I should have titled this post, “I have researched and you will now PAY!”. I’ve spent the better part of eleventry hundred hours pouring over house plans on the internet until my eyes feel like they are rupturing. I have looked at hundreds of house plans and tons of photos of houses as well as driving around looking at real estate.
The good news? I have picked a design style that I like.
I have determined that while I love a whole bunch of different styles, I have always ADORED the craftsman style homes that I see. Whenever a house really makes my head snap around, that is almost always the style of construction that is used. So, for now, that is the plan. To go “Craftsman”.
Speaking of plans…
We were originally going to draft our own plans, but truthfully, I would rather buy existing plans that are as close as we can come to what we want and then get them modified as necessary. It’s WAY less time and effort but not nearly as expensive as having custom home plans designed and drafted.
I never thought that we would be building this much house at this stage in our lives, and we wouldn’t if the lot wasn’t so amazing. This lot is so perfect for us that I could honestly seeing myself dying on this hunk of land and being buried under one of my SEVERAL MATURE TREES. Mature trees that are right next to a BARN!
SO?
We are going to budget, put all our money into construction, exterior, and things that can’t be changed easily (like cabinets) and skimp on things like flooring and fixtures. I am planning not having hardware on the cabinets for awhile. Things like that. Sigh.
We’re being our own general contractor and putting a lot of sweat equity in. Luckily, we know what is cheaper to do on our own vs. what should be hired out. I would never attempt this if my FIL wasn’t an electrician and virtually every person in my hubs family has built a ton of houses from the plans to the finish work. We have loads of connections and Jonathan has worked a lot of construction, so it is doable. A PAIN IN THE HEINY, but doable. Being our own generals and doing a lot of the work will save us a ton of money, so it’s worth it.
Anyway…here are the two plans that we like the most thus far. What do you think?
HOUSE PLAN A
Living Area: 3,268 sq. ft.
Main Flr: 2,122 sq. ft.
2nd Floor: 1,146 sq. ft.
Attached Garage: 3 car, 629 sq. ft.
Other Unfinished Space: 978 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 4/5
Full Bathrooms: 4
Half Bathrooms: 1
I think that I like this floor plan the most. I am thinking it is a bit big because the basement will remain unfinished for quite some time. Without that it still comes in at almost 3,300 sq. ft.
The reason the plans have to be bigger is due to my requirements for the main floor: Master suite, a room close to the master for (hopefully) a baby and a dining room space that we would enclose for a formal living/music room. I want to be able to open my door and have people into my house without them seeing my everyday living space.
I like the loft upstairs for the boys for as a play area/toys and crap all over the place. They would each have a bedroom, Jonathan’s office would be in the corner. We would take out the second bath up there to extend the space and make the Jack and Jill bathroom into a traditional bath by flipping it around, closing off room access and putting a door in the hallway to make it accessible to everyone.
I love the huge dining area next to the kitchen and how only part of the great room is two story. Sometimes the whole room being vaulted is just TOO MUCH. Especially because we are going to be going cheaper on the flooring. Laminates echo a lot more than hardwoods, so it would cut down on that.
I love the study next to the master bedroom. Again, we would (Hopefully) use it as a nursery/small child’s room, which means there would be no master entry. It has one of my pet peeves, which is walking through the bathroom to get to the closet, but I think we may be able to play with that. Ideally, we want his and hers walk-ins.
We would also enclose the formal dining room for a formal living room/music room so that my house is presentable at all times and the living space isn’t seen (Yay!) We plan on doing that in all the floor plans because it would be used way more than a formal dining area.
We would also have to play with the laundry/mudroom and add a walk in pantry in the kitchen (A must. I have to have somewhere to store the assloads of wheat my mother has forced me to purchase lately.)
I am not crazy about the exterior, but that is mainly because it is shown in stucco (Which I am just not a fan of.) I would use siding, shingles and sedimentary rocking. I think with that, a different color scheme, wooden garage doors with the craftsman windows at the top and different windows, I would be fine with it.
HOUSEPLAN B
2675 Total Living Area
# 2067 Main Level
# 608 Upper Level
# 4 Bedrooms
# 3 Full Bath(s) , 1 Half Bath(s)
# 3 Car Garage
# 83′ Wide x 60′ Deep
I love the exterior of this plan the most. It’s adorable. I wouldn’t really tweak it very much (except to take the curve out of the window. I HATE them. Craftman style houses should never use them IMO), although I don’t know if I would add the wood doohicky’s at the peak of each gable. we’d have to see how expensive/pain in the butt they are to add.
