House Plans & Home Design - The Plan Collection Blog https://test.theplancollection.com/rss/blog-feed The latest articles and ideas on home design, house building and home plans en-US Article 1 This is only a test testing Fri, 08 Mar 2024 12:20:00 -0500 Article 2 Dream House Wish List Ideas and Must Have Rooms If that home you’ve sketched and furnished in your mind can actually be yours, what would your top wishes be? Something practical like a walk-in closet? Or something a bit more outrageous like a bowling alley or basketball court? We did an informal survey of our users to come up with this Top 12 list of rooms and features – we can't wait to see what you dream up next! Wed, 10 Jan 2024 19:54:00 -0500 Article 3 Top Trends in House Design in 2024 The Plan Collection shares their predictions for the top home design trends in 2024. From AI technology to raising the roof (literally), you will definitely want to include these in your home build or remodel. Thu, 07 Dec 2023 13:39:00 -0500 Article 4 Roofing Materials, Costs, Styles – Which One is Right for Your Home? Your roof just might be the most important part of your home. It helps regulate the inside temperature and protects you from the outside world. So, the choices around roof type, material, and style are some of the most important when building a home! Here’s what to know. Fri, 01 Dec 2023 12:04:00 -0500 Article 5 Military Discount on House Plans The Plan Collection is proud to support our military and veterans with our 15% discount on all house plans and through our partnership with the Semper Fi Fund and their Shop to Support Program. Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:26:00 -0500 Article 6 What is a Floor Plan? A Complete Floor Plans Guide Understanding floor plans is an essential part of owning a house. Whether you are building your home, deciding on the best layout for your home renovations, or purchasing a house outright, here is how to read a floor plan and even design one of your own. Tue, 03 Oct 2023 10:58:00 -0400 Article 7 Simple House Plan Designs Low budget, simple house design can be beautiful, stylish, and save you thousands. If you build with energy efficiency in mind you can save even more. Choose the right house plan from our collection of affordable and easy-to-build plans. Start your journey towards a budget-friendly dream home now. Thu, 24 Aug 2023 08:51:00 -0400 Article 8 Differences Between a Split-Level and Two-Story Home Design Two-story and split-level homes both have multiple levels, but they aren’t exactly the same thing. Each option has a variety of pros and cons and there isn’t really a choice that’s inherently better across all building situations. It really comes down to your unique tastes, needs, and location. Mon, 17 Jul 2023 12:16:00 -0400 Article 9 Two-Bedroom Home Design: Great Style Mixed with Affordability and Efficiency Whether you are looking for a starter home, a vacation getaway – or thinking of downsizing – the answer may be a two-bedroom home design. From quaint but chic cottages and farmhouses to classic Georgian or Colonial, and artsy Craftsman styles, the two-bedroom home design provides a lot of variety and options. Fri, 16 Jun 2023 10:34:00 -0400 Article 10 10 Things to Know Before Building a House Whether you are building new or renovating your family home, there are certain things to keep in mind before breaking ground, so you don’t break the bank. Everything that can go wrong during construction doesn’t actually have to go wrong. Here are 10 ways to stay out of trouble. Wed, 31 May 2023 05:07:00 -0400 Article 11 The Pros and Cons of Multi-Generational Home Designs Multi-generational homes are a great way to share costs and spend quality time together as a family. They tend to be more popular outside of the USA – but the trend is growing domestically and for a good reason. Yet, there can be some major downsides, too – but not without a workaround. Wed, 03 May 2023 11:49:00 -0400 Article 12 Building New vs. Buying an Existing Home Building a home vs. buying one - which is right for you? There is no easy answer, as each method has pros and cons. Here are the main things to consider when choosing between the two for your new home. Wed, 19 Apr 2023 09:19:00 -0400 Article 13 Our Most Requested House Design Modifications Making modifications to stock house plans is quite common. Our designers are used to making the changes on a regular basis. To help ease your mind when requesting mods, we’ve put together a list of the most common modifications requested by our customers. Wed, 15 Mar 2023 12:52:00 -0400 Article 14 Home Building Trends: A Report from the 2023 International Builders' Show As a homeowner or industry professional, you're probably always looking for the latest and greatest in home construction and design. Wed, 22 Feb 2023 08:59:00 -0500 Article 15 6 Perfect Lake Home Designs There’s nothing quite like spending quality time at the lake with