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Bungalow House Plans

2011-09-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

Bungalow house plans emphasize handcrafted beauty, detailed architectural design, and quality workmanship. There is a respect and deliberate use of natural materials including wooden shingles and clapboards, cobblestones and rough-faced brick, porch columns, and chimneys. Many have great, wide verandas. Bungalows are similar to Cottage house plans and Craftsman house plans. They are similar to Cottage house plans in architectural square footage and size, and many Bungalows have Craftsman style facades. From the19th century Arts and Crafts movement and Arts and Crafts movement revival that is currently occurring largely due to the economic and housing situation, Bungalow house plans are a very cost efficient home plan and offer complete use of the total living area square footages. “A Bungalow house plan is a type of house plan with varying meanings across the world. The term originated in India, deriving from the Gujarati બંગલો baṅgalo, which in turn derives from Hindi बंगला baṅglā, meaning ‘Bengali’ and used elliptically for a ‘house in the Bengal style’. “ (credit Wikipedia). Bungalow house plans are relatively small and a detached single family residence. They may be either one story or a single story with a loft. The loft, or partial second story, is built into a sloping roof usually accommodating dormered windows. Full vertical walls are therefore only seen on one story, at least on the front and rear elevations. Bungalows have a horizontal exterior design with asymmetrical, yet welcoming, front porches. Solid and compact with front and side gables, low pitched roofs, and exposed beams are definite Bungalow style. Bungalows have open living and dining areas with efficient use of all living space. Bungalows are considered very cost effective to build. Typical Bungalows are very convenient for the homeowner in that all living areas are on a single story with no stairs to navigate. A Bungalow is well suited to persons with impaired mobility, such as the elderly or those in wheelchairs. There are different types of bungalows. A Ranch Bungalow is a bungalow architecturally organized so that the bedrooms are on one side and the living and dining areas are on the opposing side. A Raised Bungalow is one in which the basement is partially above ground. A Chalet or Dormer Bungalow is a bungalow with a second story loft. So, if you are searching for that ideal home plan that offers loads of style and character with total use of living space at a cost efficient ratio, the Bungalow house plan may be right for you! Search www.houseplancentral.com today for your perfect bungalow house plan!

Cottage House Plans

2011-08-21T06:15:00.000-07:00

The word “cottage” may evoke images of charming storybook homes. Cottage Style House Plans may indeed mimic these fairytale homes in size and design style. They are generally one story and on the smaller side but may have square footages ranging from cozy on upwards. Cottages are thought to have been popularized by American pattern books from the 19th century. These small, quaint Cottage house plans are informal yet have unmerited attention to detail. Dormered windows and expansive bay windows with picturesque balconies add to this charm. Unique and quite often diamond shaped, decorative patterns, exquisite woodwork trim, and elegant arches are common Cottage components. Cottage house plans feature batten walls and vertical boarding. Paint combinations complete the Cottages’ style. Romantic and/or Victorian style flourishes with flowing, sweeping lines keep with the Cottage theme. Asymmetrical plans accented with individuality just make the Cottage.

So, whether YOUR Cottage is small and cozy or large and open, the attention to detail is a commonality. Find YOUR perfect Cottage House Plan here at www.houseplancentral.com!

Retreat Homes

2011-08-04T19:11:00.001-07:00

Retreat house plans are quite varied in style and even building location. The Retreat home plan search begins by answering, “What does retreat mean to you?” Retreat is defined as a get-away, a refuge, a place to take time out for reflection, to draw back, to move back, to recede. So, Retreat house plans reflect what “retreat”means to the home planner. The Retreat plans are as distinctive as the lots on which they are built. These home plans range from a cozy log cabin nestled on a wooded, mountain valley lot with a stream flowing by to a luxurious Spanish villa on a wild flower covered hillside gleaming golden in the sunshine to a Coastal pier and piling glass windows all around stunner on a beach-front lot with refreshing sea breezes. A Retreat style home plan may be a main residence, a vacation home, a second residence, a weekend home, or even a retirement home. With all the differentials, there is a common denominator—bringing the splendor of the outdoors and retreat location in! Great, picture-perfect windows are a retreat must! Open air living areas that constitute exceptional outdoor living areas are a signature of the Retreats. These outdoor living spaces include decks, porches, and lanais. All of which are perfect for enjoying the retreat views. Graceful flowing floor plans that have open living and dining areas with cozy to gourmet kitchens and soaking tub baths to luxurious spa-like baths add the touch of comfort and elegance to a Retreat home. These distinctive design features make the Retreats remarkable for both relaxing and entertaining. The welcoming, whether warm and/or stunning exteriors, may be combinations of brick, stone, stucco, shakes and even rough sawn timbers. Each construction material blends into the natural landscape of the Retreat adding the completing touch for the ideal Retreat house plan.
So, please remember! If you are searching for your perfect Retreat Home Plan, first define what “Retreat” means to you! Start your search for the perfect retreat home at www.houseplancentral.com!

