America's Best House Plans Blog

Find The Perfect 3 Bedroom House Plan

Posted on June 20, 2019 by Meghan Stoneburner

Across the United States, three bedroom house plans are the most common choice for newly built homes. This popular layout gives families plenty of options while offering a practical flow to the home. Perfect for a small family, for a couple, or even for a single bachelor, three bedroom homes offer appropriate space for countless options.

Available in every style and layout imaginable, explore our 3 bedroom plans that feature unique options and design details:

Modern Farmhouse Plans with Three Bedrooms:

Combining classic Farmhouse designs with Modern details, the Modern Farmhouse style is one of the most popular house styles in America. This unique design features details like the signature white board and batten exterior, industrial touches, large porches, shiplap, and exposed brick, and spacious kitchens. If you love the Modern Farmhouse style and are looking for a beneficial layout, you have to explore these 3 bedroom plans.

Modern Farmhouse Plan 9401-00103

Modern Farmhouse Plan 041-00190

Modern Farmhouse Plan 009-00276

Explore the rest of our Modern Farmhouse plans with 3 bedrooms on our website.

One-Story House Plans with 3 Bedrooms:

If you’re looking for the convenience of a one-story house plan, these 3 bedroom homes are must-see plans! These efficient layouts offer a family-friendly flow, larger living areas, and an affordable, functional design perfect for retirees and parents of small children. If you love a one-story layout, you should explore these 3 bedroom plans.

Ranch House Plan 940-00062

Craftsman House Plan 041-00196

Country House Plan 036-00243

Explore the rest of our one-story house plans with 3 bedrooms on our website.

Three Bedroom Plans with In-Law Suites:

For those who are facing the possibility of inviting a family member or friend to live with you, you need a house plan featuring an in-law suite. These helpful areas give your housemates their own private area while keeping everyone close. Explore these 3 bedroom house plans with in-law suites featuring private bedrooms, bathrooms, and even kitchenettes:

Modern Farmhouse Plan 699-00109

Mountain House Plan 5631-00084

Craftsman House Plan 4195-00015

Explore the rest of our 3 bedrooms plans with in-law suites on our website.

Three Bedroom Plans with Mudrooms:

Do you love the convenience of a mudroom? These handy rooms create a more organized flow to your home by giving you a space to take off and store coats, shoes, keys, backpacks, etc. Take those dirty shoes off and store them in your mudroom before you enter the main living space of your home.

Cabin House Plan 940-00126

Mountain Rustic House Plan 8504-00009

Modern Farmhouse Plan 963-00160

Explore the rest of our 3 bedrooms plans with mudrooms on our website.

Three Bedroom Plans with Open Floor Plans:

Nowadays, most people seek an open concept house plan that gives them an open, airy feeling and plenty of room for family gatherings. Open floor plans give you more usable living space by eliminating unnecessary walls, allows more natural light to flow throughout the home, and adds resale value due to its popularity.

Modern Farmhouse Plan 098-00301

Mid Century Modern House Plan 1022-00002

Cabin House Plan 1907-00004

Explore the rest of our 3 bedrooms plans with open concepts on our website.

With a plethora of three bedroom house plans, there are thousands of options that give you the style you desire and the layout you need. From Modern Farmhouse plans to open concepts, explore our three bedroom house plans to find the perfect one for you and your family.

Posted in Featured House Plans, Featured Styles, Main, Uncategorized | Tagged bedrooms, three bedroom plans | Leave a comment

What does a 1.5 story house plan give you?

Posted on June 11, 2019 by Meghan Stoneburner

We’re all aware of 1-story and 2-story house plans but have you ever explored a 1.5 story home? This unique layout gives you options a 1-story home does not while also requiring a smaller investment than a 2-story house. One and a half story house plans are usually as tall as a 2-story home but the second floor has sloped ceilings that do not extend to full height. These house plans are designed with the master bedroom and laundry on the main floor creating the convenience of a 1-story house plan while also giving you a handy upstairs bonus area.

