Best House Floor Plans

Compact fluorescent light bulbs, halogens and LEDs are light fixtures, which most green advocates deem more  cost and energy effective  than the incandescent bulb. But, when it comes to finding the appropriate lighting fixture for any room in the floor plan, many consumers are at a loss of how to layer lighting to innovate, or evoke the right iridescence. 

Review the following light fixtures to determine how to add luminosity to your home floor plan without the cost.

• Dimmable CFL light fixtures
• 3-way compact fluorescent light bulbs
• Compact flood light fixtures
• Triple Tune marathon

Each of the aforementioned light fixtures emits different light, and is designed to fit specific lamps, light pendants and recessed lighting. Since, the compact fluorescent bulb is in its infancy, compared with the incandescent bulb, the lighting possibilities remain uncharted and abounding for the contemporary to modern designed floor plan.

The underlying value of the CFL for any room in the home is to conserve energy costs, and lower greenhouse effects.

Also, consumers should beware that the lamp designed to work with the incandescent bulb is incompatible for the compact fluorescent lamp. Moreover, many compact fluorescent light bulbs are decorative, not requiring a lamp which makes this light fixture a bright ideas for any room of the floor plan.

Layering light is quite simple. Start with the entire room’s floor plan. Select a light which provides general lighting. Next, select a  light dimmer (preferably on compatible with a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb)  designed to provide ambient and task lighting. Next, pendant lighting fixtures or other decorative lighting that emit iridescence.

For additional information design ideas, click on Garden tubs or Kitchen Fixtures.

Maintaining a new or old home exceeds adding a new room or changing the schematics of the home plan. A myriad of small fixes do wonders for giving certain rooms of the home a space-lift. Best House Floor Plans compiled a short list  of design tips:

• Replace outdated or broken kitchen fixtures with new updated, eco-friendly appliances and products.

• When it comes to the floors, use the refresh, repair, or replace rule. Maintaining the floors on a regular basis alleviates the changes of making any major repairs or replacements. However, if there is any damage, taking care of it now will prevent investing in a replacement– later.

• Prior to making new furniture purchases, give the room a space-lift. There are five easy fast-fixes for renovating a room, without hiring a contractor:

• De-clutter – Discard unused, outdated or useless furnishing accents. Relocate any objects, which belong in another room.  Discard worn out items.

Home design tip: Remove each decorative accessory. Then, examine each piece to determine if all components concur with the rest of the design scheme.  Recycle or donate any hodgepodge decorative items.

• Dust baseboards and walls.

• Caulk any holes, gouges or dents in the wall.

• Paint any wall space needing a touch up or complete refreshing

• Reorganize and reset all decorative objects, creating a sense of symmetry among decorative items.

• Punctuate the exterior of the home with a decoratve mailbox that maintains the design scheme and the façade of your home  plan.

• Shuffle artwork. Instead of investing in a new collection of artwork, innovate new ways to showcase framed photography and masterpieces. For additional decorative ideas, visit House Plans and More, where there are more than 17,000 house plans and project ideas to put to work.

If you’re planning to have your home architected using green building processes, the proceeding questions and answers illustrate the basics for green building and provide a few detail about building a new house plan.  

What is LEED?

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating System used to be a commercial construction option.  Growing in popularity among homeowners, the green building construction process requires certification to meet various green building benchmarks.

Which organization has oversight over Leadership in Energy an Environmental Design?

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) oversees and helps set the  standards for building homes and buildings in accordance  LEED® building. The USGBC developed benchmarks, which are nationally accepted. LEED® ratings evaluate green building based on three rudimentary criteria: design, construction and the reduction of carbon emission via high-performance environmentally sound buildings.

Which types of home energy construction potentially qualify for LEED® construction?

Geothermal energy and solar energy projects are generally applicable for LEED. Both work to decrease fossil fuels consumption. Since, geothermal energy is a derivative of the earth, it is practically unlimited, requiring minimal energy.

On the other hand, solar energy is quite versatile. With numerous mounting options, roof, shingles, walls, ceilings, and windows, the multi-purposed systems heat water, warm and cool the home.

Are there specific grading systems for LEED?

Yes, the USGBC developed a Green Building Rating System for LEED®, which includes the following rating levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Certified. Rating levels are determined by certified contractors.

Aside from building a home that is better for the environment, what are the benefits of green building?

The other advantages and incentives for LEED green building  include the following:

• Architect a healthier place to live
• Conserve on water and energy
• Minimize carbon emissions, which are detrimental to the planet’s eco-system
• Take advantage of various zoning allowances and tax credits
• Lower operational costs, which increase the property’s asset value
• Decrease the amount of waste, which ends up in landfills

Click on LEED Green Building to read about putting your constructing your new house plan into action.

Modular homes are touted as the eco-friendly alternative to building a home of any proportion. When most landowners consider the modular house  floor plan, there tends to be a misconception that the module house floor plan is the same as the mobile home. Review some of the guideline and detailed pertaining to the the modular floor plan.

The construction of the modular house floor plan adheres to the same guidelines as stick-built homes.

Modular house floor plans are structures, which are manufactured off site in a factory and then transported in one or more sections. 

Modular homes must be architected, meeting the guidelines of the Federal Manufactured Construction and Safety Standards and  be labeled accordingly.

As long as the modular home construction is completed within 30 to 60 calendar days, the borrower may seek a lender, who can use a line of credit in conjunction with the FHA-insured home loan.

In order for the modular house floor plan to qualify for an FHA mortgage insurance, it must be in compliance with the proceeding regulations:

• Occupy a minimum of 400 square feet
• Follow the construction in conformance the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards.
• Be manufactured as a place of residence, built according to FHA codes and include a permanent foundation.

To read more about the requirements for building a modular home floor plan, review the Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing (PFGMH), by cutting and pasting the following URL: www.huduser.org/publications/destech/permfound.html.

Also, House Plans and More includes a comprehensive library of  modular floor plans, builders, checklists, decorating ideas and more.

Resource: //www.nls.gov/offices/pih/ih/homeownership/184/processing/chap4.htm

Financing the cost to build a new house 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 house 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,” it  eliminates the extra step  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.

To calculate the cost of building a new house floor plan, House Plans and More.com has an easy to use House Design Estimating software, click on house plan estimation to calculate the cost of a construction loan and review the download details. 

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.

Review other home buying tips.

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 incur 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 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
•  

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