Neoclassic House Plans

2011-05-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

Neoclassical House Plans, or Neoclassics, were inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. These classical architectural reflections have given the Neoclassics a sense of beauty and a dash of elegance. Two of the main architectural characteristics are the grand two-story porches with columns and the stately symmetrical design. Neoclassic styles have distinguished lines and are proportional. These homes are generally two or two and one-half stories. They may be constructed of brick, stone, stucco, or wood siding. Drawing upon a sense of simplicity, although it be on a grand scale, they still maintain stately dignity. Two-story porches with porch-supported columns are typical on Neoclassical homes. A prominent full width portico supported by classical wood or stone columns or Corinthian style pilasters are an identifier as they generally extend the full two stories. Symmetry is exhibited by the centered front door (or doors, as double doors may be used at the main entrance), balanced windows, matching winged porticos, and side and wing porches. Neoclassics incorporate double hung multi-pane, and of course symmetrically placed, windows that are conducive for great natural light flowing into the expansive square shaped rooms or rectangular shaped rooms. Neoclassical plan roofing is often a simple side gabled roof that includes roof-line balustrades. The interiors generally feature the elegant formal areas, the formal living room and the formal dining room on the front part of the home at the main entrance and the relaxed, private areas of the family room or den and the kitchen on the back. Ornate features such as, dentil molding below the cornices and detailed pediments at the doorways and windows keep with the design theme of stateliness with elegance. These dignified, classical touches decorate the exterior façade and transfer in the interior as well.
Neoclassical House Plans are grand, yet welcoming with the columned two-story porches. Neoclassics are symmetrical , yet stately with a touch of elegance. If these properties fit the criteria for your dream home plan, then the Neoclassic House Plan may be right for you! The Neoclassic’s architectural style of stately symmetry and clean lines are indeed beautiful and timeless!

Recycled Glass Kitchen Countertops

2011-05-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

Recycled glass, or exquisitely repurposed glass, is a great idea for kitchen countertops. You can express your own design style while respecting the earth with a green choice! These artful, artistic surfaces are incredibly strong and durable. The color palettes range from brilliant cobalt blues to shimmering champagne flints! These beautiful, durable, unique materials may be used anywhere natural stone is used including: countertops, vanity tops, tabletops, bar tops, tub decks, shower surrounds, hearths, fireplace surrounds, architectural wall cladding, and many more. Recycled glass is combined with a binder of cement, additives, pigments and other recycled materials. Most recycled glass countertops contain at least 85% of glass from recycling that uses glass from bottles, drinking glasses, automotive glass, stained glass, laboratory glass, post-industrial glass and many others (just picture that recycling bin!). The great element of these recycled glass countertops is that no two pieces are, nor ever will be, the same. It is a definite one-of-a-kind design feature. With the various hues, it is a home’s piece of art. Recycled glass countertops are comparable in strength, scratch resistance, thermal resistance, durability, and care and maintenance to granite. The porosity is generally better than that of marble, concrete, and some granite. The 85% composition of the countertops is impervious to staining thanks to the recycled glass component. The other 15% (the binder, concrete elements) just needs to be wiped away at the time of the spill. Acids like red wine, lemon juice, citrus juice, and vinegar may etch the matrix of the surface (the concrete, binder elements) if left for long periods of time and staining agents like coffee, tea, cola, and berries will leave traces if allowed to remain on the surface. These “signs of everyday living!” can actually enhance the character of the surface (consider that beautiful aged butcher block!). The darker pigmented mixes and those with patinas generally camouflage these signs better. To clean and care for the surface, it should be wiped clean with a damp cloth. For rings and dried spots, use a mild liquid soap or mild detergent with a damp cloth. Consult your professional as to which finishing polish should be used and how often. Also, your professional will instruct you as to the guidelines for resealing your countertops every year or two to keep it like new. It is generally a simple process of applying the sealant, leaving it for 20 minutes or so, and wiping it off. These countertops will likely exhibit variations in color, shade, glass size, and glass particle distribution that are part of the inherent character and beauty of mixing post consumer and/or post-industrial recycled glass. It is extremely durable and strong, and it is quite resistant to chipping and cracking. In the unlikely event chipping or cracking does occur, simply consult your fabricator. This recycled glass surface handles heat and hot cooking and baking pans extremely well and even further adds to its value in the kitchen! It is also quite durable to high traffic and use.
When choosing your dream home plan and mapping out that great kitchen, consider the beautiful earth-friendly, green choice of recycled glass countertops!