Modern Farmhouse Plan 963-00153

The multi-purpose space upstairs in a 1.5-story house plan is full of opportunities! This extra area can be used for many different uses including:

Extra bedrooms
A bathroom
A larger storage area
A loft area
A kid’s play area
A game room
A small library

Craftsman House Plan 041-00176

There are various pros of a 1.5-story house plan including:

Less expensive to build, fewer materials needed
- Since it’s not a full 2-story home, the price to build a 1.5-story house plan is lower, as is the cost to maintain the home. Not having to heat and cool a full second floor lowers your utility costs significantly! This allows you to save while also using higher quality materials since you’re building a smaller home.
Master bedroom on the main floor
- Placing the main suite on the bottom floor allows for easy access, accessibility to the main living conditions, and eliminates the need to walk up and down stairs on a daily basis. This is perfect for retires and for those with small children.

Cape Cod House Plan 7922-00147

Open, airy feel
- By building a 1.5-story house plan, you can create an open concept feeling for the entire home, making this the perfect location for family gatherings and parties with friends. With the open floor plan, your home will feel bigger and more suitable for the entire family to enjoy. You can learn more about open concept house plans here: https://www.houseplans.net/news/the-open-concept-house-plan/
Larger, vaulted living/great rooms
- With the bonus upstairs area, a 1.5-story house plan is more likely to include larger living rooms with vaulted ceilings, thus increasing that open, airy feeling.
Lofts, bonus rooms, multi-purpose rooms, kid’s play area upstairs, and of course extra bedrooms
- The upstairs area can be used for multiple uses from bonus bedrooms, a bathroom, a loft, a game room, craft area, kid’s playroom, or just a storage area. With so many possibilities, building a 1.5-story house plan is a no-brainer!

Modern Farmhouse Plan 348-00281

The uniqueness of this upstairs area also adds character to your home by creating a visual difference with the sloped walls. Instead of just an open loft area, these half- story floors are far more charming and allow for more uses than one might originally imagine.

Whatever the reason for your interest in 1.5-story home plans — whether it’s cost or convenience, or making the most of your materials, space, and money, we offer over 2,300 one and a half story house plans for you to explore!

Craftsman House Plan 035-00835

Posted in Architectural Elements, Featured House Plans, Main | Tagged 1.5 story house plans | Leave a comment

Mid-Century Modern House Plans: Don’t Call it a Comeback, They’ve Been Here for Years

Posted on May 30, 2019 by Briana Bronner

Once deemed as “California modern” for their explosion in popularity in Northern and Southern California post World War II, Mid-Century Modern home designs continue to surge in the hearts of Americans from California to New York and everywhere in between. Its contemporary flare mixed with funky roof lines and floor-to-ceiling windows made this style all the rage in the late 1940s to mid-60s. Mid-Century Modern homes continue to be highly influential for designers and architects today as its simple designs with dramatic touches create infinite possibilities.

Mid Century Modern House Plan 1022-00002

The Origins

The post World War II years experienced phenomenal changes in American society, as more Americans were looking toward the future. The Mid-Century Modern design reflected perfectly with what they were looking for – modern features, a hopeful future and an environment that was bright, sunny and full of possibilities. Thanks to the skilled developer Joseph Eichler, Mid-Century Modern homes burst into the scenes with an excess of 11,000 homes being built in sunny California in the late 1940s. These homes did extremely well in places like Palm Springs, California because it’s open, airy design helped conquer hot climate conditions.

Mid Century Modern House Plan 2559-00171

Common Characteristics

Mid-Century Modern house plans offer an architectural combination where the past meets the present. Its style is a unique presentation of vintage vibes combined with modern amenities such as:

Open Floor Concepts: Traditionally, rooms were closed off from one another, but Mid-Century Modern house plans foster a sense of organic flow between living spaces.
Single-level living: Generally, these house plans are built as single-story or split level, but there are plenty of two-story plans available.
Minimalist Aesthetic: Roof lines tend to be bold, low, flat, and/or slanted. They feature asymmetrical profiles with clean contemporary lines.
Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: The biggest appeal to Mid-Century Modern homes has to be the fun, expansive walls of glass. The use of skylights, large window panels, and sliding glass doors pour in natural light while putting minimal barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Courtyards: Oftentimes, these outdoor spaces are centrally located and generally include some type of wood exterior making them as much a part of the house as the interior rooms; in addition, these spaces offer a place for luxurious gardens.

