Best House Floor Plans

Financing the cost to build a new home floor plan requires special financing, referred to as a construction loan. Far more stringent than the conventional home mortgage, the construction loan finances, the labor, equipment and building materials to architect a house floor plan.  The proceeding shortlist includes rudimentary facts and requirements pertaining to the construction loan:

When it comes to building a new home floor plan, or customizing a building project, landowners and homeowners have two financing alternatives: the one-time closing loan and a construction-only loan.  The one time closing loan finances both the build and the home loan–whereas the construction loan is for architecting the house plan.

With the one-time closing loan or the “all-in-one construction loan” eliminates the process of shopping around for a mortgage or home loan. Most borrowers opt for the one time construction loan to have one closing, ultimately reducing closing costs. Prior to opting for the one-time closing loan, make sure that the lender will not require interest payments while the home is under construction.

Upon the house floor plan’s completion, the construction loan transitions into a long-term home loan.

In general, construction loans range in duration from six months to a year, requiring a “draw schedule.” The draw schedule acts as an outline of when specific tasks are to be completed, and the corroborating terms of releasing funds to the builder.

A construction-only loan is a two part financing process. The first closing begins with the construction. A second closing is necessary to refinance the construction loan, transitioning the mortgage into a permanent home loan.

Although the one-time closing loan saves on closing fees, it inhibits the borrower from shopping around for a home mortgage with a lower interest rate.

On the contrary, the construction loan tends to cost more upfront costs, offering more flexibility and an opportunity to recuperate the savings over the mortgage loan.

Read more about obtaining a construction loan to build a new house floor plan.

Influenced by English architecture, the Victorian Home floor plan features a distinctive domicile. Turrets punctuate the crown of the home, authenticating a regal yet welcoming façade. A covered porch stretches from each extent of the  home’s exterior frontage. The garage boards two-vehicles.

The size of the Victorian house floor plan ranges in square footage from 1800 to 3500. In cases where the Victorian house plan includes a full attic, the top floor accommodates the family with teenagers, a full attic serves as a separate living space from the rest of the home (with a kitchen, bathroom, and living space).

Bay windows punctuate each room, revealing a different perspective of the exterior landscape.

On the main floor, gathering rooms transition into one another. Sometimes, rooms are separated by glass French doors.

On the main, floor, a foyer dressed in a wood carved coat-stand, is conveniently located next to a built in mirror, shrouded underneath a lengthy stair case.

Directly off the kitchen, a breakfast nook assures a cozy sanctuary to read the paper, enjoy a meal whilst remaining out of the kitchen’s hubbub of traffic flow.

A vaulted ceiling is the showcase for an antique chandelier. In the living room, modern materials presented in bold pattern colors maintain a sense of the Victorian house floor plan’s attention to detail and tradition. Crown moldings delineate the wall space and area between far-reaching ceilings. At House Plans and More.com sort through a wide variety of Victorian house plans

Other features of the Victorian house floor plan include:

• Laundry Room/Utility
• Breakfast Nook
• Outdoor Kitchen
• Vaulted/Volume Ceiling
• Crawl Space
• Basement
• Bar
• Fireplace
• Family Room
• Balcony – Indoor
• Island

The Victorian floor plan requires a wide lot. For additional details, please click on  Victorian house plans to read more.

Going green has a language of all its own.  The concept of being “eco-friendly” or “going green” means that it is conducive for the planet, saves energy or offers other well being benefits. Best House Floor Plans compiled a list of the most commonly used eco-friendly (green) jargon.  

Carbon Footprint – An environmental measure of carbon dioxide produced from the emission of greenhouse gases. From using fuel, electricity, charging a battery, every person has carbon footprint, which ultimately impacts the planet greenhouse effect.

Compact fluorescent light (CFL) are considered energy efficient alternative to incandescent light bulbs. Since CFLs save energy overtime and the longer they are in use, these light bulbs are touted as being “green.” 

ENERGY STAR –  Certain household appliances are manufactured for energy efficiency meet a number of standards predetermined by the United State’s federally funded ENERGY STAR program.

Geothermal Energy, considered to be one of the most energy efficient means of heating the home, geothermal energy is derived from the earth.

