When searching for the perfect starter home you will want to consider the floor plan. Does the layout of the home work for you and your family? Will it be a one story or two story? Do you need an open floor plan on the first level with all the bedrooms upstairs? Maybe you need at least one bedroom on the lower level for an aging parent or guests. What about open spaces? It is ever so popular to combine the kitchen an living areas today as it almost becomes one space, seamlessly flowing into one another. This creates the atmosphere of sharing and being together. Closed off spaces, with the exception of bedrooms and bathrooms can be seen as cramped and old fashioned.
Take some time to really think about your family's needs. How will they change and grow? Commonly in one story starter homes you will have 1 to 3 bedrooms grouped together on one side of the home with the master bedroom having its own private bath and one additional full bath accessible through the main hallway for the other bedrooms to share. There may be a powder room for guests. Commonly in two story starter homes you will have the living room, kitchen and other communal spaces on the first floor. The second floor would have all the bedrooms and 1 to 2 full bathrooms.
Keep in mind how your family operates. Will you need a garage with side entry or does a grand entrance from the front of the house opening to a foyer rank high on your list? It is very important to walk an existing home and be able to visual yourself going from room to room and space to space day in and day out. In a new home you should be comfortable with how the plans are drawn and be sure the flow from room to room creates a comfortable situation for your family.
Whichever the case, buying an existing starter house or building a new starter house, take time to consider the floor plan. You will be glad you did. Making the best decision up front will save you time and money in the long run. Changes can be made to an existing home if necessary, just as alterations to house plans can be made before construction of a new home. Which is best for your situation?