Contemporary Plans

2011-05-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

Contemporary House Plans are known for more modern architecture and unusual, distinctive design features. Contemporary house plans are typically asymmetrical, and they have mixtures of textures and building materials. Unique exteriors with finishes that combine wood, stone, brick, stucco, and even metal complete the home’s facing. Multiple rooflines and lines that intersect form a distinctive, one-of-a-kind look. Contemporaries may even have low pitched or flat roofs or roof sections. Large overhangs and split level designs are common to the Contemporary home plans. With the Contemporary home plan, there are no defined, distinct design rules. The architecture may be fanciful to whimsical and may even have a touch of traditional. These home plans vary in size and shape. Large expanses of fixed glass including grand, oversized windows, transom windows, light, open floor plans with high ceilings and lofts add to the Contemporary feel. Clean, straight line designs complement the Contemporaries. Modern railings, geometric shapes, and glass blocks are popular features. Low ornamentation is a definite identifier of the Contemporary; however, low ornamentation does not mean dull or boring! Some decorating features of the Contemporaries incorporate some modern amenities of skylights, stainless steel, and thickly varnished wood. There is just something about the Contemporary home plan that exudes unique simplicity with an air of luxury!

Coastal House Plans

2011-04-25T14:01:00.001-07:00

Coastal Home Plans are open, light, and airy. They are ideal for most any waterfront lot—coastline, seaside, lakefront, or riverside. They range in plan size according to the building lot size and are commonly built tall and narrow just to accommodate that lot. The lot may even be suited for your own pool—maybe even a saltwater pool! The Coastal home plan style ranges from cottage to modern. Special attention to detail is a must with the Coastal home plans due to the elements of where the home is constructed. Coastals are often built with piers or pilings to protect from rising surfs and to withstand coastal winds. Surf, higher winds, and inclement weather all impact the codes of construction for the sake of safety. Strict codes and guidelines set standards for pilings, roofing, exterior components, and all areas of construction.
The architectural design is typically two or more stories. With this design style, there may be dramatic two-story foyers, open areas from the floor above and below, and of course, lots of windows! Coastals incorporate open air living and open air dining areas. Many Coastals have the family rooms or living rooms on the second floor to maximize the amazing views of the coastline and to enjoy the ocean breeze. Sunlights and sunrooms are great fits with the Coastals. Open air kitchens and grilling porches with outdoor ovens and barbecues are perfect for preparing meals while enjoying every moment of the scenery. These “outdoor in” areas include decks and porches that tend to wrap around the house. The porches may be covered, screened, front, back, or sun! Covered balconies, lanais, verandas, patios, porticos, pergolas, gazebos, terraces, and open sundecks offer many choices for the outdoor living that is right for you. Adding a hot tub or Jacuzzi and a ceiling fan for the hot days and fireplace for the breezy evenings makes for complete relaxation. Double master suites with each suite having a bedroom and bathroom are a good choice for lots of family and friends visiting and vacationing! Lofts are quite popular to add to the living space, yet still keeping with the open feel. For the logistics, easy access laundry facilities are a good component to consider. Tile is a popular choice for the interior flooring to make dealing with the sand and water quick and easy (but isn’t it so worth it?!) Inclined, vaulted, and cathedral ceilings add to the element of openness. Exposed beams add a dramatic flair. Interior paint colors may range from warm neutrals to pleasant pastels to Caribbean brights! Diverse architectural features such as lookout towers, widow’s walks, and spiral staircases up to the lookout add excitement to the Coastal home plan.
Dormers, tin roofs, shingle siding with fish scale accents add the perfect seaside touch. Garages and carports offer parking underneath the house. This makes for great storage for bikes, rafts, kayaks, surfboards, beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and any other outdoor items. Elevators may be necessary and convenient for some family members and for shopping trips. Colors for the exterior range, just like the interior, from the warm neutrals to the pleasant pastels to the Caribbean brights.
Obviously, there is a bit more “red tape” when building a Coastal style home plan, but being in that setting is definitely worth the extra effort!

Red Doors

2011-03-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

There are many design choices and decisions when choosing your perfect house plan and building your dream home. Has a Red Front Door ever caught your eye? Did you wonder what does the color red mean, and what does painting your front door red signify?