It is the smallest, but considering that the floor plan is virtually the same sq.ft on the main floor as the others, the only thing that is smaller is the upstairs. If we went with this floor plan, we would have to enclose the bonus room for Jonathan’s office instead of building a loft in it with upper story access like we would do with the other two plans.
We would take the storage at the back of the garage and take out the bathroom for a very large mud room, laundry and sewing area (Yes. I can sew.) We would close in the dining room and add French doors (Living/music room). We would also take out the utility closet and add hallway access to the bathroom and to the study from that area and close off access from the foyer and use it as a nursery.
The master bath and closets in this plan are PERFECTLY arranged for us, but the dining nook is much smaller (BOO!). We want to be able to fit a big ass table with leaves in there with plenty of room for people to walk around because we KNOW that our house will become the “Family holiday gathering place” once it is done.
Keep in mind that we are in the very baby stages of this process. I know what I want, but when push comes to shove, the budget that we end up with will dictate a LOT of what happens, so I fully expect a million changes before the process is done.
I do feel happy about the progress as far as knowing what I would ideally like and the style because before I just sat there going “HUH?” and it was overwhelming.
Oh, who the hell am I kidding. It’s STILL overwhelming.
natalie says:
i like the second look better only because one of my pet peeves is looking at a house and seeing the garage looming out in front. i feel like it takes away from the house. if you do have a garage out front the garage doors need to be fabulous…in my humble opinion! the plans of both houses are great!
natalies last blog post..hi
May 19th, 2008 at 1:05 am
loralee says:
YUP. One of my biggest pet peeves EVER is the garage doors being mainly what you see in the front of a house.
We may put the doors at the side (It really just depends on the lot and the trees and if the plan can be modified that way) BUT…If we do have to have the doors in the front, they will be something we put money into. Wood…the square windows on top. More like a design plus than a drawback.
Still…I am really rooting for them to be moved to the side (Should have added that fact in the post, but it was already hideously long.)
May 19th, 2008 at 1:09 am
loralee says:
I should add that at this stage the biggest consideration for me is the actual floor plan…
May 19th, 2008 at 1:11 am
Vanessa says:
as someone who plans to have her own house built (some day!) too, i think you’re making amazing progress!! the lot sounds gorgeous and both of these plans are fab. knowing what you want is the main thing. visualise it every day… it will be like a dream come true when it happens :)
Vanessas last blog post..a very, very fond thank you
May 19th, 2008 at 2:54 am
witchypoo says:
Darlin, are you even prepared for the amount of stress this project will deliver into your life? It tests a marriage to its very limits. If you are, the second is a beaut.
Cleaning four bathrooms is enough to turn my hair gray.
witchypoos last blog post..Brainfreeze
May 19th, 2008 at 6:43 am
Fluent Brittish says:
How exciting (and stressful). Both houses look wonderful (and HUGE). Best of luck with everything!
Fluent Brittishs last blog post..The Last Thing I Want To Do Right Now
May 19th, 2008 at 6:53 am
Amy J says:
I LOVE the look of number two. It is also my favorite floorplan, but as I do not have children, my opinion may not be the best for you :-)
May 19th, 2008 at 6:57 am
Kristen says:
We just built our house about 6 months ago - and I have a little money-saving tip for you. We went as super-budget as we could on things that were easily changed as well - though I’m already counting down the days till hardwood floors. lol.
I would visit Home Depot / Lowes / any big chain store for fixtures every couple of days. Anything that is in the ‘clearance” areas can be bargained down. We found six gorgeous ceiling fans that were originally $250 apiece, marked down to $175. After talking to the manager of the department, we walked out of there with all six and spent less than $500 total on them. Same holds true for faucets, sinks, toilets… You have to talk to the manager though - most of the sales people are clueless.
May 19th, 2008 at 7:05 am
Connie says:
I love the floor plan for A but love the outside of B.
I would love to build my own house someday…it is a dream of mine.
I just don’t know where I want to build it.
Connies last blog post..See, See My Playmate!
May 19th, 2008 at 8:03 am
azarches says:
Loralee,
The flow and layout of the first plan is so much smoother than the second plan. That basement would become my movie “Lair”. I am the GM of a Roof truss fabrication and lumber yard in Phoenix so I sit most days and look at plans for houses all day long. One thing I wanted to mention to you. Notice where the utility room is. Remember you will be hauling ALL of your kids clothes across the house AND up the stairs to put them away. I would change the two baths upstairs into one common bath and move the laundry upstairs. The argument was made to me once that the noise would drive someone nuts but now the newer units are so quiet. We actually designed a “stackable” washer/dryer in our master closet for our clothes and it works beautiful. The other thing is be sure to use a full 3-0 door on the garage to the kitchen. Typically a 2-6 door would be there but you’ll be glad you spent the extra when dragging groceries out of the car into the house. This comment is too long now but I just wanted to throw those ideas out to you. Have and awesome building “experience” and don’t be discouraged.