your loved ones. You just can’t beat the memories you make out on the water. These are our favorite waterfront property plans, including plans for uneven lots and wooded areas. Wed, 01 Feb 2023 12:51:00 -0500 Article 16 Top Trends in House Design in 2023 The Plan Collection shares their predictions for the top trends in home design in 2023. From floating sinks to butler's pantries, you will definitely want to include these in your home build or remodel. Fri, 09 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Article 17 Entertain in Style with These 8 Home Features Whether it’s a simple family gathering, a Fourth of July cookout, a birthday celebration, or a holiday reunion, there are things you can do to make entertaining at home enjoyable and stress-free. From trendy home features and furniture arrangement, here are several ideas to make your home an ideal entertaining place for family and friends. Tue, 15 Nov 2022 13:40:00 -0500 Article 18 Common Kitchen Design Mistakes & How to Avoid Them Great kitchen design is less about how it looks (which is also important) and more about how it works. Your kitchen is the most important room in the house, so you want to do it right. Here are 10 common design mistakes professional designers see in kitchens created by someone without experience. Mon, 07 Nov 2022 12:04:00 -0500 Article 19 10 Best Features for Kid-Friendly House Plans Your dream home has changed since you became a parent. Now, you want to make sure that the home you build serves all members of your family. Your children need a functional, safe place to grow up and the kid-friendly house plan that you choose should reflect that. Tue, 27 Sep 2022 10:22:00 -0400 Article 20 Popular Barndominium House Plans hat started out as customizing an existing barn for family living has evolved to include using a stock plan to build a metal barn and customize it to your needs. We've rounded up a few of our favorite (and bestselling!) barn and barn-inspired house plans to get you started. Mon, 12 Sep 2022 04:52:00 -0400 Article 21 The Best of the Bunch: Six View Lot Home Ideas If you own a lot with a great view, you’ll need a special house plan to really appreciate it. Whether your view is the mountains, a lake, or the city skyline, you’ll be able to enjoy the view no matter where you are in the house with our plans. Fri, 19 Aug 2022 13:44:00 -0400 Article 22 Garage Loft Ideas Garages with loft spaces are one of the unsung heroes of the home world. Adding a loft to your garage, or revamping the existing space, is one of the best things you can do for your home’s overall value, but also for yourself. Fri, 05 Aug 2022 09:05:00 -0400 Article 23 6 Elevated Beach House Plans For Your Summer Getaway Thinking about building a house at the beach or, as they say in New Jersey, down the shore? Living next to the ocean is great, but for the safety and integrity of your home, you have to plan for flooding, high winds, and erosion. The solution? An elevated beach house. Fri, 22 Jul 2022 04:52:00 -0400 Article 24 10 Cool Things to Include When Building Your New Home From smart technology to skylights for stargazing, mudrooms with pet washing stations, dual kitchen workstations and accent walls, there are so many cool features that you can include in your new home. Imagination and creativity are crucial but ultimately, your design should reflect who you are and your lifestyle. Thu, 07 Jul 2022 07:05:00 -0400 Article 25 How to Save Money When Building Your Home When building your own house, it’s normal to want to cut down on the cost, but it can be tricky to do this without also sacrificing the quality of your home. You can build the home of your dreams without breaking the bank by following these top 10 tips. Thu, 16 Jun 2022 09:54:00 -0400 Article 26 The A-Frame Home: Stylish and Timeless An innovative and striking style that captivated the architectural world in the 1930s, the A-Frame home continues to evolve decade after decade. From rustic cabins to scenic lake homes, tiny guest houses and grand residences, the A-Frame plan offers unique designs that are affordable and attractive. We look at the A-Frame home, its features, and the advantages and drawbacks of building one. Thu, 26 May 2022 05:02:00 -0400 Article 27 Farmhouse Backyard Ideas to Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space Ready to have a farmhouse chic backyard that’s worthy of a magazine cover? Whether you’ve just moved in or are revamping your living space, we’ve curated these fun and chic ideas that will help you create the farmhouse backyard of your dreams. Fri, 13 May 2022 02:29:00 -0400 Article 28 Bungalow vs. Cottage: What’s the Difference & Is One Better Than the Other? There are so many options to choose from when choosing a style for your home. If you like smaller, cozy homes, you might be wondering about the differences of a Bungalow vs. Cottage. Are they the same? Which one should you choose? Here’s what you