Mid Century Modern House Plan 1022-00004

Interior Decor

The Mid-Century Modern style described interior decor before leaping into the architectural world. Traditionally, this fun furniture style included quirky geometric shapes made from a mix of natural and manmade materials and colorful bold patterns. Additionally, ceilings and flooring were decked out in wooden plank and terrazzo throughout the home, making the combination of all these elements an exciting place to call home. Today, a blend of past interior decor can seamlessly blend in with present-day style. This creates a fun shopping experience as the creative possibilities are endless.

Mid Century Modern House Plan 028-00067

Mid Century Modern House Plan 1020-00325

Mid-Century Modern home designs continue to inspire designers and architects and our collection of over 100 Mid-Century Modern house plans will inspire you as well with its wide assortment of square footage amounts and modern amenities.

Posted in Architectural Elements, Featured House Plans, Featured Styles, Main | Tagged Home Plans, House Plans, mid century modern house plans | 1 Comment

The Rise In Popularity of Modern Farmhouse Plans

Posted on May 23, 2019 by Meghan Stoneburner

The Modern Farmhouse style has been deemed as one of the top 3 most popular house styles for many years now. In line with Craftsman and Ranch style homes, Modern Farmhouse plans are being designed and built more now than ever before. And for good reason! This unique style of house plans delivers a clean, comfortable Farmhouse design with elegant Modern touches, making this aesthetic attractive to many different kinds of people.

Modern Farmhouse Plan 098-00302

If you’ve watched an episode of Fixer Upper on HGTV, you know more about the Modern Farmhouse style than you might realize. The classic Farmhouse homes were originally created to provide a sturdy, simple home design for farmers across the United States. These houses included long, covered porches, large family kitchens, natural elements, and a more open floor plan for family gatherings. Adding Modern touches like black trim, white wood details, board-and-batten siding, and industrial elements, the newer Modern Farmhouse style still includes those eat-in kitchens and large family rooms but with cleaner, more contemporary touches. Both house styles are centered around creating a warm, comfortable atmosphere for the entire family.

If you love the traditional Farmhouse style, you’re going to love the upgraded details of the Modern Farmhouse designs.

Modern Farmhouse 041-00169

One reason for the popularity of the Modern Farmhouse style is the versatility of the design. The unique details of this house design, like reclaimed wood, metalwork, and exposed brick, work well with many other styles. For example, a Modern Farmhouse plan would look spectacular with Country, Contemporary, and even Classic interior designs because the Modern Farmhouse design takes inspiration from a wide variety of styles.

The nostalgia of time’s past is another reason people are more drawn to this style of architecture than ever before. Longing for simpler times, people are looking back on those classic Farmhouse homes with inviting porches, natural materials, and open spaces indoors. Adding a spin on that classic style, choosing a Modern Farmhouse plan gives homeowners the nostalgia they long for while also providing the modern touches that make the home uniquely their own.

Modern Farmhouse Plan 009-00276

Another reason this style is growing in popularity is because of its family-friendly design. The Modern Farmhouse style offers comfortable colors, rustic textures, and open layouts that invite families to gather together in the large open areas throughout the home. Joining together in a large den or in the eat-in kitchen, these house plans, are made for families to get the most out of their homes.

We’ve seen a huge increase in the popularity of our Modern Farmhouse plans proving to us that Americans love the classic, natural details of the old Farmhouse style and the unique, crisp designs of the Modern style combined into an elegant, comfortable house that speaks to just about everyone. We offer hundreds of Modern Farmhouse plans with new ones being added every day. Start searching today and get one step closer to living in your dream home.

Modern Farmhouse Plan 098-00316

Posted in Architectural Elements, Featured House Plans, Featured Styles, Main | Tagged modern farmhouse, modern farmhouse home plans, modern farmhouse homes, modern farmhouse house plans, modern farmhouse plans | 1 Comment

To remodel or to build? Why you should start from scratch

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Meghan Stoneburner

Remodeling your home is a daunting, expensive, and yet a highly rewarding task that has become an ever-popular topic of discussion. From the Farmhouse style of Chip and Joanne Gaines to the classic designs of the Property Brothers, renovations have spawned numerous television shows, websites, and magazines and encouraged homeowners across the country to pull out a pen and paper and start making a list.

Modern Farmhouse House Plan 009-00275

Whether you just moved into your house or you’ve lived there for decades, every homeowner has some part of their house they would love to change. As you look around your home, you can probably find multiple areas that need a good remodel.

