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looking for house plans

last year

We are considering building a house in the next several years and are starting to look at plans. Does anyone have any suggestions for websites with plans that aren’t…how do I say this nicely…hideous? I would very much like a tasteful, historic-leaning style exterior with a modern touches to the floor plan (larger bathrooms, open kitchen/living). Not looking for a huge house, something in the 2200-3000 range. I am partial to Tudor/English cottages, but open to similar styles.

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PRO

Mark Bischak, Architect

last year

Can I have a dollar for each hour you spend looking on the internet or in plan books to find the perfect house?

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Comments (8)

PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
last year
Before wasting time looking for the elusive needle, talk to several local architect to see the services they offer in designing a home with you that meets your needs and fits your site.
cpartist
last year
Do as Mark suggests instead of wasting your time trying to find a house that even then will need changes to work on your lot.
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To link to a site you can paste it into the box labeled "Optional Link URL", then type in a name in the other box. Houses with classical pediments or cornice returns have little in common with the American Craftsman Style even if they have some roof eave and rake brackets. The persons designing these houses for Frank Betz don't appear to have much understanding of this style, but that shouldn't prevent you from building one of them houses if you really like it. But you might save yourself some time and effort if you abandoned the term "Craftsman". If you use on of these designs be sure to have an architect tune it up because, although many are interesting, they generally have an amateurish quality to them; perhaps it's just the renderings, I don't know. The Bungalow Company, on the other hand, seems to have a good understanding of the Craftsman style and professional architectural detailing. An old Craftsman Style A new Craftsman Style Here is a link that might be useful: Typical characteristics of an American Craftsman house
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Its one of our home designs - Mascord Plan 22156F - The Abbeywood - http://houseplans.co/house-plans/22156f/ If you have any questions please let us know! Thanks.
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Thanks guys! I have no imagination when it comes to house plans. I think I need to tour a bunch of homes before we settle on something. Since getting married 11 years ago we have only lived in two homes - a very small, very poorly laid out chalet style mountain home (900 sq ft) and now we are living in a 3 bedroom single wide (980 sq ft) on the 20 acres where we are going to build. All I know is what doesn't work! I like the look of that house and I actually like the shed roof in the back so we can get a full floor upstairs. We are planning on getting an architect to help us with the home but I need someplace to start! And I agree, there are not enough windows on the front.
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[https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-work-with-an-architect-stsetivw-vs~3182504[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-work-with-an-architect-stsetivw-vs~3182504) [https://www.houzz.com/magazine/architects-toolbox-6-drawings-on-the-way-to-a-dream-home-stsetivw-vs~13648036[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/architects-toolbox-6-drawings-on-the-way-to-a-dream-home-stsetivw-vs~13648036) [https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-hire-the-right-architect-stsetivw-vs~22038031[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-hire-the-right-architect-stsetivw-vs~22038031) [https://www.houzz.com/magazine/go-beyond-the-basics-when-interviewing-architects-stsetivw-vs~23364465[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/go-beyond-the-basics-when-interviewing-architects-stsetivw-vs~23364465) ETA: Builders may or may not be working with an architect. Check your builder's designer's credentials and references. So many come here with a builder's plan that simply doesn't work. The most important step is hiring the right professional to design your home on your very specialized lot: an architect with design talent. Not all architects are the same.
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dan1888
last year
The good news is construction is slowing.

If you want to spend the time things should improve. There are many layouts developed on this site. Search.
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
last year
Who would have thought that was good news?
Angela Zuill
last year
I wasted so so many hours trying to find an online plan that fit our land and our family. Thankful that a friend directed us to a talented local architect. Best investment we made regarding our home!
PRO
Virgil Carter Fine Art
last year
If you value your time, and put an hourly rate to it for the time you spend looking online (or elsewhere) for suitable house plans, you will likely be money and time ahead to talk with local architects about a house design which fits your land and your family's needs.

Good luck!
dan1888
last year
There can be a point where the effort you put into the layout and exterior design will give you a substantial long-term benefit. Up to you if you can go down that path.

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