If you’re looking for a modern house plan with European style, you should see plan LS-2905-HB. It’s a brick beauty with Euro influences including entry columns, bay windows, keystone accents, and arches.  Inside, a bayed music room is the perfect spot for your family’s own recital or talent show. A see-through fireplace warms both the two-story Great Room and a central hearth room. French doors introduce a four-season porch that overlooks the backyard. Upstairs, the spacious owner’s suite includes a master bath with dual sinks, spa tub and two-person shower!

Modern House Plan with Euro-Influences LS-2905-HB

Upper Floor of Home Design LS-2905-HB. Check out the master suite!

Looking for a home that will accommodate the in-laws or guests? Check out plan HOM-2400. At the front of the home, a wide porch promises the prospect of calm; to the rear, another porch flows into two connected patios. The kids have their own space in the right wing of the home. The master suite is situated far from the hubbub of daily living, and includes a sumptuous bath with a large walk-in closet and a dual-sink vanity. At the rear of the home a complete suite resides, intended to house a nanny or in-laws. It includes a living room, a dining area, a full kitchen, and a sleeping chamber with a full bath and walk-in closet. A garage stall is also provided. The private porch adds a touch of charm.

See the inlaw suite in house plan HOM-2400.

Main floor plan of HOM-2400.

More rural families and individuals may be able to become homeowners with the help of the Rural Housing Service Programs. The USDA Rural Housing Service has various programs available to aid low- to moderate-income rural residents to purchase, construct, repair, or relocate a dwelling and related facilities. USDA rural housing loan programs allow qualified homebuyers to get loans with minimal closing costs and no downpayment. For additional information on this program, visit the USDA website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

This federal program has become extremely popular over the last few years and is only increasing in prevalence…especially in the Southeastern United States where the vast majority of stock house plans are sold.

Check out our full collection of best-selling house plans that can be certified for FHA and Rural Development loans.

One of Mark’s beautiful country-style home plans: HPG-1800-B

We’ve integrated our customers‘ most requested features into a mid-sized ranch with the creation of the Mount Airy home plan. The Craftsman style siding and stone exterior is accented with a “Palladian” window, dormers, multi-level trim and an inviting front porch. A flexible office/living/4^th bedroom, an exquisite master suite, a 3-car garage with a utility sink, and a large screened porch are sure to make this 2000 square foot home plan irresistible.

The exceptional master suite, with direct access to the deck, a sitting area, full-featured bath, and spacious walk-in closets, create a true “Master’s Retreat.” A bay window brightens the casual dining room and kitchen. Vaulted or trayed ceilings adorn the living, family room, master suite and cozy “coffee corner.” Other rooms have 9’ ceilings. The upper level bonus room features 495 square feet of functional living space with 5 foot knee walls rising up to an 8 foot ceiling. The secondary bedrooms, each measuring approximately 13‘ x 11’, have walk-in closets and share a “Jack and Jill” bath. A breezy screened porch, measuring 16‘ x 13’8“ features a vaulted ceiling with a ceiling fan.

Great Baby Boomer Plan APS-2024

Rear View of Plan APS-2024

The first challenge when working with narrow lots is the garage. Ideally, the development in which you will be building will allow for an alley, so that the garage can be placed at the rear of the home. If it must be loaded from the front, the lot width may allow for the garage to be placed perpendicular to the front of the home so that the garage doors face to the side, with a “swing-in” driveway.

If the garage must face the front, pay close attention to the design of the garage doors. If possible, design an extended roof overhang to create a shadow that will “soften” the appearance of the garage doors.

Normally, there are side courtyards that are utilized when designing narrow-lot floor plans. These can be really exciting areas. However, it is essential that they be private. Therefore, it is CRITICAL that side window placements be regulated by the design covenants of your development. Ideally, there are no bedroom windows overlooking the neighboring courtyard. Two-story designs in developments that have narrow lots are definitely a challenge for this reason.

There are certainly a number of other considerations. While narrow lot designs can be extremely successful, they can also be almost unlivable.

There is often a very fine line between the two extremes. The differences are strictly in the details.

Narrow Lot House Plan BC-1300-B

A customer asked me if there was anything special they need to take into consideration when it comes to design of a lake home.

From a design perspective, building on a lake not only presents some challenges, but also several opportunities. Obviously, creating expansive views from as many rooms as possible towards the lake should be a goal. Since you’ll be spending time outdoors in and around the lake, a bathroom should be easily accessible. The garage should not interfere with the view. In fact, it should probably be placed towards the front of the home. And, depending on the climate, an open or screened porch will offer an opportunity to appreciate the view of the lake.

Lake/Vacation House Plan H-930-1

A customer recently asked what I’d suggest — a one-story or two-story home plan — for their family with two growing kids. This discussion can easily turn into a great debate! Many homeowners simply don’t like the idea of climbing stairs — either now or, in particular, as they grow older. However, if that’s not a problem for you, a two-story design has some definite benefits. With a master bedroom on the first level, the children (and parents) can enjoy their privacy. Air conditioning can be zoned so that the upstairs system is not used when the children are away (quite important as they grow up and leave for college). Theoretically, a two-story plan is less expensive, per square foot, to build (less roof area and less foundation). However, this depends on the overall design. Architecturally, the exterior of a two-story home offers more opportunity for design details than a single story. Finally, children simply enjoy a two-story design. As for mom and dad — well, climbing those stairs is good exercise!

Example of Two-Story House.  Plan DW-2112

Example of One-Story House. Plan APS-1914