Is your kitchen outdated?
Does your entryway need a handy mudroom?
Do you wish your garage was a side entry?
Do you desperately need another bathroom in your home?
Are there enough bedrooms for all of your needs?
Is a fully finished basement just a dream?

There is always something! While everyone can pick one thing they’d want to change in their current home, not everyone is willing to invest the money, time, or endure the inconvenience needed to remodel their house into their dream home. Sometimes those renovations are literally impossible both physically and financially, thus leaving homeowners with a house that’s close to perfection but just not quite what they truly want and need.

Contemporary House Plan 2559-00825

Contemporary House Plan 2559-00825

For those of you that have a list of future remodeling projects ready to go, have you ever considered throwing that list away and building a brand new custom home? That concept might make your budget-loving heart skip a beat but there are numerous reasons why building a new home is better than remodeling your old one.

Many of the people that search through our house plans have decided that without question, building new is the way to go. On the other hand, some folks looking through these designs are trying to decide whether they should go through the process of building their dream house plan or just remodel their current home to meet some of their needs and wants.

Mountain House Plan 963-00165

Instead of remodeling everything you hate in your home, consider the pros of building a new, custom home:

Build the best floor plan for your family:By considering your family’s long term needs and wants, you can choose the perfect floor plan that gives you the flow and layout you desire. Do you prefer the master bedroom on the first floor? Would you rather have an open floor plan than a traditional layout?

Build a more energy efficient home: Older homes are notorious for being less energy efficient thanks to outdated construction standards for home building. Building a new house plan means you can implement the most effective energy efficient standards and highest quality building specifications.

Build with the reputable builder of your choice: When you buy an already established home, you have no idea who built it or their reputation as a home builder. By building new, you can choose the best builder for you and your home!

Craftsman House Plan 041-00144

Build a home that requires less maintenance: Because new homes are built with better energy efficiency regulations and follow current construction standards, new homes end up requiring less maintenance than older homes. Every element is brand new thus eliminating the maintenance of years of wear and tear.

Build a house plan that fits your style: If you love a Modern style home but can’t find the perfect one in your dream location, build it! The beauty of building a home from the ground up means you can choose the exact style that fits your personality.

Build a smart home: Including smart technology throughout the entire construction process is a much better option than trying to fit the new technology into an already built home.

Build in the best location for your family: Live where you want by building your next home! If you choose an already built home, you have to cross your fingers and hope that you find the perfect home in the perfect location in your favorite style with all the bells and whistles you desire. Instead, build your new house plan in your dream location!

Cabin House Plan 940-00126

While we all love watching the plethora of renovation shows on HGTV, and think to ourselves, “I can do that too,” most people find the actual commitment to remodeling their home is more than they want to endure. From the money to the time to the craziness of living in a construction zone, renovating your home isn’t always the best option. That’s where we come in. America’s Best House Plans offers over 17,000 house plans including some exclusive homes only available on our website. Our house plans are designed in numerous styles, shapes, and sizes from hundreds of designers and we make modifying a house plan easy and affordable. Explore our website to learn more about our gorgeous house plans and contact our customer service reps live on our website to answer all of your questions! We hope to hear from you soon.

Modern Farmhouse House Plan 5631-00106

Posted in Featured House Plans, Featured Styles, Main, Uncategorized | Tagged building a new house, remodeling, renovating | 1 Comment

The Beauty of a Garage Plan with An Apartment Above

Posted on April 30, 2019 by Meghan Stoneburner

Garage Plan 341-0044

Are you thinking about adding a custom garage plan to your current home? If so, you might consider building a garage plan with an apartment or living space above. Not just an enclosed area to store vehicles, a garage with an apartment above provides the extra living space to make life easier, more comfortable, and more organized.

Garage Plan 039-00406

Local Building Codes:

Before you start searching for the right garage plan, first research local zoning laws to determine the size and location that works best for your land and current home. There are zoning laws that dictate where a garage can be built and how large the garage can be in reference to the entire plot of land and its relation to the home. Before you settle on a plan you love, first determine what is possible and legally allowed by local laws.