Red is one of the primary colors. This bold, vivid hue is said to be welcoming. It is commonly associated with the attribute of strength. Red is highly linked to the meaning of love (i.e. just picture the color of hearts and roses and valentines). It is recognized as a stimulant color. Red is inherently considered an “exciting” color thus related to “energy”. It is believed that red signifies a sense of protection. What qualities (welcome, strength, love, energy, and protection) to grace the entrance of your home. Red is the color worthy of just such a task.

The history, origin, and significance of a home’s red front door definitely varies. Here are a few suggestions found:
1.) (Just) Loves Red. For starters, it just may be that the homeowner loves the color red! What a bold color to brighten the entrance to your home.
2.) Provides Protection. In Biblical times, a Red Door provided protection. The Hebrews placed the blood of a lamb on the front door to show that the home was covered by the blood to protect their first born child from the angel of death. If the home had the marking on the door, the death angel literally passed by. Also, in Catholic churches long ago, the front doors of the church were painted red to represent the blood of Christ. Since the red paint signified the blood of Christ, it meant that the parishioners were on holy ground. These interpretations then spur on the belief that a red door protects the home’s occupants from evil.
3.) Shows Welcome. A red door in early American traditions meant a warm, welcoming place to rest for the night for weary travelers journeying by horse and buggy. When they saw a home with a red front door, they knew they would indeed be “welcome”!
4.) Means Welcome. In the Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui, a red front door also means “welcome”! Feng Shui defines that the front door, also called the “Mouth of Chi”, is where the energy enters the home. So in this Chinese philosophy, painting your front door red means “welcome” as well.
When deciding on your dream home plan, give some thought to a Red Front Door to compliment your perfect house plan!

Soapstone

2011-02-23T12:56:00.000-08:00

Soapstone, also known as steatite or soaprock, is an advantageous choice for kitchen countertops. Beautiful and practical can best describe soapstone and the character and utility it adds to your new home plan. Soapstone is a metamorphic rock (This talc-schist is largely composed of the mineral talc and is in turn, very rich in magnesium.).
Soapstone does not need to be chemically sealed liked other natural stones. It doesn’t harbor bacteria, so it is perfect for kitchen counters. Soapstone’s anti-absorbance of bacteria aids in keeping the food preparation area safe and sterile. Soapstone is stain resistant. This feature takes the worry out of spills and makes clean-up quicker and easier. It is extremely durable and strong. Hot cookware, pots, and pans may be placed directly on the surface without causing damage. In fact, soapstone is so substantial that chemistry lab tables are made of it, and fireplaces may also be constructed of soapstone.
There are no two pieces of soapstone exactly alike. Each section or piece is totally unique, and there is not another one formed or will ever be formed like it in the world. It is truly a one-of-a-kind work of art from God! Simply treat the soapstone with mineral oil to bring out the hues of color and details of the veining.
The cost of soapstone solid surface countertops does generally run higher than other stone or solid surface countertops; however, the benefits and beauty bridge the gap between price and worth!

Ranch House Plans

2011-02-17T21:56:00.000-08:00

Ranch style home plans are indeed practical and functional. They offer quite efficient use of the living and dining area arrangement. The Ranch style house plans were made popular during the pre-depression housing boom of the United States. The name “Ranch” also identifies their origin in the western part of the U.S.
Ranch style homes are characteristically single story or one level house plans. They are built narrow, long, and close to the ground. Ranch homes have low-pitched overhanging roofs with deep-set eaves. They may be constructed in a rectangular shape, L-shape, or U-shape design. Ranch plans offer an efficient use of the living space and dining areas and may have sprawling floor plans. The interior design has few interior walls making a great open, airy living, kitchen, and dining area. This design is perfectly conducive for allowing lots of natural light. There is usually a separate formal living room or a formal dining room to accommodate those more structured occasions like holidays or celebrations. Generally, the Ranch home is reflectively simple in architectural appearance with clean, straight design lines. However, simple in design terms never indicates boring! These open floor plans incorporate double French doors, full-glass paned doors, and even sliding glass doors that open onto a deck, patio, or porch that leads out into the backyard. The exterior is usually brick or wood siding or even vinyl siding and may be symmetrical or asymmetrical in design. Simple facades complete the Ranch style house plans. Large, fixed picture windows, double windows, triple windows, and sometimes even bay windows are a common design element on the front exterior. Ranch style house plans are recognized as one of the first home plans to incorporate an attached garage.
Ranch style house plans are light and open and offer efficient use of living space. If you are looking for an open, light, airy floor plan, the Ranch style home plan may just be your perfect dream home plan.

