The Ultimate Guide to House Layouts (2024)

Our Plan Categories

Your home's layout is one of the most important decisions you'll make when building or remodeling. It will affect how you live your life, from how you move around your home to how you entertain guests.

In this guide, we'll discuss everything you need to know about house layouts, from the different types of layouts to the factors to consider when choosing a layout. We'll also provide tips on how to design a layout that's both functional and stylish.

Types of House Layouts

There are many different types of house layouts, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of layouts include:

The Ultimate Guide to House Layouts (6)

  • Open floor plans:Open floor plans are characterized by a lack of walls or partitions, creating a spacious and airy feel. They're a good choice for families with young children or for people who entertain guests often.
  • Split-level layouts:Split-level layouts are characterized by two or more levels that are connected by stairs. They can be a good choice for homes with limited space or for people who want to create a sense of separation between different areas of the home.
  • Single-story layouts:Single-story layouts are characterized by all the living spaces on one level. They're a good choice for people with mobility issues or for people who want a low-maintenance home.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Layout

When choosing a house layout, there are a number of factors you'll need to consider, including:

  • Your lifestyle:Think about how you live your life and what's important to you. Do you entertain guests often? Do you have children or pets? Do you work from home?
  • Your budget:The layout you choose will affect the cost of your home. Open floor plans, for example, are typically more expensive than traditional layouts.
  • Your lot size:The size of your lot will also affect the layout you choose. If you have a small lot, you'll need to choose a layout that maximizes space.

Tips for Designing a Functional and Stylish Layout

Here are a few tips for designing a layout that's both functional and stylish:

  • Consider the flow of traffic:When people move around your home, they should be able to do so easily and comfortably. Avoid placing furniture or other obstacles in the way.
  • Create a sense of separation:If you have multiple living spaces, you'll want to create a sense of separation between them. This can be done with walls, partitions, or other features.
  • Add natural light:Natural light is essential for creating a bright and inviting space. Consider placing windows in strategic locations throughout your home.

Conclusion

By considering the factors above, you can choose a house layout that's perfect for your needs and lifestyle. With a little planning, you can create a home that's both functional and stylish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common mistakes people make when choosing a house layout?

Some of the most common mistakes people make when choosing a house layout include:

  • Not considering their lifestyle:People often choose a layout without thinking about how they live their lives. This can lead to a layout that's not functional or comfortable.
  • Not considering their budget:The layout you choose will affect the cost of your home. It's important to factor in the cost of the layout when making your decision.
  • Not considering the size of their lot:The size of your lot will also affect the layout you choose. If you have a small lot, you'll need to choose a layout that maximizes space.

How can I find a house plan that matches my desired layout?

There are many resources available to help you find a house plan that matches your desired layout. You can search online, contact a home builder, or visit a home plan library.

Can I customize a house plan to fit my needs?

Yes, it's possible to customize a house plan to fit your needs. Many home builders offer customization services. You can also hire an architect to create a custom plan for you.

How much does it cost to build a house with my desired layout?

The cost of building a house with your desired layout will vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the house, the materials used, and the location of the home. It's important to get estimates from multiple builders before making a decision.

Back to blog

The Ultimate Guide to House Layouts (2024)

FAQs

What is the perfect layout for a house? ›

Ideally, to provide the best layout for your family, there should be one bathroom for every two bedrooms in the house. Homeowners who entertain frequently should choose a house layout that has a full or a half-guest bathroom near the living area. The guest bathroom should be downstairs in homes with multiple floors.

Is there a free app to draw house plans? ›

There are several free floor plan creators available, depending on your specific needs and preferences. Some of the most popular free options include Planner 5D, RoomSketcher, SketchUp and Floorplanner.

How to pick a house plan you can afford? ›

Below are some tips for finding affordable house plans.
  1. Prioritize Features. ...
  2. Choose Pre-Designed Home Plans. ...
  3. Go Small. ...
  4. Consolidate Plumbing Cores. ...
  5. Get Vertical. ...
  6. Include Built-ins to Give the Impression of Larger Square Footage. ...
  7. Get Rid of Halls: The Advantage of Open Floor Plans. ...
  8. Favor Simple Rooflines.

How to find the perfect floor plan? ›

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Floor Plan
  1. Size. Your first consideration when you are selecting a house plan should be size. ...
  2. Design Style. ...
  3. Trust Your Instincts. ...
  4. Consider Cost of Materials and Furniture. ...
  5. Be Mindful of Your Budget. ...
  6. Consider Modifications.

What is a bad home layout? ›

Bad layouts include a staircase that's facing the door, adjoining bedrooms, and no views from one room to another. Keep in mind that you'll likely sell the home at some point, and a bad layout could make it more challenging to sell.

How do you calculate house layout? ›

Measure the width and length of every room in feet. Multiply the width by the length and note down the total square footage of every room in the corresponding space on the property sketch. For instance, If a room is 20 feet by 10 feet, the total square footage is 200 sq. ft.

What is the AI tool to make a house plan? ›

Overview of GetFloorPlan - Create Stunning 2D and 3D Floor Plans for Real Estate. GetFloorPlan is an AI-powered service that creates high quality 2D and 3D floor plans, 360° virtual tours, and other marketing materials for real estate listings.

Is there a program to draw house plans? ›

SmartDraw gives you the freedom to create home designs from any device. You'll get templates for: Home & House Designs & Plans. Floor Plans.

What is the best and easiest floor plan software? ›

For homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, user-friendly platforms like Planner 5D (the best free floor plan software for beginner users), Floorplanner, or RoomSketcher may be the most suitable.

What is the simplest floor plan? ›

Open floor plans are simpler to build as they require fewer materials and are more energy efficient than traditional closed floor plans. Many Modern styles such as Modern Farmhouse, Ranch, and Barndominium typically have open floor plans.

What is the most popular scale for residential floor plan drawings? ›

For residential floor plans, the most common scale used is ¼” = 1'. If you're working on a commercial blueprint, it is more likely that you will be relying on a scale of ⅛” = 1'. All blueprints should be clearly marked to inform others of what scale is being utilized.

What is the best bedroom layout? ›

You can usually create some nice symmetry by positioning your bed centrally against your longest wall and bookending with bedside tables. Equally, it'll create a sense of balance if you place your bed opposite a focal point such as a fireplace or window. Any recesses or alcoves create readymade storage areas.

Why are kitchens always in the back of the house? ›

However, as times changed and people began to move from rural areas and small villages to more modern cities, the kitchen often moved to the back of the home. This was in part because of the heat, noise, and smells associated with its tasks; the kitchen was placed as far away from living areas as possible.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rev. Leonie Wyman

Last Updated:

Views: 5707

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Leonie Wyman

Birthday: 1993-07-01

Address: Suite 763 6272 Lang Bypass, New Xochitlport, VT 72704-3308

Phone: +22014484519944

Job: Banking Officer

Hobby: Sailing, Gaming, Basketball, Calligraphy, Mycology, Astronomy, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Rev. Leonie Wyman, I am a colorful, tasty, splendid, fair, witty, gorgeous, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.