need to know. Fri, 29 Apr 2022 05:05:00 -0400 Article 29 Small Lots Provide Opportunities for Amazing Home Designs From quaint and homey cottages and bungalows to Craftsman, contemporary and traditional styles, there is no dearth in exciting and inviting designs for homes built on small lots. We look at the potential of homes built on small lots, their pros and cons, and why they are gaining in popularity. Fri, 15 Apr 2022 03:37:00 -0400 Article 30 10 Reasons Why Your Home Needs a Flex Room Not so long ago, rooms in a home had defined and specific uses. Today, flex rooms are a hot trend in new builds and remodels – allowing homeowners to customize spaces as their lifestyles and needs change. Let us explore flex space, its importance, why every home should have it, and some ideas on how to use flex space in the home. Thu, 31 Mar 2022 15:33:00 -0400 Article 31 The Pros and Cons of Swimming Pools Installing a pool (or buying a house with one!) is a big choice with many social and financial factors to consider. We’ve listed the most common costs, problems, and benefits of having a pool for your consideration before you dive in. Thu, 17 Mar 2022 15:50:00 -0400 Article 32 Home Building Trends: A Report from the 2022 International Builders’ Show Each year, the best and the brightest in home design and construction gather at the International Builders’ Show. This year’s show in Orlando was no different, showcasing the latest innovations, products, and techniques in the industry. Here are the trends that won (as well as the ones that came pretty close). Thu, 03 Mar 2022 04:14:00 -0500 Article 33 What Are Millennials Looking for When Purchasing a Home? The Millennial generation certainly took its time in entering the real estate scene. But with more stable employment and low interest rates, Millennials are ready to invest in a home and embrace that American dream. In this article, we look at what Millennials are looking for in a home and how they are changing the home buying process. Fri, 18 Feb 2022 22:13:00 -0500 Article 34 Building an Off-Grid House: What You Need to Know Dreaming of going off the grid? You’re not alone. Conservative estimates put the number of American families living off-grid at 180,000 and that number is rising rapidly, especially after 2020. Here’s what to expect price and planning wise, including the top mistakes to avoid to save both money and legal trouble. Thu, 27 Jan 2022 03:15:00 -0500 Article 35 Vacation Homes: The Idyllic Getaway Spots for Relaxation With the huge push in the second home market, more Americans are thinking of making a permanent investment on that cabin in the woods, the cottage in the country, or the beach house. A second home away from crowded areas is a very attractive proposition. But is this the right time to buy that vacation home? Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of vacation homes – and look at the relaxing vacation plans available at TPC. Fri, 07 Jan 2022 00:25:00 -0500 Article 36 Top Trends in House Design for 2022 As trends for the home of 2022 are starting to emerge from architects, designers, and builders, experts predict more individuality and design freedom, including curves, anything but white (almost) in the kitchen, and patterns in hardwood floors. What else can we expect in 2022? The Plan Collection reports on 10 trends likely to define the 2022 home. Thu, 09 Dec 2021 05:41:00 -0500 Article 37 Home Office Design Ideas That Make “Work from Home” Appealing With Covid causing upheavals in lifestyles and work-related activities, people around the world were challenged to transform corners in bedrooms, hallways, and other areas of the home into workspaces. Today, with more Americans continuing to work remotely, we are seeing a redesigned home office: functional, attractive, and suited to the new needs of the work-from-home population. Thu, 18 Nov 2021 02:25:00 -0500 Article 38 Are Hallways in Design Plans Wasted Space? From its origins as a purely functional space where people moved around from one room to another, a modern hallway allows almost limitless freedom in design concepts. A beautifully built and designed hallway is an invitation to open that front door and discover what awaits inside. Let’s explore the ways to get the most of your hallway space. Fri, 05 Nov 2021 05:15:00 -0400 Article 39 10 Remarkable House Designs for Narrow Lots Slender building lot? No problem! Building a home on a narrow lot doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style, space, or livability. These ten homes highlight the variety in style and layout available in today's narrow lot homes. What's more? They are attractive and spacious. No matter your style, these homes could be just what you want. Thu, 21 Oct 2021 15:56:00 -0400 Article 40 What to Know before You Build Your Shed A shed is a versatile addition to your home's yard, serving many purposes: a storage space, a workshop, or even a getaway, like a She