-Tj-
May 19th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Craig says:
I like the second one, because of the porch and patio. In both houses the master bed is next to the great room. I notice that because my parents have that, and since my dad goes to bed at 10:20, it cuts down on late-night use of that room. On the plus side, both kitchens are mostly walled off from the great rooms. I hate during holidays when us men are trying to watch football and we can hear the women blabbing and cooking in the kitchen because my parents’ floor plan is open.
Craigs last blog post..Liquor Police in Action
May 19th, 2008 at 9:04 am
SparklieSunShine says:
I love the outside of the second option, but after looking at the floorplans the 1st one just sounds so perfect.
Either way I am SO excited for you guys!
SparklieSunShines last blog post..Happy Swapping!
May 19th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Sarah says:
Please show me where my room is. If you’re pressed for space you may call it the guest room, but we all know it will be mine, all mine!
Sarahs last blog post..Parenting, Harder than it Looks
May 19th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Camille says:
Oooh, la la!! This makes me want to go look at houseplans, too! And it’s convenient that you have so many friends in high places of contracting.
Congratulations!
Camilles last blog post..{Tsk, Tsk. Some Childrens’ Parents…}
May 19th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Heather B. says:
Definitely the second one. So says the girl who has a problem with picking out apartments. But yeah, the second one has a design that is more asthetically pleasing.
May 19th, 2008 at 10:07 am
loralee says:
Vanessa:
I hope that it goes well. I certainly didn’t think it would be happening at this stage in my life and it’s stressing me out a little.
witchypoo:
Don’t know if we are or not. I guess it will be telling, no? Thing is, there is very little other choice at this point. The good thing is that we seem to really be agreeing on most everything at this point, which is important. And, I really, REALLY think that we need a project together. Something to have in common because we don’t have a whole ton of them. Sigh.
I’m just hoping that it isn’t a hideous experience.
Fluent Brittish:
Yup. They are rather big. I wouldn’t think it was too big, except when I think about additional basement space. We are going to leave the vast majority of it unfinished as storage. Probably just have a family room, MAYBE one bedroom, bathroom and eventually? A space for a recording studio. THAT is WWWWAAAAAYYYYY down the road though. So, I am not going to worry about it.
Amy J:
You don’t have to have kids to recognize a good floor plan. I think that everyone’s consensus about the exterior and plan is similar.
Kristen:
Oh, I have a feeling that I am going to be doing a ton of things like that. I also plan on scouring flooring stores for remnants and discounted flooring. I also prefer commercial grade carpet (on any budget). I know it’s weird, but I just prefer it and it’s cheaper.
Connie:
I am really thinking that there is a TON we can do with the outside of A, so I am focusing more on the floor plan.
I didn’t expect to find this lot, or we would definitely NOT be building at this stage. Sigh…
azarches:
I loved your comment. I had thought about having the laundry upstairs (And the stackable in the master closet, actually!) Here is the thing. I want to (hopefully) be in this house in my old age. So, I do not want my laundry upstairs when my bedroom is on the main floor.
My kids are old enough to lug their own laundry. If we have more, they are on the main floor until they are older, anyway, so I kept it on the main.
I would also eliminate the second bath upstairs and create more space for Jon’s office. I only want One full bath on the second floor. The master bath and half bath on the first floor and one in the basement when we finish it. (NOT a fan of cleaning bathrooms)
Craig:
Because of our sloping lot, the house will be modified for a walkout basement, which means that both houses will have a deck. I do like the porch of the second one. Over all, the whole thing is just cuter.
And? I don’t think Jon and I have gone to bed before midnight more than a handful of times in our lives. I really don’t think that would end up being a huge problem. Good to think about, though.
SparklieSunShine:
It’s going to be a toughie issue.
Sarah:
You could totally have the cupboard under the stairs. ;)
Camille:
Having people who have done it in the past and who work in the industry certainly helps, that is for sure.
Heather B:
I do like the second one a lot. One, it would be more affordable and would have less rooms to worry about and the exterior is cuter to me.
May 19th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Backpacking Dad says:
Here’s wishing you good luck and good relationships.