Garage Plan 034-00109

How Big To Build Your Garage Plan:

To help you determine how large to build your garage plan, consider how you will use the space. Do you plan to use the above living space to house an office, a craft space, or will the apartment be rented out or used by a family member as an actual living space? This will help you decide on the size of the apartment over the garage. Will this garage plan also need to house large recreational vehicles? Use this plan to help guide your decision on how many bays you need and the size of those storage areas:

Garage Plan 2559-00658

Garage Plan Styles:

Garage plans with apartments above come in every style imaginable! From Colonial to Modern, focus on matching the style of your garage plan to the style of your current home. While a Craftsman home and a Contemporary garage might be an interesting duo, it would be a more cohesive look to build a Craftsman garage plan with an apartment to match your current home.

Garage Plan 957-00036

Building a garage plan with an apartment above gives you the flexibility that wouldn’t be available with a regular house plan. Offering valuable living space while also protecting your vehicles, these garage plans add value to your home by expanding your square footage and providing a private space that can be used in a multitude of ways. Explore our over 300 garage plans to find the perfect one for you!

Posted in Building Codes, Featured House Plans, Outdoor Space, Uncategorized | Tagged build a garage, garage, garage house plan, garage plan, garage plans, garage styles, garages | Leave a comment

6 of the Best Apps for Building a Home:

Posted on April 25, 2019 by Meghan Stoneburner

The home building process is stressful for everyone. From the price tag to the ever-expanding To-Do list, there is a lot to worry about when building a home. Thankfully, there’s an app for that! Several apps in fact! Regardless of where you’re at in the home building process, these apps can help alleviate some of the stress.

6 of the Best Apps for Building a Home:

1. Houzz – If you haven’t heard about Houzz, download the app right now. An amazing home design site, Houzz offers expert advice, millions of design ideas, countless products for your home, and recommended local home professionals. The app and website allow you to save your ideas and inspirational projects so you can revisit and share these ideas with your family and your builder. There is also a sketch feature on the Houzz app that allows you to draw ideas and notes on photos for future reference! The best feature is the View In My Room option! This gives you the ability to place furniture on the floor plan using virtual reality to better view the layout of the room. You can test how well that specific chair will work in your living room before buying it! [Free] https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/houzz/id399563465?mt=8

“Whether you’re building, remodeling or decorating, Houzz has you covered.”

Make sure to visit our Houzz profile to learn more about some of our favorite house plans.

2. Home Design 3D – Home Design 3D is an app that allows you to design your room spaces (floor plans) in 2D or 3D. Similar to the View Your Room feature of the Houzz app, Home Design 3D allows you to virtually place furniture and other home decors throughout the floor plan. To help determine the perfect layout for every room, Home Design 3D offers a database of over 1,000 pieces of furniture and home decor for you to arrange on your floor plan. You can also edit objects to change its shape to replicate your specific furniture. That helps you decide if that weirdly shaped couch actually fits. [Free] https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/home-design-3d/id463768717?mt=8

“You can design your floorplan, furnish and decorate, visualize and visit your creation, import/export, and share.”

3. iHandy Carpenter – Imagine having an easy, handy carpenter tool right in your pocket! The iHandy Carpenter app includes 5 professional tools: a plumb bob, surface level, bubble level bar, steel protractor, and a steel ruler. Perfect for measuring verticle lines, leveling flat surfaces, and measuring angles and inches/centimeters, the iHandy Carpenter helps you measure just about anything! [$1.99] https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ihandy-carpenter/id293621500?mt=8

“The lightest, prettiest and most handy carpenter tool kit in the world, right on your iPhone!”

4. iScape Landscape Designs – iScape makes landscaping your new house plan easy and fun! Before you get your hands dirty, use this handy app to envision and plan your dream yard and share it with your spouse, friends, and even your landscaping crew. The best part of this app? You can buy all the products directly from the app and have them delivered to your door! [Free] >https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iscape/id439688430?mt=8

“Whether you’re a do-it-yourself (DIY) Homeowner or an industry Pro, iScape has you covered.”

5. Home Depot – When building a home and designing the interior, you are inevitably going to venture to Home Depot … multiple times. Make this essential shopping easier and quicker by downloading the Home Depot app! You can search for products by directly speaking into the app and even better, if you have a product at home that you want to find on the app, just take a photo and the app will find that exact product! [Free] https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-home-depot/id342527639?mt=8

“More saving. More doing. On the go.”

