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. At Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc., we’ve seen countless homeowners make smart, informed decisions by looking beyond the surface.
Here are three of the most important — and most overlooked — factors to keep in mind when choosing your dream home design.
1. How the Home Fits the Lot
A great floor plan can lose its charm if it doesn’t suit the land it’s built on. Your lot’s slope, sunlight, and views all play a huge role in how your home looks and feels. A design meant for a flat site may not work on a hillside, and a plan full of rear-facing windows might miss your best view if the orientation isn’t right.
Pro Tip: Always match the plan to your property — not the other way around. Our team can help you find designs that complement your lot’s unique features beautifully.
2. How You’ll Live Day-to-Day
A home should feel as good to live in as it looks on paper. Many people focus on square footage or style but forget to consider everyday flow and functionality. Think about how you move through your day: bringing in groceries, managing laundry, entertaining, or relaxing in quiet spaces.
Pro Tip: Mentally walk through a typical day in the plan. Look for practical details — like a mudroom by the garage, smart storage near entries, and open sightlines where they matter most.
3. How Well It Adapts to the Future
Your needs will change, and your home should be able to change with them. Many homeowners overlook future flexibility — features that make it easy to adapt as life evolves. Whether that means adding a home office, creating space for guests, or planning for aging in place, flexibility now means fewer renovations later.
Pro Tip: Look for plans with bonus rooms, main-level primary suites, and layouts that allow for simple adjustments down the road.
Build with Confidence
Choosing a house plan is more than finding a layout you love — it’s about creating a home that fits your land, your lifestyle, and your future. At Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc., our award-winning collection of thoughtfully designed home plans makes it easier to find the perfect match.
Start exploring today and discover a plan that feels right today — and for years to come.
