House Plan Blog

Top House Plan Design Trends Buyers Love Right Now
Top House Plan Design Trends Buyers Love Right Now
|Dana Gibson
When it comes to choosing a house plan, buyers aren’t just looking at square footage—they’re responding to how a home feels. Based on our recent house plan sales, three design styles... Read more...
First Floor Master Suite a Must-Have for Comfort & Convenience
First Floor Master Suite a Must-Have for Comfort & Convenience
|Dana Gibson
When shopping for a home plan, one feature consistently rises to the top of wish lists: a first-floor master suite. Whether you’re building a forever home or simply want a layout... Read more...
A Better View from the Kitchen
A Better View from the Kitchen
|Dana Gibson
When you’re choosing a house plan, the kitchen location can make a bigger impact on daily life than you might expect. One increasingly popular layout is the front-view kitchen — that... Read more...
Why Colonial Style House Plans Continue to Stand the Test of Time
Why Colonial Style House Plans Continue to Stand the Test of Time
|Dana Gibson
Some home styles come and go, but Colonial style house plans have remained a favorite for generations. At Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc., Colonial homes continue to be among our most... Read more...
3 Reasons Two-Story House Plans Deliver More Value
3 Reasons Two-Story House Plans Deliver More Value
|Dana Gibson
When deciding between a one-story and a two-story house plan, it’s important to understand the practical advantages of building up instead of out. Here are three of the most important... Read more...
Open Concept Living: Why It’s the Heart of a Modern Home
Open Concept Living: Why It’s the Heart of a Modern Home
|Dana Gibson
Open concept living isn’t just a trend — it’s a lifestyle! From flexible multi-use spaces to sun-soaked interiors and layouts that just make sense, open concept designs help families live, work,... Read more...
How to Read a House Plan Like a Pro
How to Read a House Plan Like a Pro
|Dana Gibson
Buying a house plan is exciting, but for many homeowners, the floor plans, elevations, and technical details can feel overwhelming. At Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc., we believe that understanding a... Read more...
The Top 3 House Plan Modifications That Give the Biggest Bang for Your Buck
The Top 3 House Plan Modifications That Give the Biggest Bang for Your Buck
|Dana Gibson
When building your dream home, small changes to a house plan can have a huge impact — improving comfort, functionality, and even resale value. At Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc., we’ve... Read more...
Why a House Plan Is One of the Smartest Investments in Building Your Home
Why a House Plan Is One of the Smartest Investments in Building Your Home
|Dana Gibson
When it comes to building a new home, most people focus on big-ticket items like land, materials, and labor — and understandably so. But there’s one crucial piece of the... Read more...
From Back Room to Heart of the Home: How Kitchens Have Evolved
From Back Room to Heart of the Home: How Kitchens Have Evolved
|Dana Gibson
The kitchen has come a long way. What was once a utilitarian space tucked away in the back of the house has become the true heart of the home — a... Read more...
7 Common Fears When Choosing a House Plan (and How to Overcome Them)
7 Common Fears When Choosing a House Plan (and How to Overcome Them)
|Dana Gibson
Choosing the perfect house plan is one of the most exciting parts of building your dream home — but it can also feel overwhelming. At Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc., we... Read more...
3 Important Things Homeowners Miss When Choosing a House Plan
3 Important Things Homeowners Miss When Choosing a House Plan
|Dana Gibson
Picking a house plan is one of the most exciting steps in the home-building journey — but it’s also easy to get swept away by pretty renderings or trendy layouts.... Read more...
Modern Farmhouse Style House Plans: Classic Charm Meets Contemporary Living
Modern Farmhouse Style House Plans: Classic Charm Meets Contemporary Living
|Dana Gibson
The modern farmhouse style has become one of the most popular trends in home design — and for good reason! It perfectly blends the warmth and charm of traditional farmhouses with... Read more...
Advantages of Ranch Style: Comfortable, Convenient, and Classic
Advantages of Ranch Style: Comfortable, Convenient, and Classic
|Dana Gibson
Ranch style homes have been a favorite for generations — and it’s easy to see why. With their single-floor living, open layouts, and simple design, Ranch homes are perfect for anyone... Read more...
Moderate-Sized House Plans: Smart, Comfortable, and Efficient
Moderate-Sized House Plans: Smart, Comfortable, and Efficient
|Dana Gibson
Big homes have their appeal, but there’s something special about a moderate-sized house. Not too big, not too small — just the right amount of space to live comfortably, stay cozy,... Read more...
House Plans with Great Front Porches
House Plans with Great Front Porches
|Dana Gibson
There’s something timeless about a front porch. It’s the perfect spot to sip your morning coffee, wave to a passing neighbor, or simply enjoy a quiet evening as the sun... Read more...
The Secret Perk of Bonus Rooms: More Space Without the Extra Cost
The Secret Perk of Bonus Rooms: More Space Without the Extra Cost
|Dana Gibson
When you're choosing a home plan, one of the smartest ways to get more space without stretching your budget is by choosing a design with a bonus room. At Donald A.... Read more...