6. Wunderlist – If you’re building a brand new house plan, your To-Do List is long and overwhelming. Be more productive, organized, and ready for anything by downloading the Wunderlist app. Create a through To-Do List with due dates, add reminders so you never forget the important stuff, share your lists, and even delegate tasks. The Wunderlist app syncs to your phone, tablet, and your computer making it easy to keep up with your demanding lists. [Free] https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wunderlist-to-do-list-tasks/id406644151?mt=8

“Designed to help you get stuff done!”

Use these 6 apps to make the home building process easier and less stressful. You can plan, brainstorm, measure, test, shop, and make list after list using these happy apps.

Posted in Blog, Uncategorized | Tagged building homes, home building | Leave a comment

The Benefits of a 2 Bedroom House Plan

Posted on April 22, 2019 by Meghan Stoneburner

The right house plan can change everything! The perfect home for you and your family can mean something totally different to you than it would to your neighbor down the street. While they may want a large, lavish home, you may prefer a cozier, more intimate house that fits your personality and style to a T.

A two bedroom house plan provides plenty of room for your family while keeping the home small enough to easily maintain and afford. Perfect for a small family or a single person, two bedroom house plans are a lovely medium between a large, expensive home and a smaller, one bedroom house plan.

Craftsman House Plan 1018-00282

Available in every style imaginable, two bedroom house plans are also designed to provide a variety of square footages. Don’t just assume they are small homes just because they’re only two bedrooms! These homes can also include elaborate design details, vaulted rooms inside, and tons of outdoor areas, creating a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. If you choose a 2 bedroom house plan with a split bedroom layout, you can also give everyone the privacy they desire, while still maintaining a cozy environment.

Mountain House Plan 5631-00085

The extra bedroom in a two bedroom house plan can be used in many different ways including:

A guest bedroom
Extra storage
A home office
A craft room

Choosing a two bedroom house plan comes with several benefits that smaller or larger homes won’t provide. Offering 2 bedrooms instead of just one improves your chances of selling your home in the future by giving homeowners more space for guests, hobbies, and storage. By building a two bedroom house plan instead of a larger home, you automatically keep costs down during the building process and you eliminate high maintenance costs that are associated with a 3+ bedroom house plan.

Explore some of our more popular two bedroom house plans below and visit our website to continue learning about our over 1,500 two bedroom house plans.

Modern Farmhouse House Plan 963-00190

Modern House Plan 5631-00101

Craftsman House Plan 048-00255

Cottage House Plan 8504-00022

Posted in Architectural Elements, Featured House Plans, Main, Stock House Plans, Uncategorized | Tagged bedrooms, Home Plans, House Plans, two bedrooms | Leave a comment

7 Ways to Create a Spa Bathroom

Posted on April 19, 2019 by Briana Bronner

Light the candles, plug in some aromatherapy, tell Alexa or Siri to play soft ocean sounds and just relax. No, not at your local spa, but in your very own bathroom. You might think you need to own a luxury-sized bathroom in order to pull off the luxury look, but even the tiniest of bathrooms can provide the perfect spa-like atmosphere.

Here are 7 tips to pull it off:

Paint with Soothing Colors

Coastal House Plan 207-00020

Research has shown that colors truly play a huge part in directing your mood. In order to create a spa bathroom, you’ll need to stick to neutral colors that bring about tranquility and serenity. Think of soft grays, blue, white, beige, or brown. These colors have been proven to invoke feelings of stillness, calmness, and composure. Installing a light dimmer would definitely play off these colors nicely, enhancing the spa feel.

Declutter

Luxury House Plan 5445-00234

This one speaks for itself. If your bathroom is drowning in makeup, hair products, cleaning products, etc. you need to cut the clutter by only keeping your essentials at hand (i.e. hand soap, lotion, body wash). Storing away your personal items under the sink, drawers, or organizing it in a basket will help maintain a relaxing atmosphere.

Add in Nature

Mediterranean House Plan 5445-00276

Lush greenery promotes a healthy environment for your spa bathroom. Potted plants like bamboo, aloe vera, orchids or lilies do well in moist habitats like a bathroom and add soothing decorative accents.

Upgrade your Shower Head and Tub

Craftsman House Plan 963-00304

Inside your shower or bathtub is really where the spa experience takes place. Pamper yourself daily with either a massage, rainfall, handheld showerhead, a jetted tub, or both! Who knows, the relaxation may even inspire some off-key singing!