Greenhouse gases are vapors, which entrap heat in the hemisphere, raising the planet’s temperature via the greenhouse effect. If the earth did not endure the greenhouse effect, it would be too cold for human and animal habitation. However, excessive heat is unsuitable for any life to live.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) design system for assessing commercial or residential building certification process, which meets various “green building” standards. Although LEED certifications vary by type, many consist of sustainable sites, innovation, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, indoor environmental quality, materials and resources. (All LEED certification categories have to meet a set of prerequisite requirements).

Renewable resources are energy derived from the earth’s natural resources: solar, wind and geothermal energy. All forms are considered to be less harmful for the environment than oil, coal, natural gas and nuclear power.

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

Organic substances have the capacity to release toxic elements via vapor, solid or liquid form.
USDA Organic is a white and green stamp, indicating that produce was cultivated and processed in accordance with the organic agricultural guidelines mandated by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Click “going green terms” to review other definitions and resources.

Space is premium in the kitchen. Today’s house floor plans don’t include the expansive walk-in pantry, characteristic of the Victorian house plan. With adequate cabinetry, drawers and cupboards above and below, every element of the kitchen finds order. A place to accommodate the pans, spices, food, utensils and entertainment ware, requires an intelligent administration of kitchen design and space. Organizing without promoting clutter and accentuating the kitchen’s aesthetic features are the keys to maximizing kitchen storage and space.

How to deter the propensity to collect clutter in the kitchen? 

Organization in the kitchen hinges on the furnishings. The full fledge renovation is unnecessary with the appropriate kitchen fixtures. Proper placement reduces the inclination to collect clutter, affording sufficient storage space.

Kitchen design tip:  Consider where the best place is to store kitchen appliances. Items that are not used often, (i.e. the fondue pot, wok,  can double as an element of the kitchen’s design scheme or can be stowed away in an accessible cabinet, open shelving or in a deep rolling drawer, underneath the kitchen island.

How to promote organization to maximize kitchen storage?

One of the cheapest techniques for updating outdated cabinetry, motivating organization and maintaining a mental inventory of supplies are the door-less cabinets. With the removal of kitchen cabinet doors, built-in shelves bare all. That means tableware; canned goods and such represent an aesthetic function. Moreover, it serves as an easy method of monitoring the food supply.

Kitchen design tip:  Be sure to organize similar objects with each other. For example, canned goods should be aligned with the label facing outward, revealing the contents. Magnetic spice jars keep the counter and cabinets clear of clutter.

Whether shelving is wood or stainless steel, choose between single shelving and freestanding shelf units. Wood shelves are feasible for luxe, traditional and contemporary kitchen design. In cases, where wood shelving is stained, choose a low VOC paint to give shelves an updated makeover. (Select matching shelf liners) Low maintenance, stainless steel cabinets work in the urbane – to industrial designed kitchen. 

How to organize cabinet space for efficient kitchen storage?

Nothing compares to a well-organized kitchen cabinets. To improve efficiency, traffic flow and alleviate breakage, map out which cabinets accommodate the tableware, canned foods and infrequently used appliances.

Kitchen design tips:  Consider the kitchen’s spaces overall landscape of food preparation, dining, and other traffic considerations.  Choose adjustable shelving. Remember to leave adequate room around plates, cups and other ceramics to alleviate breaking or chipping.

For more about maximizing kitchen storage and space, visit Home Plans and More.com.

What is the origin of the Bungalow home floor plan?

Bungalow home plans are the result of a rebellion, per se. Subsequent to the formality of the Victorian period, the Arts and Crafts Movement of 1860’s ushered in a casual, comfortable lifestyle.

What are the basic characteristics of the bungalow home floor plan?

The bungalow house plan is quite energy conservative. Comprised of intricate architectural details, the house plan epitomizes comfort, and charm. Lauded for its proportionately sized rooms, short on hallway space, the bungalow is touted for efficient space usage.

Which American city parallels the history of the bungalow floor plan?

In Chicago, the bungalow floor plan was in step with a burgeoning influx of immigrants. From 1900 through 1930, the Windy City’s population went from 1.6 to 3.3 million. Meanwhile to accommodate that rampant growth, the bungalow house plan supplanted the landscape of prairies and farmland from 1910 through 1930.

Is the bungalow floor plan passé architecturally?

Today, these house floor plans remain timeless in nature, assuring a decent market value. The interior emphasizes extraordinary concise rooms, where superfluous space is void of the floor plan. Bathrooms are often attached to the master bedroom. The kitchen, generally, affords ample space for food preparation, serving and gathering.