We tried to do a remodel on our house using an uncle and my FIL as general contractors and drafstmen. The house sits there, unfinished. We started that project in March 2007 and we don’t talk to FIL any more and are barely speaking to the uncle.
I hate my apartment.
Backpacking Dads last blog post..Erin Goes to Super-Con
May 19th, 2008 at 10:38 am
loralee says:
GAH!
That would totally suck.
No WAY would my inlaws be like that, though. I can only say that with confidence because I’ve seen them on way too many projects like this one. They are sickeningly energetic, organized and productive.
It makes being the only 10 toed sloth in the family difficult. They would be the people hauling my lazy ass up to help on the house. Sigh.
I am terrified of non-relative contractors, though. My friend put in a deck and OMG the hell that project turned into for her!
Although, the one thing I have in my corner is that my FIL has worked with so many of them that he can tell me who has a good record. Plus, if they have a good working relationship, I am hoping that will help ensure things go smoothly.
I know crap is going to happen though. I just worry about how MUCH. :S
May 19th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Megan says:
I love them both! How fun, but I do not envy you. Well building a custom home is like a dream come true, but I hate decision making. I would have to win the lottery and hire a designer to make all my decisions.
May 19th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Angella says:
Ack! I hate decisions of this nature!
I’m leaning towards B, though. I, too, like the Craftsman style.
And, um, what baby?!? What did I miss?!?
Angellas last blog post..Blog Nosh
May 19th, 2008 at 11:59 am
loralee says:
Megan:
Oh, if ONLY. I am sooooo not looking forward to the gazillion decisions involved. That’s why I’m starting to think of stuff NOW.
Angella:
Oh, there isn’t a baby yet. I just know that we want to have another one, but we MUST have more room. We are in 1,100 sq ft and there is just no way we can do it in our current situation. :S
May 19th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
loralee says:
Also…Giving it more thought, the garage door thing keeps bugging me on view A. BUT. I still prefer the floor plan.
So, I think I have a solution (assuming a builder says it can happen).
I am fine not having a three car garage. I would probably want to keep the garage a two car and turn it and also add a porch to view A that is similar to view B and use similar exterior building materials. It would vastly improve the curb appeal.
May 19th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
lceel says:
Or, with View A, you could just move the garage doors over to the side, putting windows in the front facing walls. That way you would have a two-car garage with a nice storage area where you could put washup area, extra freezer and/or refrigerator, etc.
lceels last blog post..Where did the day go?
May 19th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
lceel says:
Just so I’m perfectly clear - draw a line in View A under the words ‘3 Car Garage’ that goes all the was across the garage. The left end of the line touches the wall where the garage doors will be. The right end of the line, between the ‘E’ in garagE and the rightside wall, crosses the area which would be the washup/refrigerator/freezer area.
lceels last blog post..Where did the day go?
May 19th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Shamelessly Sassy says:
I like the exterior of B and the interior of A. Which is not helpful at all, but I thought I’d throw my opinion into the ring.
Shamelessly Sassys last blog post..Chasing the Ice Cream Truck
May 19th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Schnozz says:
Dude, I can’t even imagine PICKING OUT A HOUSE PLAN. I had to pick out a rug and that nearly killed me. Good for you for knowing what you want and finding a few awesome plans!
May 19th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Marilyn says:
I love the exterior of B! Actually, I really dig the wood doo-hickeys at the peaks. Getting to plan your own house sounds like a dream come true!
Marilyns last blog post..How is it different?
May 19th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
ie says:
I really, really love the floor plans on the first house. If you make the changes to the elevation with the siding, shingles etc., then you will get the look of the second elevation, but with a way better floor plan.
I do prefer the look of the second elevation. There’s too much (imo) “vaultedness” of rooms in the second house.
And if you’re going to build, build big!
May 19th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Melain says:
OH GOODIE! HOUSEPLANS!!! My specialty.
If you could figure out a way to slap the upstairs floorplan of the first house onto the downstairs floorplan of the second house, then you’ve got yourself a beaute! You’ll want 2 sinks in your kid’s bathroom and I don’t know ANYONE who doesn’t hate their two-story great room.
The only real flaw in the downstairs of #2 is that your nursery bathroom doesn’t have a tub! Don’t know many infants/toddlers/kids-younger-than-12 who take showers…
As they are, I would probably give #2 my ultimate vote, but only if you’re planning on a basement in that one as well. Then the kids can use part of the basement as a playroom. Wouldn’t want them to lose that option!
This is my opinion on the matter.
Melains last blog post..This is your brain while moving.
May 19th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Sterkworks says:
Not to completely throw you over the edge, but have you checked out http://www.zhouseplans.com/. Utah based and some great plans. That is where I do all my dreaming/planning.