Shed. Whatever the purpose, you'll want to make sure to build the shed correctly. Here’s everything you need to know! Thu, 07 Oct 2021 04:33:00 -0400 Article 41 10 Great Mudroom Designs: From Layout to Amenities Mud Rooms are an essential part of any modern home as they serve as an important buffer between the outside world and the comfort of the home. While we have many popular home plans with mud rooms, these 10 are some of our favorites in style and size. Wed, 22 Sep 2021 20:19:00 -0400 Article 42 Why Ceilings Matter in House Design While high ceilings are among the dominant style features in recent years, ceilings themselves are often overlooked or given little thought by homeowners. It’s time to think about what’s up there and consider how ceilings -– whether high or low – can perk up a room and create a dramatic impact overhead. Wed, 08 Sep 2021 05:03:00 -0400 Article 43 Columns, Posts, Pillars, and Railings in Contemporary Homes Tracing their origins from the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Asia, classic columns and pillars give the exteriors and interiors of contemporary homes impressive and stylish looks. We focus on columns, posts, and railings and how they transform and enhance the look of the 21st century home. Tue, 24 Aug 2021 04:08:00 -0400 Article 44 What Makes a Cabin a Cabin: The Definitive Guide Traditionally, a cabin is a small house – situated on a lake, in the woods, or in a mountain setting – built from logs or lumber and simple tools. While the first cabins were not stylish or sophisticated, the 21st century cabin home can be designed and built with all the architectural flourishes. Wed, 04 Aug 2021 22:05:00 -0400 Article 45 What Is French Country Architecture? From the gorgeous landscapes, picturesque mountains, and rustic villages of the French countryside emerged what is defined as the French Country style. A mix of Old World charm, the rustic and fancy, this architectural design is a balanced combination of the simple, comfortable, and graceful. In this article, we learn more about the origins and elements of French Country style. Wed, 28 Jul 2021 10:55:00 -0400 Article 46 Common Bathroom Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Great bathroom design is less about how it looks (which is also important) and more about how it works. A new bathroom doesn't come cheap, so you want to do it right. Here are 10 common design mistakes professional designers see in a bathroom designed by someone without experience. Thu, 15 Jul 2021 01:36:00 -0400 Article 47 What Is a Construction Loan, and How Does It Work? Construction home loans are essentially mortgages for people who are building their own home (or doing major renovations!) instead of purchasing an existing home. Because of this, they have a bit of a different structure and requirements than a typical mortgage. Let us fill you in. Thu, 08 Jul 2021 06:24:00 -0400 Article 48 Pros & Cons of Out-of-the-Ordinary Foundations Just like architectural styles, there are unique and out-of-the-ordinary home foundations that may be more intriguing than basements, crawl spaces, and monolithic concrete slabs. It may be time to consider elevated foundations that are common in coastal and beachfront homes. Think piles, piers, and screw pile foundations that can be as versatile as the customary types. Fri, 02 Jul 2021 20:57:00 -0400 Article 49 Average Cost to Frame a House — Framing Lumber & Steel Prices Lumber, steel, and … shipping containers? A home’s frame is essentially its skeleton. When building a house, constructing the framing is the first step to bringing your blueprints to life. We’ve covered the common costs involved, the predicted timeline, and the materials needed so you can make the best of your build. Wed, 16 Jun 2021 18:52:00 -0400 Article 50 Texas Modern Style – Adapted to the State’s Climate and Landscape While ranches, Spanish-Mission homes, and mansions are associated with Texas, a different style has permeated the Lone Star State. Known as Texas Modern, it is architecture embedded in the history, climate, topography, traditions, economy, and culture of Texas. Let’s focus on Texas Modern’s attributes and why it’s adapted to the state’s terrain and climate. Wed, 09 Jun 2021 23:06:00 -0400 Article 51 What You Need to Know About Roof Pitch It’s all in the pitch – roof pitch, that is. One of the most visible aspects of a roof and a home, roof pitch matters in terms of the safety and aesthetic appeal of a home. We explore this feature, its importance, the varying degrees of pitch possible, and how it affects the roofing system. Thu, 20 May 2021 00:34:00 -0400 Article 52 What is a Barndominium? Following the Tiny House trend that got so much attention in recent years comes a new alternative in housing: the barndominium. This latest design option blends the look of a barn and its open spaces with the modern aesthetic of a condominium. Check out its features, benefits, and