Big Style in a Small Package: Why Small House Plans Are a Smart Choice
Big Style in a Small Package: Why Small House Plans Are a Smart Choice
|Dana Gibson
When it comes to building your dream home, bigger isn't always better. In fact, more and more homeowners are choosing small house plans for their efficiency, affordability, and surprisingly spacious feel.... Read more...
Embrace the View: Mountain House Plans Perfect for Sloped Lots
Embrace the View: Mountain House Plans Perfect for Sloped Lots
|Dana Gibson
If you’re dreaming of a home nestled in the foothills or perched high among the peaks, mountain house plans are the perfect fit for your scenic lot. Designed to blend with... Read more...
Why Duplex House Plans Are Growing in Popularity — And 4 Reasons to Consider One
Why Duplex House Plans Are Growing in Popularity — And 4 Reasons to Consider One
|Dana Gibson
If you’ve been exploring your options for building a new home or investing in real estate, you’ve probably come across duplex house plans. Once considered a niche option, duplexes are now... Read more...
Why We Love Screened-In Porches (and Think You Will Too)
Why We Love Screened-In Porches (and Think You Will Too)
|Dana Gibson
When you're exploring house plans on our website, you're likely dreaming about the big picture—open-concept living, the perfect number of bedrooms, and just the right amount of square footage. But... Read more...
How Our Review Sets Help You Choose the Right House Plan
How Our Review Sets Help You Choose the Right House Plan
|Dana Gibson
Why Digital House Plans Can’t Be Returned — and How We Help You Decide With Confidence Building your dream home is a big decision, and we understand that choosing the... Read more...
Why You Need an Engineer to Review Your House Plans
Why You Need an Engineer to Review Your House Plans
|Dana Gibson
When you’re planning to build a home one of the most important (and sometimes overlooked) steps is making sure your plans meet local building codes. While stock house plans are... Read more...
How to Select a House Plan That Truly Fits Your Lifestyle and Future Needs
How to Select a House Plan That Truly Fits Your Lifestyle and Future Needs
|Dana Gibson
Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing a House Plan That Doesn’t Fit Their Lifestyle Choosing a house plan is one of the most exciting parts of building your dream home... Read more...
Can We Afford to Build It?
Can We Afford to Build It?
|Dana Gibson
One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning their dream home is underestimating how much it actually costs to build. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that the house... Read more...
How Accurate Are Online Home Construction Calculators?
How Accurate Are Online Home Construction Calculators?
|Dana Gibson
If you’re planning to build a home, you’ve probably come across online construction cost calculators that claim to tell you exactly what your dream home will cost. While these tools... Read more...
The High Pointe House Plan 713 | Rendering-to-Reality – Interior Finishes
The High Pointe House Plan 713 | Rendering-to-Reality – Interior Finishes
|Dana Gibson
The High Pointe Plan 713 is currently under construction in Lesage, West Virginia! Elite Builders and Contracting, LLC is bringing this stunning design to life, and we’re documenting every step... Read more...
Stock House Plans: Smart, Simple, Affordable
Stock House Plans: Smart, Simple, Affordable
|Dana Gibson
When you imagine building a new home, you might think you need to hire an architect to design it from scratch — but for over a century, millions of homes... Read more...
Not All House Plans Have Them – Make Sure Your's Does
Not All House Plans Have Them – Make Sure Your's Does
|Dana Gibson
So, you're on the hunt for the perfect house plan. You've got your checklist ready: spacious kitchen, cozy utility room, and a bathroom that's both functional and fabulous. But have... Read more...
Setbacks Can Set You Back
Setbacks Can Set You Back
|Dana Gibson
When you're planning to build your dream home, there’s a lot more to consider than just floor plans and paint swatches. One often overlooked — but critically important — element... Read more...
Are House Plans Purchased Online Safe?
Are House Plans Purchased Online Safe?
|Dana Gibson
In an age where nearly anything can be purchased online—from groceries to cars—it's only natural to wonder: Are house plans bought online actually safe to use? While online house plans... Read more...
Why Architectural Plans Are Worth the Investment (Even When They Seem Expensive)
Why Architectural Plans Are Worth the Investment (Even When They Seem Expensive)
|Dana Gibson
When you're building a home, it's easy to get sticker shock from the cost of architectural plans. It can be tempting to cut corners, download a generic plan online, or... Read more...
Whats the deal with Barndominiums?
Whats the deal with Barndominiums?
|Dana Gibson
Have you ever heard of a Barndominium and thought, "What in the world is that?" Well, fear not, because we're here to break it down for you in the most... Read more...
Custom vs. Stock – Which Plan Is Right for You?
Custom vs. Stock – Which Plan Is Right for You?
|Dana Gibson
When you’re ready to build your dream home, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is whether to buy a stock house plan or hire an architect to create... Read more...