Add Seating in Your Shower

Craftsman House Plan 963-00304

The tub isn’t the only place you can sink and soak. Grab some extra towels and drape them over your shoulders as you sit and allow the steam from the shower to engulf you.

Surround Yourself in Softness

Craftsman House Plan 5631-00098

You could just melt in the white robes and towels at the spa. Bring that softness into your bathroom. Have extra fluffy towels lying around, place luxurious mats at the foot of your shower or tub, and don’t forget to slip your feet into some soft slippers.

Accessories, Accessories, and more Accessories!

Florida House Plan 1018-00177

Accessories will set the right mood for your spa bathroom. Get the aromatherapy going with scented candles, essential oils, or potpourri. Pour some bath salts into the tub and balance your favorite book on a wooden bathtub tray, or cut up some cucumbers and throw on a sheet mask while you soak. Lay down a cedar or teak bath mat at the foot of your shower or tub. However you decide to accessorize your spa bathroom, you want these extra touches to encourage prolonged relaxation.

The great thing about designing a spa bathroom is that it can be done in all size bathrooms, and on a budget. As you create your dream bathroom, use this guide to help inspire you throughout the process.

Posted in Architectural Elements, Bathroom, Cabinets, Countertops, Uncategorized | Tagged bathrooms, spa bathrooms | Leave a comment

Living on the Water: Cape Cod and Coastal House Plans

Posted on April 12, 2019 by Briana Bronner

Whether you’re building your first, second, or retirement home, putting down roots on or near the shoreline offers a lifestyle that reflects a mindset rather than just simply a home style. The reason for your waterfront build could be for 24/7 access to fishing, sand, and surfing; or it could fulfill a yearning to be connected with nature. Whatever the reason may be, there are two house styles to consider when choosing to build near the water.

Cape Cod House Plans:

Cape Cod House Plan 7922-00186

Defined by its traditional American colonial exterior of shingle siding and steep roofs, Cape Cod-inspired homes are a great style choice because they are built to offer protection against harsh elements of coastal weather. These home designs offer a classic charm that could range from traditionally small and quaint to a more modern lavish and striking appearance.

Small House Plan 1785-00130

Coastal House Plans:

Nothing says surf’s up more than a coastal style home. These beachfront-styled house plans reflect your mood and make you feel like you’re on a 24/7 vacation. Their design features include a lanai, roomy wraparound porches, sun decks, verandas, and more. Coastal house plans are fun because they can also adopt the style of any other plan – cottage, traditional, modern, or contemporary.

Coastal House Plan 963-00235

Benefits to Waterfront Living:

The benefits of waterfront living are immense and truly go without saying. Research has proven that the benefits to waterfront living can help to achieve “an elevated and sustained happiness.” Furthermore, research shows that living on the water helps:

lower stress, anxiety, and heart rate
increase creativity
people sleep better

Building your dream home in view of stunning sunsets, nature scented breezes, and daily experiences of total peace and tranquility, doesn’t really need much more convincing, right?

Contemporary House Plan 207-00055

Cons of Living on the Water:

Though it’s hard to imagine that there could be any cons to waterfront living, here are some things to consider when building a home on the water:

Natural risks – erosion, wind damage, and the rise of sea level are all reasons for a more costly insurance premium. You want to protect the beautiful home you’ve built, so it’s best to be prepared to spend a little to ensure your house will last a lifetime.
Nature itself – living on water means you’re closer to its natural inhabitants. The water can be a breeding ground for disturbing insects, lizards, and snakes.
Maintainance – simply put, waterfront living costs more to maintain than other homes. The mist, erosion, and humidity are major factors in causing an increase in home maintenance fees, so with all things considered, budget accordingly.

We offer a wide range of Coastal and Cape Cod house plans — over 400, in fact — in various sizes and styles. These plans are specific to waterfront living, giving you relaxed seclusion, and family togetherness. Explore our almost 200 Cape Cod house plans or our over 300 Coastal house plans to find the right one for you.

Posted in Architectural Elements, Featured House Plans, Featured Styles, Stock House Plans | Tagged cape cod homes, Cape Cod House Plans, coastal homes, coastal house plans | Leave a comment

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