drawbacks – and why it’s popular. Wed, 12 May 2021 16:17:00 -0400 Article 53 Step-by-Step House Plan Search Finding the perfect plan for your dream home doesn’t have to be difficult! Because The Plan Collection has thousands of options to choose from, some might find searching our site a bit tricky, so we’ve created this step-by-step guide to make things even easier for you. Thu, 06 May 2021 12:40:00 -0400 Article 54 An In-Depth Look at How Much It Costs to Build a New Home Imagine all the "must-haves" you ever envisioned for your dream home – without settling for the next best thing on the market. Building a custom home is a considerable investment that presents many challenges, but think of the finished product and the satisfaction of having done it. Are you ready for the big step? Tue, 27 Apr 2021 19:27:00 -0400 Article 55 CAD: What Is It, and Why Should I Care? From sketchbooks and blueprints to today’s building-design software, architectural drawings have undergone an evolution. As digital technology permeates the architecture and home building fields, computerized images are slowly but surely replacing hand drawings. We focus on computer-aided design (CAD) and how it is changing the house plan industry. Thu, 15 Apr 2021 04:03:00 -0400 Article 56 Getting Landscaping & Gardens Ready for Spring Planting Spring is the perfect time to prepare your landscape or garden for summer elegance! We’ll walk you through exactly what you need to do this spring planting season to make sure you have a healthy, happy yard and garden filled with amazing blooms to enjoy when the warmer weather sets in. Thu, 08 Apr 2021 07:09:00 -0400 Article 57 What You Need to Know about Walkout & Daylight Basements The finished basement can add style, function, and value to a home. Recent remodeling trends include basement spaces that accommodate guests, work-at-home parents, relaxing spaces, and more. We focus on hot trends: the daylight basement and walkout basement, where you can just walk out onto a patio or walkway without stairs. Thu, 01 Apr 2021 14:55:00 -0400 Article 58 Pinning House Plans on Pinterest Pinterest is one of the world’s best databases for ideas, a social search engine with access to every single kind of inspiration you could possibly ask for. It’s the perfect resource for those looking to build a home. These house plans on Pinterest are the most current, popular, and stylish ones out there. Wed, 24 Mar 2021 11:48:00 -0400 Article 59 The Advantages of a U-Shaped House Design Focusing on the connection between indoors and outdoors, U-shaped house designs borrow from Spanish-Mexican haciendas and the perspectives of architectural pioneers Charles and Henry Green, Joseph Eichler, and Cliff Mays on the home’s relationship to natural light. Reinvented for contemporary times, the design makes sense for both traditional and modern homes. Tue, 16 Mar 2021 23:17:00 -0400 Article 60 10 Home Building & Design Trends from the International Builders' Show From The New American Home 2021, with its innovative design concepts, to the creative use of features in home spaces, the International Builders' Show highlighted some key trends that are likely to resonate in the architectural residential market. Here are home-building-design and product trends gleaned from virtual sessions at the IBS Show. Wed, 03 Mar 2021 20:37:00 -0500 Article 61 Tricks, Tips, and Uses for Architectural Trim Work Drab interior? Spruce it up with architectural trim and molding. All kinds of trim work – from wall frames and wainscoting to window trim and crown molding – can be used to dress up and personalize an interior that currently lacks personality. Here are tips and tricks on the ways to do this. Thu, 25 Feb 2021 09:20:00 -0500 Article 62 Modern Farmhouse: Contemporary Twist on a Classic Farmhouse design remains as captivating and appealing today as it was during the early Colonial period. The style – with its wide wraparound porch, simplicity, and coziness – has been reinvented to fit contemporary aesthetics. Explore the Modern Farmhouse design, its elements, and how to achieve the signature look in your home. Thu, 18 Feb 2021 10:37:00 -0500 Article 63 Stick-Built vs. Truss-Built Roof: The Pros and Cons of Each Some homes are designed using truss roofs and others using rafter (stick-built) roofs Here, we’ll explain both types, the differences between the two roof systems, and answer whether – and when – one may be better than the other. A hint: as with so many things, it depends. Thu, 11 Feb 2021 06:46:00 -0500 Article 64 8 Common Home Lighting Mistakes – And How to Avoid Them From lavish chandeliers and pendant lights to sconces and wall lamps, lighting your dream home can be tricky and challenging. Illuminating the home is part of its design and should figure into the building plan from the outset. We look at common lighting pitfalls and how to avoid them. Wed, 03 Feb 2021 21:06:00 -0500 Article 65 Winter Preparedness