Designers recommend accentuating the aesthetics of the Arts and Crafts style bungalow with today’s innovative sustainable materials. For instance, tiles, kitchen fixtures and counter-space manufactured from recycled goods are the elements that complement living green.

Which rooms are associated with the bungalow floor plan?

Although bungalows built in the 20^th century pale in comparison to today’s floor plans, here is a list of rooms and features:

• Breakfast Bar
• Breakfast Nook
• Covered Front Porch
• Crawl Space
• Eating Bar
• Extra – bonus room
• Fireplace
• Great Room
• Laundry Room/Utility
• Loft
• Main Level Master Bedroom
• Media Room/Home Theater
• Mud Room
• One-Story
• Open Floor Plans
• Split Bedrooms
• Two-Car
• Vaulted/Volume Ceiling

Which online resources highlight a review of bungalow house floor plans?

Bungalow house floor plans are in ample supply at House Plans and More.com. Floor plans are categorized according to architectural style, size and other features.

Source: Historic Chicago Bungalow Association – http://www.chicagobungalow.org/

Now that Hanukkah, Christmas and New Years are over, it’s time to put those holiday decorations away. Smart storage complements holiday organization. Bid adieu to the usual holiday decorations and paraphernalia: 

• Swarvoski crystal
• Family heirloom tree decorations
• Menorah
• Pinecones
• Stocking
• Nutcrackers other statue
• Synthetic wreaths, garland
• Other embellishments
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Are the encasements that have been housing those Christmas and other holiday decorations deteriorating, ragged and frayed? Are all holiday paraphernalia maintained in accessible location?

One oversized container fixes the disorganization of packing and unpacking holiday decorations.

Here’s how:

Plastic Containers. One-size fits all –storage space is overwhelmingly underrated. The oversized transparent storage containers, as seen at Target and Wal-Mart–houses just about all the decorations. (These storage bins range between $5-10).

Christmas Tree and Lights. Starting with the Christmas tree lights, spool the lights around a square piece of plastic or cardboard. Secure the electrical plug-ins with tape.

If you have a synthetic tree, tuck it away in a dry zippered bag. For instance, if you are unable to find a storage bag large enough to hold all the parts, a downhill ski bag works too.

Holiday decorations. Find partitioned trays, which stack, store fit inside of your storage bi or plastic container. The spaces are the ultimate holiday decoration accommodations. Take tissue paper and wrap each decoration. Group items where appropriate. Delicate items, such as the Swarvoski crystal should be swathed in bubble wrap. Ziplock ® bags or plastic baggies are a storage idea made simple for pinecones and other loose holiday decorations.

If there’s additional space in the plastic storage bin, fold and add the tree-dress and the seasonal tablecloth, place between a layer of decorations and lights.

In the interim, tidy up and re-arrange regular decorative embellishments for a new look in 2010.

Other Holiday decorations: Fall Fun: Nature’ Color Festival

Heating your home in the winter can be costly and environmentally unfriendly no matter what type of home or house plan you have. Taking steps to winterize your home and carefully considering your heating options can save you money while helping to make your home green. If you are considering geothermal heating this winter, a recent post on the Hoffmann Brothers St. Louis heating and cooling blog mentioned the following recent regulations regarding geothermal heating and the energy tax credit:

“On December 1st 2009 The Environmental Protection Agency announced revised regulations for residential geothermal heat pumps (GHPs). The new requirements approve water-to-water geothermal pumps to qualify for the Energy Star label. In the past, the geothermal standards were conventional pumps, only. This means that homeowners are entitled to a 30 percent tax credit with the installation of any geothermal heating pump.”

For a more efficient form of heating this winter consider geothermal heating and its value to your home and the environment.

Related Articles:

10-Things to Know About Geothermal Heating and the Energy Tax Credit

 Simple Green Home Energy Tips

Heating, lights and electricity contribute to the outlay of maintaining the home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that the average household spends $1500 each year on energy costs. During the winter months, utility bills can mount to unknown expenditures. Throughout the home, there are several simple tactics to reduce every day costs.

Change the bulbs. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that lighting accounts for 20 percent of the electricity bill. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) bulbs. Although, the bulbs are slightly costlier than standard bulbs, the savings reduces the electricity bill overtime.

Control the temperature.  When the home is vacant for several hours, reduce the temperature five to eight degrees. Thermostats, which can be controlled from remote locations, are a surefire way to cut heating costs. The EPA recommends that by replacing thermostats with Energy Star qualified programmable gages with four-temperature settings, homeowners can recoup $100 in annual energy costs.