Front rendering of The Azalea Crossing house plan 849.
6 House Plans That Bring Country Charm
|Echo Jones
Country house plans are known for their welcoming porches, charming architectural details, and cozy, livable interiors. Country-style homes offer a sense of warmth and relaxation that never goes out of... Read more...
Coastal house plan - Front rendering of The Hyacinth house plan 856.
Shore Thing: 5 Stunning Coastal House Plans
|Echo Jones
There’s nothing quite like the serenity of a coastal home. Whether you’re planning to relocate full-time or dreaming of a seasonal getaway, coastal house plans offer the perfect escape when... Read more...
Dusk front rendering of The Billy house plan 1641.
The Billy House Plan 1641 | Tiny Modern Home
|Echo Jones
The Billy house plan 1641 is now available!  With its sloping modern roofline and striking stone fireplace, this tiny house plan from Donald A. Gardner Architects is sure to impress.... Read more...
Front exterior of Contemporary house plan 1272, The Clearlake.
Contemporary House Plans with Photos: 5 Stylish Designs to Explore
|Echo Jones
Contemporary house plans are known for their clean lines, open interiors, and seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living. These designs often feature a mix of natural materials, expansive windows,... Read more...
Front exterior of The Tanglewood house plan 757.
Versatile and Popular: 3-Bedroom Floor Plans to Consider
|Echo Jones
Three-bedroom house plans are among the most versatile and in-demand home designs on the market. Perfect for families, couples, and even empty nesters, a three-bedroom layout offers the ideal balance... Read more...
Master suite of The Sarafine house plan 1403.
Luxury Master Suite: Features That Redefine Comfort and Elegance
|Echo Jones
When it comes to designing a home that offers true comfort and sophistication, the master suite stands as the crown jewel. A luxury master suite isn't just a bedroom, it's... Read more...
Master bathroom of The Chaucer house plan 1379.
4 House Plans with Spa-Quality Master Bathrooms
|Echo Jones
A well-designed master bathroom is more than a functional space — it can be a personal sanctuary where luxury meets tranquility. These spa-quality bathrooms go far beyond the basics, offering... Read more...
Front exterior of The Rometta house plan 1210.
The Rometta Photography | House Plan 1210
|Echo Jones
We have new photography of The Rometta house plan 1210! This stunning home was built by RUBIX Luxury Builder in Burns, Tennessee, as the personal residence of the builder. Set... Read more...
Front exterior of The Lennon house plan 1300.
Cottage Living: Warm, Welcoming, and Wonderfully Simple
|Echo Jones
When you picture a cottage, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s a quaint home tucked into a forest clearing, a vine-covered porch, or the warm glow of a fireplace on... Read more...
Front rendering of The High Pointe house plan 713.
The High Pointe House Plan 713 | Rendering-to-Reality – Exterior Finishes
|Echo Jones
The High Pointe Plan 713 is currently under construction in Lesage, West Virginia! Elite Builders and Contracting, LLC is bringing this stunning design to life, and we’re documenting every step... Read more...
Front rendering of The Rilynn house plan 1589.
3 Small Modern Farmhouse Designs That Live Large
|Echo Jones
Small modern farmhouse designs offer the perfect blend of charm, comfort, and functionality. These homes prioritize efficient layouts and smart use of space without sacrificing style. Signature farmhouse elements—such as... Read more...
Above and Beyond: House Plans with Stunning Decorative Ceilings
Above and Beyond: House Plans with Stunning Decorative Ceilings
|Echo Jones
When dreaming about your perfect home, it’s easy to focus on the layout, flooring, or even the kitchen backsplash. But one feature that often gets overlooked—yet makes a massive visual... Read more...
Front rendering of The Everett house plan 1468.
Narrow House Plans: Sleek, Stylish, and Space-Savvy
|Echo Jones
Narrow house plans are redefining what’s possible on compact lot widths, proving that you don’t need a wide footprint to create a spacious, stylish, and highly functional home. These thoughtfully... Read more...
Dusk front rendering of The Shady Grove house plan 262.
The Shady Grove Plan 262 | New Renderings
|Echo Jones
The Shady Grove house plan 262 has a new look!  Designed by Donald A. Gardner Architects, this charming rural cabin offers an ideal setting for either a cozy primary residence... Read more...
Island kitchen of The Chaucer house plan 1379.
6 Must-See House Plans with Gorgeous Gourmet Kitchens
|Echo Jones
A luxurious kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it’s the heart of the home, designed for both beauty and function. Gourmet kitchens today boast thoughtful layouts, high-end appliances,... Read more...
Dusk front rendering of The Crenshaw house plan 1156.
The Crenshaw Plan 1156 | New Renderings
|Echo Jones
The Crenshaw house plan 1156 has a new look!  Perfect for long and narrow lots, this thoughtfully designed home by Donald A. Gardner Architects maximizes every inch of space. Its... Read more...