PREFAB HOMES

Choosing The Right Modular Home Floor Plan For You

You've looked at all the benefits of modular homes and decided that they are a good fit your family. Now comes the fun part – looking through all the floor plans available and picking out the one that works the best for you and your family!  It's going to be you'll be creating family memories for years to come, so it's important to get it right.

Here are some helpful criteria to consider at when looking at modular home floor plans.  Keep in mind that most modular home builders will be able to make alterations to any floorplan so that it truly becomes not just a house, but a home that satisfies your needs.

1. Price. The first criteria any new home buyers should consider is the price.  Prices naturally increase as the square footage increases.  You may also want to select upgrades or enhancements to make your home just like you want it.  You can get a rough estimate of these costs using this modular home pricing tool.  Consider all costs involved too, such as site work such as the foundation, driveway, sewer, and water as well as 'button-up', the process of finishing the home once it arrives.
   
   
2. Style. There are many different styles to choose from, the most popular being the Cape Cod and Ranch, and are available in a variety of lay-outs including one and two story homes and split levels.  Also, be sure to include your entire family in the decision process, it will help to make sure every one is happy living there.
   
   
3. Size. Bigger is not always better – but too small is never good.  You want to make sure that your home is big enough for your present needs and is able to accommodate your family in the future as well.  Consider an extra bedroom if you are unsure if you'll need it, it can always be used as an office or guest room too.  Overall size isn't the only consideration either.  Be sure to consider the relative size of each of the rooms.  Is a baby's bedroom going to be big enough as they get older?
   
   
4. Arrangement. You'll also want to consider your families make-up and lifestyle when considering a floor plan.  Picture yourself in a variety of situations throughout your normal day and week and see if you can visualize what layouts would be helpful or detrimental.  For example, you may bedrooms on opposite sides of the house if you stay up late and your kids go to be early (or vice versa). If you work from home, you may consider a office/den away from the noise of the living room.  Consider the number of bathrooms too, who would be sharing them, and what issues can arise from that?
   
   
5. Your Lot. Be sure to picture the home on the lot you have chosen.  Does the style and size of the home work well with the surrounding environment, existing homes or nearby buildings, or does it look at of place?  Consider the landscape, is the yard flat or on a hill, how does zoning ordinances affect what type of home you can have. You'll want to discuss your lot with your builder to make sure everything is well-planned in advance.

There is a lot to consider when selecting your floor plan, so get all the advice you can.  Talk to your family, friends and relatives, and your builder to try to consider every factor possible.  There will always be some surprises – but doing your research can minimize their effect.  Above all, have fun!  It's going to be your new home – and that’s exciting.