It almost seems like a runaway win for #2, huh? I originally really liked #2, but upon further searching, came across the other plan. So I wanted some outside opinions, thus my OP. lindybarts, you're probably right about that echo-effect, although I have a feeling that the Devon Park also has an overlook of sorts there as well. And, yes, two of the boys (arriving in April!) are twins! So they'll be sharing a room until they decide otherwise, at which point we'll convert the bonus to a third bedroom. You all had a good point about the kitchen / dining / laundy relationship. I hadn't even considered that until you all brought it up. Although I did notice the garage entry into the kitchen and wasn't real thrilled about that either. anvil, interesting and well thought out opinion on the 'serving bar' design. I'll have to give that some thought. And you are certainly right about polling for opinions like I'm doing here, but I am only trying to pick your brains and get ideas that I haven't thought of (like the kitchen / dining / laundry thing). I am an information junky, so I'll take all I can get. Also, I don't know if there is a way to track 'post views' on this forum. But there are no doubt many (some?) that viewed and didn't post. Those are the "I don't knows" A couple of other considerations; I now notice from looking at the rear elevations (not shown here) that #1 has a '2-story' family room with windows all the way up in the back. #2 has a 'vaulted' family room, but only 1 level of windows on the back. Our lot is very wooded, we're in zone 7 (I believe). Any opinions about the difference here? Also, I originally said that the plans are similar in sq. ft., but in reality, they are about 400 (finished - assuming the bonus room will be finished in the Devon Park plan) sq. ft. different, with plan #2 (Devon Park) being larger. I am shooting for a building cost of around $100/foot (may even owner build) not including the lot. By looking at these plans, is it valid to say that the Devon Park would cost about $40K more to build? I think not, mainly due to the more complex framing and roofing structure of the Prescott Ridge plan (see the images below). Is my thinking correct here? Prescott Ridge Devon Park To me, the Prescott looks more expensive to frame than the Devon. Thanks to all, please keep the ideas coming.

Thank you Tiger for addressing my question. I am not sure about the cost of electricity. My electric bill jumped about a year and a half ago, and I am not sure why. Used to be about $180 a month on an equal payment plan. Started having AC problems around that time with it frequently icing up (a 5 tom unit). Last fall my AC broke down altogether, had a company come and repair it.....they charged $1,000 and it lasted exactly 12 hours. At that point they told me they knew all along that the AC could not be repaired but not to worry, I could use the money towards a new AC as long as I bought it from them. I of course refused, took them to court, won....but the company refuses to pay the court ordered amount. That's my story in a nut shell. So now I need a new system before the weather gets too hot. My present furnace is 130 ton I think they told me. As far as rate is concerned, a quick google searched came up with this: Power rates will be $.09/kwh up to 1,000 kilowatts. The rate for usage over 1,000 kilowatts will increase to $.1085/kwh. Gas I have no clue, the google search made no sense to me. Design temperatures used were 8* and 75*

What brand cabinets are these? I like #2, but in #1's color. Yes, the flooring needs to be done before the cabinets. But you can NOT install tile over laminate. It all needs to come out down to the subfloor. Then the subfloor needs to be assessd for support and deflection. Not all homes have a stiff enough support for tile without reinforcing.

I like all the suggestions offered above better than either plan. You mention being able to visit as you prep on the peninsula, but I noticed that the seats will be in the traffic path from the porch. How often will you use the wood cooker? If not as often as the cooktop, I'd prefer llucy's idea of putting the fridge where the wall ovens are drawn in the first plan. That puts the fridge closer to the dining area, prep and cooking areas. I'd also use only one island if the fridge is moved, and I think I'd put the ovens where the wood stove is drawn, and build in a nook and wood storage for the range (which has soooo much charm, btw.) Re: Stages sink against the wall--there was a thread in the last year about that situation, and IIRC the owner was very disappointed and didn't like the cabinets above or beside it. I think this is the thread--you might want to read through it. Here's a quick rearrangement, just to illustrate a couple of the ideas suggested above. I know you don't want to change things up much, but something to consider. The clean-up sink would be the water source for prep for the wood stove. Can wood for the stove be stored near the garden entrance? I didn't read the previous planning thread, but if there's no reason the prep sink can't be on the island, you could have more space around the cooktop. There's a seat at each of the island, for someone who is hanging out while you work, and plenty of room for helpers to cook together. Whatever you ultimately decide, it looks as if you're going to have an amazing kitchen. I hope you'll come back and post a reveal thread, because I am looking forward to seeing the AGA in action!