What is the best site to find floor plans?

Jess M

3 years ago

We are planning to build a custom home and I wanted to start looking at floor plans to get ideas for what we want.

I found some sites that have floor plans, but wondering if there are others that are easy to use.

Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

Naf_Naf
3 years ago
You will be better off finding an exterior (inspiration picture) that you like and a drafter/designer/architect should be able to figure a floor plan that works great for your needs.

There is an ocean of floor plans on the web and you can spend days doing it and still you will not find what you want.

Do you know the approximate size of the home you want to build?
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Spend your valuable time finding a good local architect that you can work with and is able to design in a style you like. Focus on determining your needs and your wants will fall into place. Looking at numerous house designs can drive you batty.
0
Related Discussions
best site for contemporary house plans?
Q
Comments (6)
Thanks, Laura. We aren't far enough along to even contact anyone yet, but I've got the name now and have saved a plan. We'd like to avoid the cost of an architect; in fact, we probably have to do that or not build, but we're way too early in the process to do more than look at plans and think about what we might like to have. Mascord certaInly has some interesting designs.
...See More
Online sites for sketching out floor plans
Q
Comments (1)
Here is one. I don't know if it is any good. I know there is/was at least one more. I think you will find the online sites pretty limited compared to a good software package. Here is a link that might be useful: floorplanner.com
...See More
how to find site for drawing floor plans
Q
Comments (10)
Sorry I did not get back to you palimpsest. There are only 2 of us that live here and we are in our 70's. (Wow, that sounds old) Thank you for your advice. I know a sofa would fit in front of the window, but my sofa is a big halking thing. I love it where I have it, but it would not fit in this room. I do have a very nice wooden rocker that I used to use to rock my babies in that is currently in my entry way for hubbie to use for changing out his shoes. I could put that where you suggested by the display case.I will have to put my china hutch in the entry way, so I could no long use the chair there. I will have to take the island out of my kitchen and place my dining table and 4 of my chairs there. I can take the leaves out of the table to make it round and it will fit very nicely. Still trying to figure things out to try and keep our house as it is. But --- I HAVE to have plans as to how I will manage if we have to make the change. If I think of it in reality, the house is getting to be to much for me to take care of, and physically, as well as financily, it would be much better. I hate how I keep wavering in my decision, have to make up our minds before September. dody P.S. I just went & measured my sofa and it is 88 inches long, and it would fit in front of the window so I thank you for the suggestion, and when I have time I will draw up new plans. Today is a busy day as it is my Mom's 89th birthday and the family is having a little get together for her and then I have a memorial service for my cousin that I have to go to. Other changes that I would make would be to take the 2 recliners out of the office and put my piano in there. Again, I HAVE to have my piano. Don't know what to do about my plants, as I would not have much room for them. Again, dody
...See More
Recommend free floor plan/kitchen planning site
Q
Comments (4)
I use a graph, downloaded from the 'net, and opened in Microsoft Paint program. For me, it's much easier to draw a box, then zap it with the back arrow, if it doesn't look right. Also, boxes can be captured and moved around in Paint--I find that much easier than erasing and re-drawing with a pencil.
...See More
AnnKH
3 years ago
You can get ideas for what you want by looking at your current living space, and any house you've spent time in.

Needs are things like number of bedrooms and bathrooms, an office, a play space for kids (at their current age and as they grow), highlighting a lovely view or hiding a lousy one, dining space for large family gathering, storage space for (fill in the blank - in our house it's camping equipment).

Wants are things like a fireplace, a double oven, walk-in pantry - things you'd like to have, but can maybe live without (if there is a good reason to not have it).

Think about what you really love about your current space - and what you really hate. Think about the house you grew up in, and what worked there, and what didn't. Ask friends and family what they like best and least about their homes. This will help you determine what's important to you, and those are the things you relay to a residential architect.
0
User
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
You will find the internet designs are variations on several generic open plan concepts with little natural light in kitchens and too many rooms on one floor. They are also not developed for a particular site and are often intended for a narrow lot causing the garage to be carved into the front corner of the house. You don't want that if you can help it.

Spending time looking at them can not only be a waste of effort it can keep you from thinking about your particular needs. For that you need someone with more skill than the authors of most of those plans. However, there are some sites that are better than others but to advise you I would need to know more about the project, where it is, how large it is, the lot width, site features how many stories and generally what kind of style you like.
0

Related Stories

WORKING WITH PROS Understand Your Site Plan for a Better Landscape Design

By Falon Mihalic

The site plan is critical for the design of a landscape, but most homeowners find it puzzling. This overview can help

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES 10 Things to Consider When Creating an Open Floor Plan

By Natalie Myers

A pro offers advice for designing a space that will be comfortable and functional

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES See What You Can Learn From a Floor Plan

By John Hill

Floor plans are invaluable in designing a home, but they can leave regular homeowners flummoxed. Here's help

Full Story

LIVING ROOMS Lay Out Your Living Room: Floor Plan Ideas for Rooms Small to Large

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Take the guesswork — and backbreaking experimenting — out of furniture arranging with these living room layout concepts

Full Story

137

REMODELING GUIDES How to Read a Floor Plan

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

If a floor plan's myriad lines and arcs have you seeing spots, this easy-to-understand guide is right up your alley

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES Renovation Ideas: Playing With a Colonial’s Floor Plan

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Make small changes or go for a total redo to make your colonial work better for the way you live

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES How to Combine Area Rugs in an Open Floor Plan

By Fred Albert

Carpets can artfully define spaces and distinguish functions in a wide-open room — if you know how to avoid the dreaded clash

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES Your Floor: How to Find Right Stone Tile

By Paul Anater

Get the Pros and Cons of Slate, Travertine, Sandstone, Marble and Granite

Full Story

BATHROOM MAKEOVERS Room of the Day: Bathroom Embraces an Unusual Floor Plan

By Bryan Anthony

This long and narrow master bathroom accentuates the positives

Full Story

ARCHITECTURE 5 Questions to Ask Before Committing to an Open Floor Plan

By Becky Harris

Wide-open spaces are wonderful, but there are important functional issues to consider before taking down the walls

Full Story

129

What is the best site to find floor plans?

Comments (4)

Naf_Naf

Mark Bischak, Architect

Related Discussions

AnnKH

User

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US