelchair users, they are not necessarily designed for wheelchair users. Rather, they are designed to be comfortable for everyone, regardless of age or ability. And who doesn’t want that?  Retiring baby boomers are particularly interested in universal design as it relates to “aging in place” (a.k.a. staying in the same house as you grow older) because it virtually eliminates the worry of a floor plan that becomes more difficult to navigate over time.

Another good thing about universal design – when it’s well done, it’s virtually invisible to the homeowner. You and your guests might not consciously notice the wider doorways or lever-style hardware, but you will find yourselves moving about the house with ease and comfort. See our collection of universal design house plans here.

Universal Design Home Plan: PSC-1269

This sophisticated Southern Country home, with its updated Craftsman facade and spacious interior design, is both flexible and dramatic. A three-car garage, screened porch, spacious country kitchen, and optional bonus area and basement make this home irresistible!

Relax in the luxurious master suite which includes a tray ceiling, a sitting area, his-and-hers walk-in closets and an exquisite bath. The 14’3“ x 22’6” country kitchen, with a walk-in pantry, is open to the vaulted family room. A French door leads to the vaulted, screened porch. The deck is accessible from both the screened porch and the master bedroom. A decorative square column and tray ceiling adorn the elegant dining room. The secondary bedrooms each feature walk-in closets and individual baths. Tucked behind the functional laundry room are stairs accessing the optional basement and future bonus area.

Follow the steps down to the basement where a whole new world awaits! The family recreation area has a game room with plenty of space for a pool table. Also in this space is a full bathroom with access to a mechanical closet. Located right off the rec room is a home theater with a snack area for those movie-time munchies! A safe room and a large storage closet make the most of this below ground space. The boat garage is accessible through a rec room door. Completing this lower level is an in-law suite with a private bathroom, walk-in closet and a kitchenette.

The 1,535-sq.-ft. optional bonus room offers space for storage, etc.

Click here to see more of Plan APS-2121.

With energy prices hitting all-time highs, energy-saving home designs are a hot topic for today’s home plan buyers.

Plan E-2107 is an example of an energy-efficient home that packages energy efficient technology with an appealing design. The designer of this home bases his energy-efficient designs on two criteria:

1. The home must have a maximum heat loss/gain of no more than 16 btuh per sq. ft. per hour of the thermal envelope. In plain terms, this means that it must be about twice as efficient as a standard home.

2. The home must have optimum value, which means it must cost the least to save the most.

Although there are many key elements that go into making a home a super energy saver, some of the most important elements are 2×6 exterior walls and insulated exterior doors and windows.

Plan E-2107 is designed with 2×6 exterior wall framing.

Click here to see more of Plan E-2107.

This same design is also offered in an alternate version that uses Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF) for the wall framing—see Plan E-2113 for the ICF variation.

To see more plans by this designer, click here.

House Plan AM-1411 will indulge anyone who’s ever fantasized about living in a rustic hillside retreat. With its lavish appointments and spacious living arrangements, the home has everything you need, whether you desire to settle in or entertain. But beware: your guests may not want to leave either!

Rear view of Plan AM-1411. (See the PHOTO GALLERY online for many more pictures of the fully decorated home!)

The artful use of stone and generous application of decorative brackets on the exterior draw together architectural elements such as the angled, oversize four-car garage and the substantial roofline. The sprawling exterior is refreshingly coherent. A prominent stoop with flared stone columns clearly marks the entrance as it carefully balances a pair of wing extensions. The stoop expands into a front porch and points the way to the front door.

Inside the foyer, one immediately surveys the openness of main living areas, which are topped with vaulted ceilings. The great room is the hub, anchored with a large stone fireplace at one end and a formal dining area at the other. Spectacular windows on each side of the fireplace display views of the backyard. Arching in a curve to one side of the great room, the kitchen completes the open layout and provides for logical traffic flow, which is critical when entertaining. The serious cook will appreciate accommodations for an oversize range, the walk-in pantry, as well as the baking and food prep zones. Whether entertaining or merely relaxing outdoors, the outdoor kitchen bestows a welcoming environment. Its appointments include a cooktop, sink, and corner fireplace.

Columns along one side of the foyer delineate the home’s public and private zones. A built-in media center and double doors separate the home office from the great room. The hearth, the bookshelves, and the built-ins in the office are beautiful and functional. Down the adjacent hall is the master suite. Soothing features in the bedroom include a corner fireplace and a bump-out window that views that backyard. The suite’s pair of walk-in closets is nothing short of extravagant. Both include built-ins and double doors. The larger of the two is a spacious dressing room that includes a built-in ironing board, a mirror, and two alcoves with built-in chests. Separate vanities, a spa tub, laundry facilities, and a walk-in shower round out the master bath.

Three additional bedrooms are on the lower level, privately clustered near a pair of baths. Bump-out windows in each room ensure plenty of light. One of the bedrooms has a private bath, making it ideal as a guest suite. Another treat is the home theater with built-in viewing screen, fireplace, and access to the backyard. With nearby wet bar and wine cellar, the spacious theater will be a great place to host sports parties.

Among the most appreciated aspects of this home may be the organized utility areas next to the garage. A dog shower and grooming station are convenient for taking care of canine family members. Its hard-surface floor and built-in drain make clean-up easy. A mudroom, featuring a powder bath, laundry facilities, and coat closet, makes a great place to freshen up before entering the home. Tools can be organized along the back wall of the garage work bench.