Power down. Battery chargers, computers and other unused electronic appliances contribute to the overall power load.

Quarter off rooms. Extra rooms, demanding infrequent traffic should be closed to  reduce drafts and entrap warmth.

Time it. To avoid unnecessary power loads, place lights on timers. 

Protect it. At doors, windows and other drafty entryways, affix weather stripping.

Replace filters. Ensuring the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems means replacing dirty air filters with clean ones.

Select ENERGY STAR. Instead of buying new standard appliances, opt for Energy Star qualifying products, such as home electronics, lighting, heating and cooling equipment which have passed a series of energy efficiency assessments.

Additional Green Energy Tip  Resources:

• FAQs About Going Green
• Green Conservation Tips
• Efficiency Facts

Beyond the front door wreath and Christmas tree, certain holiday party decorations are reminiscent of the scents, scenes and sounds of the season. Here is a recipe for decorating the home for a holiday party.

The Supply List

• Bough of Holly
• Candy canes
• Cinnamon sticks
• Crystal bowls
• Frankincense
• Gold and silver spray paint
• Mistletoe
• Myrrh
• Orange peel
• Pinecones
• Red or green bows
• Three to four strings of Christmas lights
• Votive candles

 The Smells

In 5-quart pan, boil 2-quarts of water with cinnamon sticks, lemon and orange peels, until the aroma fills the air. As an alternate, burn myrrh and frankincense.

 The Sights

Bedeck it in crystal. From Swarovski to Waterford, crystal adornments twinkle. Introducing an element of depth. Fill the crystal with

 Throughout the living room, and kitchen dress up vases with the varied sized bows. Affix to the exterior of vases, candles holders carafes and other accessories.

Take 30 to 40 pinecones. Spray paint them in gold or silver. Affix a fishing hook and hang on the tree.

As an alternate holiday decoration idea: Do not spray the pinecones, but arrange in a crystal bowl and mix with evergreen branches.

Candy canes and various sized bows are inexpensive and simple ways to decorate the home. On the Christmas tree, bows fill in where other tree decorations are lacking. Candy canes make for another tree adornment. As an alternate hang candy canes around the parameter of a crystal bowl.

Display votive candles throughout the home to capture and accentuate the sparkling crystal features.

 Select the hues of the season: crimson, evergreen, and gold. Embellish the home with objects that make the home shimmer and glisten.

Punctuate entryways with a strand of Christmas holiday.

 Introduce other natural elements, such as boughs of holly, mistletoe and evergreen twigs.

 The Sounds

Right before the guests arrive, turn on the fireplace. And sync the sounds of the season in tune with your holiday party decorations.

Related Articles:

• Heating and Tree Safety
• Safety Tips for Holiday Home

Winterizing the home is a chore that no one likes to do. But, it goes far in conserving on the energy bill, shutting out chilly temperatures and reducing the carbon footprint.  Best House Floor Plans compiled a short list of winterizing tactics to keep the home buzzing with warm efficiency:

Plastic wrap

Cover windows and storm doors with a sheet of plastic, designed to maintain insulation.

Caulk

If certain areas of the home are drafty or feel cooler than other rooms,  investigate the source of the chill. Windows and doors are notorious for developing miniscule cracks, which impede the energy efficiency of the home.  Caulk cracks around doors and windows.

Drainage

Be sure to insulate any exposed pipes and drain all backyard hoses The aforementioned steps can prevent pipes from freezing. In case of an emergency situation, in which the water mains have to shutdown, it’s a commonsensical idea to reacquaint yourself with the location. �
 

Furnace

About every three to four years, have the furnace duct cleaned. To assure clean air quality, do not forget to change the filter to the furnace, monthly. Also, shop around for a special blanket to keep the hot water heater functioning properly.

Insulate

In the northern states, where winter temperatures plummet below freezing, extra insulation is beneficial for the prevention of ice dams around downspouts and gutters. Consider insulating any overhead crawlspaces and attics.
 

Fireplace

While fireplaces render ambient warmth, there are several safety steps to heat up the winter season. Hire a contractor to inspect the hearth’s brick and mortar as well as the damper. During maintenance, have the contractor clean the chimney. (Remember to store firewood in a dry space, outdoors).

On a final note, make sure that carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in working order. At House Plans and More.com, read additional details pertaining to winterizing the home. 

Related topic:

• Child Proofing