Checklist for Your Home There are many contingencies to prepare for when living in a cold-climate home – or building a new one. We’ve put together this list of common considerations to ensure that you live in comfort and safety, and your current home – or new build – lasts through many winters to come. Thu, 28 Jan 2021 02:55:00 -0500 Article 66 Is This the Year You Finally Build Your Dream Home? Is it “New Year, New Home” for you? Have you designed the perfect home in your mind, with beautiful features and fixtures? While there are challenges, consider the benefits of building a home that exactly matches your lifestyle. Before you take the leap, explore our tips, which will help the process run smoothly. Wed, 20 Jan 2021 21:37:00 -0500 Article 67 Why Multiple Bedroom Suites Are a Hot Feature in New Homes What can be more convenient than multiple master bedroom suites with all the amenities? As family needs and lifestyles evolve, an increasing number of Baby Boomers and young homeowners are looking at the flexibility and functionality of multiple suites. This is a hot trend that offers families the ultimate in comfort, luxury, and privacy. Tue, 12 Jan 2021 22:11:00 -0500 Article 68 What You Need to Know about Vertical Siding Want a more unique look in your home’s exterior facade? For sheer visual appeal and character, there’s nothing like the unconventional touch and charm that vertical siding adds to the home and its architectural features. We explore some of the ways vertical siding can enhance your home’s appearance both inside and out. Wed, 06 Jan 2021 01:22:00 -0500 Article 69 11 House Design Trends to Watch For in 2021 Ready to say goodbye to 2020? The new year will combine clean, modern, and sophisticated styles with function and purpose. Look for high ceilings, super-sized walk-in showers, double kitchen islands, Country and Farmhouse chic, and more. Let’s explore the design trends that will pop up in the American home in 2021. Wed, 09 Dec 2020 17:15:00 -0500 Article 70 13 Features to Consider for Your Outdoor Living Space Many of us have re-discovered outdoor living! We've also found out that there can be so much more to our outdoor living spaces than a table, a couple of chairs, and a grill. Are home improvement projects related to outdoor living near the top of your to-do list? If so, here are 13 outdoor living projects you can do to make your home more enjoyable now or what to consider adding to your dream home as an outdoor living space when planning and designing your next new build. Thu, 03 Dec 2020 03:30:00 -0500 Article 71 12 Home Shelter-in-Place Projects To Do During Covid-19 From having done comfort baking to sewing face masks and binge-watching TV during stay-at-home Covid-19, many of us are becoming restless. Why not take on long-avoided home projects like reorganizing spaces, perking up the interior, or freshening up the exterior. Here’s a suggested list as we shelter-in-place. Wed, 25 Nov 2020 03:07:00 -0500 Article 72 The Object of Our Lasting Affection… The Kitchen: Top Kitchen Design Styles and Floor Plan Ideas The kitchen is the heart of the home. So, when choosing a floor plan, the kitchen and surrounding space deserve your time and attention. What could you do to make the kitchen your dream kitchen? We explore today’s most popular kitchen design styles and kitchen floor plan layout ideas -- and how to make them work with your house plan. Tue, 24 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0500 Article 73 House Plan Cost-to-Build Estimator: What You Should Know When building a house, it’s important to track your costs throughout the project. So how do you know if you can include your favorite designs, materials, and other elements? By using The Plan Collection’s Cost-to-Build Report, you can create a realistic building budget for your dream home. Wed, 04 Nov 2020 15:06:00 -0500 Article 74 Pros and Cons of Crawlspace Foundations One of the three common foundations, crawlspaces may show up at the end of the list of features in a new home and are predominant in warm and dry climates. Here’s a closer look at the crawlspace foundation, its pros and cons, and its increasing numbers in certain regions of the country. Thu, 29 Oct 2020 03:25:00 -0400 Article 75 9 Ways Covid-19 May Affect the Future of Home Design As residential architects and designers rolled out their predictions for hot trends to expect in 2020, Covid 19 struck the whole world and changed the way we look at our homes. Let’s find out more about the new reality of residential design and use of specific features in the home during this challenging time. Thu, 15 Oct 2020 06:57:00 -0400 Article 76 Pros and Cons of Floor-to-Ceiling Windows Popular in contemporary home design, floor-to-ceiling windows are trendy, stylish, appealing, and attractive. As homeowners express interest in the design concept of these “walls of glass,” we take a closer look at their benefits and challenges – and