View into the Great Room.  (See the PHOTO GALLERY online for many more pictures of the fully decorated home!)

We had to share this adorable cottage plan with you. It was recently added to our website and is already turning heads.

House plan AM-1151 fits into several categories: cabin, Craftsman, vacation home. From its covered front deck to its light-filled dining area, it’s full of pleasant surprises. With 1225 finished square feet and an extra 225 unfinished in the lower level, it’s a compact and efficient design that could work well on a narrow or hillside lot, yet it certainly has enough living space for comfort.

The exterior is constructed of cedar shake shingles and stone (on the chimney stack) for a charming, natural look. Inside, find a vaulted Great Room at the center of the main level, flanked by two decks and warmed by a fireplace. The kitchen and airy dining area are close by. A bedroom with window seat in a box-bay window and full bath are at the front of the main level. Just step downstairs for two more bedrooms with plenty of closet space and another full bath. Walk out of the lower level to a lovely covered patio. This plan includes special space-saving touches like storage under the stairwell.

Exterior of House Plan AM-1151

Main Floor AM-1151

This cottage plan was created by designer, Alan M. See all of Alan’s plans here.

Robert & Emily owned a nice parcel of land in northern Minnesota (“up north”, as we Minnesotans like to call it). Now that all their kids are out of the family home, they decided to build their dream cabin on their northern land and retire there.

They started with house plan SHD-093-SEA. In Homeplans.com’s database, this house is titled “Truly Unforgettable” and it is just that. It’s a dramatic cottage/vacation home plan with incredible angles and a stone chimney, to name just a couple of it’s “wow” features.

Rob and Em wanted to make the cabin plan their own by making some adjustments, so they hired our home design services team.  (We specialize in customizing Homeplans.com’s house plans.) 

They opted for a more Craftsman-style exterior so we added some shingle siding, more detailing with the porch/deck framing, and architectural shingles. Even with these alterations, we kept the home modern by using fiber cement products (Hardi-plank, Hardi-board, etc.). Rob and Em’s lot is sloped so they asked us to modify the plan to include a walkout basement that faced the lake. Now they and their guests can step right out of the downstairs into their beautiful – lakeside – backyard. The basement was left unfinished for now, but it will eventually be finished to include another bedroom, bathroom and recreation area.

We also removed the covered deck on the living/dining room side of the house and added numerous windows because that’s the lakeside wall. Then we moved the fireplace to the side so it wouldn’t block lake views, and we added a main level wrap-around deck from the front/entry side of the house.

In addition, Rob and Em wanted some of the space from the exterior patio used to increase the finished living space so they could have a larger front entry and kitchen, as well as a new flex/mud/storage room next to the entry.

Now the “Truly Unforgettable” cabin is truly perfect for these Northern Minnesota empty nesters!

Cabin Plan SHD-093-SEA

If you have a favorite home plan that needs some adjustments, give us a ring and we’ll give you a free estimate. 1-888-266-3439. We can handle all types of house plan modifications — from simple foundation changes to complicated projects involving adding square footage and repositioning rooms. Also, we can adapt any Homeplans.com house plan to suit any lot!

Oregon customers Ralph and Beverly are retired and wanted to modify home plan DD-2452 to fit their needs. They had found the perfect lot that overlooks a river and vineyards. Home plan DD-2452, a sprawling Southern style design, was a great fit for the lot because of its floor plan layout that included creative outdoor spaces like a front porch and backyard patio. 

Our home design team happily took on the modifications project. Beverly is in a wheelchair so needed all passageway doors increased to 36“. She also wanted some accessibility features added such as a roll-in shower instead of a tub. In addition, the couple requested some rooms that weren’t included in the original floor plan: ”endless pool“ room, sewing room, game room, and equipment room. We made additional modifications including: changed the 3-car garage to a 2-car, moved the range to the kitchen island, converted the master bedroom office area to a walk-in-closet, added a master bathroom skylight, put in a 3‘ wall between the breakfast room and great room, added window wells and a Bilco door in the basement, made some modifications to outlet locations, and made a few other customizations.

The end result?  Happy customers with a home that is customized to their distinct tastes and a much more affordable price tag than a “from-scratch” home design.  No blueprint modifications request is too simple or too complex for our home design team. If you have a favorite home plan, but are curious what it would cost to make some specific changes to it, just call us and we’ll provide you with a quick, free cost estimate. 

House Plan DD-2452

Floor Plan of DD-2452

If the main-floor Great Room, gourmet kitchen and porch aren’t enough entertaining options, take your party to this home’s spacious family room on the lower floor, complete with a functional wet bar!

Plan LS-2925-HB has all the bells and whistles for great entertaining and family living. Outside, four columns and a lovely porch adorn the front of the home. Inside, welcome your family and friends in the roomy Great Room, which offers panoramic views and openness to a spacious gourment kitchen with a convenient center island. Serve your appetizers here, then move into the dining room, deck or porch for dinner, drinks or conversation.. When the guests are gone, you’ll sleep soundly in the amazing and private owner’s suite on the main floor. Ahh, the life!

See more of Plan LS-2925-HB.