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. Gardner Architects, we believe in giving homeowners flexibility—and that includes how much you're paying for usable space.
What is a Bonus Room—and Why Is It a Great Deal?
Let’s start with the basics. When residential home designers calculate the price of a plan, it’s usually based on the total living square footage. This includes only the spaces that are finished, heated, and cooled—the areas where you’ll eat, sleep, relax, and entertain.
It doesn’t include:
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Garages
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Covered porches
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Unfinished basements
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And most importantly… bonus rooms
That means the square footage of a bonus room is essentially free in terms of the plan's pricing. You're not being charged for that extra space. (Note: not all designers calculate this way—some may include the bonus room in the plan’s square footage and cost. That’s why it pays to ask!)
At Donald A. Gardner Architects, when we label a space as a “bonus room,” it truly is a bonus—you’re not paying for that square footage in the base cost of the plan.
Flexible Use: Finish Now or Save for Later
Bonus rooms offer fantastic flexibility. You can:
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Leave it unfinished and use it as extra storage
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Finish it during construction to immediately enjoy more living space
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Or prepare it for future use, knowing you can easily finish it later
While some homeowners choose to leave the bonus room unfinished at first, many opt to have it completed during the initial build. Why? Because it’s cheaper and easier to finish while the house is being constructed—your builder is already there, and all the materials and labor are readily available.
Even if you use the finished space as storage for now, you’ll appreciate having the room ready to go when your family grows, you start working from home, or you need a guest retreat or hobby space.
A Few Plans with Excellent Bonus Rooms
Looking for inspiration? Here are three popular home plans that offer exceptional bonus room spaces:
The Mitchell – Plan #1413
A Craftsman style hillside walkout design, the Mitchell is perfect for families who want flexible space. The upstairs bonus room sits over the 3-car garage and can be finished to serve as a playroom, home office, or guest suite.
The Sawyer – Plan #1422
With its open layout and elegant details, the Sawyer also features a generous bonus room over the garage. This space is ideal for future expansion or a quiet hideaway, tucked away from the main living areas.
🏡 The Landry – Plan #1291
The Landry offers classic curb appeal and a thoughtful layout. Its bonus room is spacious and full of potential—whether you want to create a home theater, teen hangout, or fitness studio.
Final Thoughts: A Bonus Room is Smart Design
Whether you finish it now or later, a bonus room gives you room to grow—without increasing your plan’s total living square footage cost. It's a budget-friendly way to future-proof your home and adapt to your family's changing needs.
At Donald A. Gardner Architects, we're here to help you find the plan that fits your life, today and tomorrow. Browse our full collection of house plans and discover more homes with flexible bonus room options