May 19th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
holli says:
I am going to definitely trail you on this.. we don’t know what we’re going to do - just talking about it causes huge arguments. We have talked about building a house just so we can split into two different areas to accomodate decorating tastes. I like #2.
hollis last blog post..Headbanger’s ball. [Flickr]
May 19th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
The Over-Thinker says:
Plan A Floorplan=LOVE
Plan B Exterior=LOVE
Which one is my room? I won’t even need furniture–I’ll just borrow your brother’s magical inflating-deflating air mattress! And I’ll baby-sit at least once a year. Pinky-swear.
The Over-Thinkers last blog post..Hot Damn! I have a blog!
May 19th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Kerri Anne says:
Am I the only one who always wanted to learn to draw house plans and pretty architect-looking houses like those?
I vote for B. Very lovely.
(Here’s to decisions! And house-warming gifts, woot!)
Kerri Annes last blog post..What I Think About When I Don’t Sleep At Night
May 19th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Holly says:
You know you’re not supposed to be looking at house plans, especially Craftsman house plans, without me! What you need is a hybrid of the two plans. Before you go any further I would suggest you check out Sarah Susanka’s book The Not So Big House. If you like the philosophy it will change the way you think about the process you’re undertaking. I’ll be back in Logan next week (yea!) if you want my expert advice.
Hollys last blog post..A is for Aalto, B is for Breuer
May 19th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Summer says:
I agree with what everyone has said already; I like the second one because of the less intrusive nature of the garage. I also like the homier outward appearance.
What, no fireplaces? If I ever got a change to built, I’d have at least one fireplace:)
May 19th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Jack says:
I am always a fan of more space, provided the it is truly functional. All too often I have seen people get themselves into homes that have space, but ridiculous layouts.
May 19th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Mr Lady says:
#1, fugly outside and all. Fo sho.
Mr Ladys last blog post..Winds of Change
May 20th, 2008 at 1:52 am
Amber says:
Wow, I like them both a lot. I am also a fan of Craftsman houses, though my very favorites are always Tudor. I think I actually like the second one better, but for strange reasons, like when I was a kid I was indoctrinated against garages that stick out of the front of the house. Also, I tend to prefer smaller spaces. But then again, I don’t have 2+ kids.
Ambers last blog post..My Sister the Rock Star
May 20th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Barbara Ling says:
Congrats on your choices…but do beware regarding contractors. I wrote the book Avoiding The Contractor From Hell after I was scammed to the tune of 26K.
I hope your experiences are better than mine!
Barbara
Barbara Lings last blog post..21 Days to a more profitable blog - Day 1! Internalize from where online money comes.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Erin Evans Taylor says:
I am one who buys architecural magazines with home plans in them for leisure! Hey, Merritt is a loan officer, if you need one, and he’ll charge you less then anyone! (He feels guilty making money on loans- even though it’s his living!) Seriously, have him do it! He’s honest, and confidential- he wouldn’t even tell me the dirty financial details of my own mother’s loan!
Erin Evans Taylors last blog post..My Blog is Suffering
May 20th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Bridge says:
Lor…
I way prefer the first houseplan for all the reasons you explained to me. It flows better as well.
I do agree with you as well as liking the second outside better.
I am sure the garage can be turned and you could build a bigger porch on the first one. I think the switch wouldn’t be too terrible to make.
Bridges last blog post..Bath/Stonehenge… The Plan
May 20th, 2008 at 9:58 am
sadira says:
I live in a 1925 1,157 sqft. craftsman style house…this after living in a 695 sqft craftsman style from 1915…they are my absolute favorites! There are tons on wonderful details in the vintage ones, and I am super excited they are updating the floor plans and making them easier for today’s lifestyle…I mean, usually the older ones had only 1 bathroom (mine do…yikes!) Good luck with whichever one you choose, they are both great styles…
sadiras last blog post..Meme + More PIctures of the Hike With Z…
May 20th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Julie says:
I love both plans. It looks like that we have been looking for plans at the same place. I am so happy for you! How exciting.
Julies last blog post..Our Future Home
May 20th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
loraleeslooneytunes.com » House exterior that I love AND I now own one pair of “Cute” shoes to take to BlogHer. says:
[…] remember how lots of you didn’t really care for the exterior of the house plan that I love? Let me refresh your memory: I have been driving all over Cache Valley looking at house exteriors […]
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:24 pm
senorlimpio says:
Excellent read! Thanks
August 5th, 2008 at 7:03 pm