find out if they really make sense for those in the market for new homes. Thu, 08 Oct 2020 04:09:00 -0400 Article 77 9 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Open Floor Plans A popular trend in home architecture, the open floor plan continues to fascinate home buyers and those looking to renovate older homes. If planned and decorated properly, a home with an open floor layout can be spectacular. We look at the challenges of open plan living – and how to avoid design mistakes. Wed, 30 Sep 2020 22:43:00 -0400 Article 78 Pros and Cons of Slab Foundations Monolithic slab foundations are an inexpensive, sturdy, long-lasting, and easy-to-install choice. But if something goes wrong with the underground plumbing, wiring – or the concrete slab itself – it’s not at an easy fix. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of this popular foundation choice for homeowners and homebuyers alike. Thu, 24 Sep 2020 08:19:00 -0400 Article 79 8 Trends in Home Architecture for 2020 If you’re building or remodeling a home in 2020, these 8 trends are the best place to start to ensure that your home is eco-friendly and stylish – and comes in under budget. We’ve even included bonus home style trends with classic design attributes that are making their comebacks. Thu, 10 Sep 2020 04:46:00 -0400 Article 80 Styles and Types of Windows – How to Choose the Best Fit How do you know if you’ve chosen the best type of window for your home if you don’t even know all the different choices available? We’ve included the most popular types of residential windows so you can make the best choice for your style and budget. Thu, 03 Sep 2020 11:14:00 -0400 Article 81 15 Home Decor Trends To Watch For in 2020 From earth tones to vibrant shades, teals and navy to patterns, curvy furniture, throwback details, indoor gardens and, of course, smart technology, it’s “anything goes” in 2020 home decor trends. Get ready to explore the designs that are popping up in the American home this year – and beyond. Tue, 25 Aug 2020 02:33:00 -0400 Article 82 Architectural Styles of Homes – A Guide from The Plan Collection Can you tell the difference between Coastal and Beachfront, Modern and Contemporary, or Traditional and Transitional? While these home styles have similarities, they’re distinct architectural plans with defining features. Here’s a guide to popular and trending styles that may not be top-of-mind for most Americans. Mon, 10 Aug 2020 23:15:00 -0400 Article 83 7 Flooring Trends To Look Out For in 2020 Move aside boring beige carpet! These 2020 flooring trends take classic designs and improve them by adding a modern twist. Whether you’re looking for the finishing touch for your new build or want to add some life to your remodel, here’s what's new in flooring for 2020. Thu, 23 Jul 2020 23:46:00 -0400 Article 84 12 Not-to-Miss Bathroom Design Trends in 2020 Tired of the old-fashioned vanity and utilitarian tub-shower in your bathroom? Ready to get rid of those eyesores and jazz up the boring floor and wall tiles? There are plenty of hot design trends in 2020 to spark your bathroom upgrade. Take notes as we walk through the innovative trends in bathrooms. Thu, 16 Jul 2020 06:59:00 -0400 Article 85 Carpenter Gothic: Rural Interpretation Cathedral Architecture The Old World meets New in Carpenter Gothic! Inspired by the grandeur of the towering cathedrals of Europe, this American home style is present nearly nationwide and can be adapted to suit local building materials and preferences. If you like a modern twist on a classic style — this is for you! Fri, 10 Jul 2020 17:13:00 -0400 Article 86 The Carriage House: Charming Architectural Classic An icon of a bygone era, the carriage house recalls the romantic appeal of stately manor homes. Before the automobile and garage, the carriage, or coach, house sheltered carriages and sometimes horses, hay, and a tack room. Larger ones also housed servants. Today, there are several adaptations of the original carriage house. Let’s explore them. Thu, 02 Jul 2020 03:22:00 -0400 Article 87 12 Unique House Plans That Are Sure to Stand Out While some homeowners gravitate to cookie-cutter homes, others dream of building a house that will stand out! That’s why we’ve put together this list of our favorite unique house plans. The homes have unusual features and floor plans that set them apart, adding to their functionality, curb appeal, fun, and livability. Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:52:00 -0400 Article 88 14 Trends for 2020 That Will Perk Up Your Kitchen From splashes of color to mix-and-match lighting, huge islands, showy backsplashes, warm finishes, sleek cabinetry, and smart technology, this year brings plenty of stylish kitchen design trends that may work for that “chef who needs the latest.” Here are popular kitchen trends that can spice up the heart of the home. Sat, 20 Jun 2020 01:28:00 -0400 Article 89 The Foursquare Home: Evolution of an American Architectural Style A simple, economic, and adaptable alternative for a population that had no interest in the ornate Victorian-era designs, the American Foursquare or “Prairie Box,” came into its own in the mid-1890s. Here’s a close look at the Foursquare, its elements, and “borrowed” features from other architectural styles that add to its appeal. Thu, 11 Jun 2020 06:32:00 -0400 Article 90 Pros and Cons of Side-Entry Garages As homeowners integrate garages into their design plans, they face a number of options for the structure – detached? attached? front-entry? rear-entry? side-entry? – that may fit their needs and wants. Here’s a look at the side-entry garage, its advantages, and why it may be right for your next home. Thu, 04 Jun 2020 07:03:00 -0400 Article 91 Symmetrical Houses: Features to Look For Symmetry is a popular architectural element for a reason. Because of the visual harmony of symmetrical homes, they tend to be one of the most popular and appealing options on the market. However, even if a home isn’t perfectly symmetrical, elemental balance is still essential. Here’s what you need to know. Thu, 28 May 2020 22:33:00 -0400 Article 92 Pros and Cons of Basement Foundations The cellar that merely stored wine, root vegetables, and other essentials has evolved into the basement – a comfortable, functional, and stylish living space for families. With technological advances and improvements in construction and maintenance, today’s basement provides extra space that families can turn into whatever they want. Here are the pros and cons. Wed, 20 May 2020 19:43:00 -0400 Article 93 Backyard Homesteading in the Age of Social Distancing Covid-19 has made social distancing part of our daily lives, causing many of us to consider becoming more self-sufficient. Homesteading is a way to do this and doesn’t necessarily mean going “off the grid” completely. Here are ways to adapt your home to homesteading – and some ideas on building new. Wed, 13 May 2020 22:17:00 -0400 Article 94 7 Ways to Make Shelter-in-Place More Enjoyable Covid-19 has more and more homeowners spending days on end at home – working, home schooling, and just trying to stay socially distant. Check out these creative ideas – for the long term and the short term – to turn your new home into an enjoyable spot to shelter in place. Fri, 08 May 2020 08:58:00 -0400 Article 95 1-Story vs. 2-Story Dream Home – Are You Ready to Decide? What’s your fancy? An amazing one-story home with a spacious Great Room and all the amenities on one level? Or a fabulous two-story home with the social and work spaces on the main level and living quarters on the upper level? Here are factors to consider when facing that decision. Thu, 30 Apr 2020 01:34:00 -0400 Article 96 Italianate Style: Renaissance Architecture in the New World Taking off in 1840 as “Federal” style faded into the background, the Italianate Style – with its decorative brackets and square towers – became the most popular architectural design in the U.S. until 1885. The style was primarily seen in grand country mansions and urban townhouses around the U.S. Thu, 23 Apr 2020 04:46:00 -0400 Article 97 Q&A on House Design with Sam Morgan: Ask the Experts With so many of us working from home, we thought we would take this time to virtually catch up with our expert house designers. Our first one-on-one interview is with Sam Morgan, a certified professional building designer (CPBD/AIBD CGP/NAHB), from SW Morgan Fine Home Design. Sam answers our customers’ most common questions about house plans and home construction. We also learn a bit more about what makes Sam’s home plans so popular. Tue, 14 Apr 2020 03:02:00 -0400 Article 98 10 Great Ways to Design a Loft Space Designing a loft space can be really tricky, as every square inch needs to have a purpose. To be successful, you need to plan ahead. With the right end goal in mind, you’ll be able to achieve a functional space that’s also very livable. Here’s how to do it. Thu, 09 Apr 2020 02:02:00 -0400 Article 99 Coronavirus Pandemic: What We Can All Do to Help The coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected hundreds of thousands throughout the world. However we, as a nation, are not ones to sit around feeling helpless. When crises and emergencies arise, including pandemics, we respond by doing what we do best, helping each other. The Plan Collection and its associates, along with many other companies, are doing what they can to assist those in need. Wed, 01 Apr 2020 09:16:00 -0400 Article 100 The Zero Energy Home: A Solar-Powered Glimpse Into the Future With a description like “Zero Energy Home,” can such a house’s design be exciting and attractive? The answer is yes. It’s rapidly rising in popularity because of the super-efficiency, green footprint, comfort, security, and healthy environment that it provides for families – and it can come in every size and architectural style. Fri, 27 Mar 2020 05:33:00 -0400