Things to Consider when Picking Building Plans

[Devin James]

We're actively looking at new building plans for future builds

Here some things we're considering while balancing design, cost, and functionality.

1) Cost to build – Simple rooflines, efficient use of space, and minimal wasted square footage.

2) Functionality – Does the layout actually make sense for how people live?

3) Room locations – Privacy for bedrooms, open flow for living spaces, and logical transitions.

A plan might look great on paper, but if it’s expensive to build or has awkward room placements, it’s not worth it.

What’s the biggest priority for you when picking a plan?

[Ke Nan Wang]

Instead of picking a cookie cutter plan, actually hire an experience architect to design a house that makes sense for the lot. For affordable houses, efficiency is key. They don't need to be fancy and costly but they have to be efficient. Every layman thinks he/she knows design but all they know is how to make things look like Pinterest and HGTV. The real design is in the site planning, scientific floor plan and the bones and meat that's underneath the skin of the house that actually makes the house comfortable to live in. 

Once you have a solid bone + meat, you can spend some very cost effective dollar to dress up the exterior. Hire a college students/or architect from other countries who can do 3d rendering at a very affordable rate (I pay $200 for 4 first time super realistic 3D renderings of the exterior, repeats are even cheaper) and do a number of elevation studies before you down select your exterior paint and finishes.  You have an inexpensive but very comfortable and aesthetically pleasing house. 

You might spend a little more on the design but in the long run is worth it. Every dollar you spent during the planning phase will save you $10 or more during the construction phase.