Colonial House Plans

2010-12-24T16:13:00.000-08:00

Colonials are known for having a timeless, historical, regal style. They have simple, classical design details. Colonial style house plans were influenced by traditions brought by the settlers of the 13 original colonies. They are rectangular in architectural design and have symmetrical facades. Colonials are 1, 2, and even 3 stories. The 2 story designs with grand front columns are the most common. Today, Colonials have family rooms or great rooms and attached garages. Attached garages are convenient and add additional living space with the completion of the area over the garage. The living and dining areas are typically on the first floor, while the bedrooms are on the second floor or upper floor. To maintain that symmetrical facade, a central front door, (which may be slightly offset), is a definite identifier. Central front doors may be paneled and have window sidelights, transoms, or fanlights. These centralized front doors allow for a center entry hallway and center entry floor plan. Multi-paned, double hung windows are equally spaced on both sides. Colonials may also have beautiful Palladian windows. Palladian windows are usually divided into three sections with the center section being arched and the largest. Shutters and dormers complete this classic, polished look.
Colonial exteriors may be brick, stone, wood siding, or vinyl siding. The wood siding exteriors or vinyl siding exteriors of Colonials are often painted white and accented with black shutters. Roofs are generally gabled. The roof ridge is often horizontal. This roof pitch facilitates the prime setting for a covered porch. Great pillars and grand columns decorate the front of the Colonial. Detailed dentil moldings are features of the Colonial. Another distinguishing note is the large chimneys and fireplaces that may be on both ends of the home. This enables fireplaces to be both upstairs and down. The great rooms, or family rooms, kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms may all have fireplaces as well.
If you are looking for a timeless, classic home design that offers functionality and convenience, consider the Colonial style house plan for your dream home plan!

European House Plans

2010-12-24T16:09:00.000-08:00

European style house plans offer grand exteriors and exquisite ornamental details. This style offers as many architectural influences as diverse as the countries from which they originate. European house plans have quite a romantic feel that is reminiscent of castles of long ago. Luxury is implied at first sight. European style home plans offer a touch of elegance and refined style combined with large, oversized proportions. They are a reminder of the history and the beauty of the Old Country while exhibiting that old world charm. European house plans have a wonderfully centralized layout.
European home plans may be 1, 1 ½, 2 and even 3 stories. The two story versions are the most common. The impressive exteriors are clad with brick, stone, or stucco with dramatic polished wood accents. The façade is elegant with rich ornamental detailing. Generally large, these homes work best on good-sized lots, where their grand facades can best be appreciated. Today, most European style plans have large attached garages as well.
Multiple roof lines of the European style house plans tend to be hipped (a type of roof that all sides slope downwards to the walls) and steep. This hipped roof is ideal for the many gables. Copper-topped bay roofs are common. Keystones and elegant polished wood add to these outside design features. Subtly flared curves at the eaves complete that grand ornamental detail. These areas are faced with stucco and stone. The roof typically connects down to the windows. The second floor often is in the roof.
As earlier mentioned, the European style house plans have a great centralized layout. The Living room is the main focus of the home and is on the first floor. The bedrooms may be on one side or on the second floor and the living and dining areas located on the other. Palladian windows (the three sectioned windows with the largest in the center and an elliptical above) and large vaulted or cathedral ceilings are perfect in these expansive, open homes—especially the foyer. Grand marble staircases and glimmering chandeliers transport you straight from the foyer to the old world! These large, open, airy areas allow for lots of natural light. Tile floors and regal, arched doorways add to this sense of luxury. Potfillers, stone ovens, and large islands make the kitchen warm and inviting.
European style home plans offer a sense of luxury inside and out. If luxury and expansive living areas with a touch of elegance are your criteria for your dream home plan, then perhaps European style house plans are exactly your style.

Victorian Homes

2010-12-13T21:18:00.000-08:00

Simply, a Victorian style house plan originally meant a home style built during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Victorians may typically bring to mind story book images of a fairy-tale home. They are indeed famously known for quite ornamental facades. Picturesque, grand towers and steep, regal turrets are two of the most common features associated with the Victorian. However, today, Victorians may vary in many architectural styles and combinations of these diverse designs. These homes are asymmetrical. From romantic to cottage-like on to unique and even a bit whimsical, these can be a Victorian.
Victorians may be one, two, or three stories; however, the two and three stories are the most common built. Exteriors may be wood siding, clapboard siding, or shingle-shake siding. They may even be brick or stone. “Gingerbread” trim work, fanciful dormers, decorative cornices, striking spindles, beautiful dentil moldings, grand gables, and florid brackets are some of the features of the Victorian. Roofs have multiple roof lines with varying roof pitches that are steep. Wood roofs or slate roofs with patterned shingles often decorate and define the Victorian’s roof. Exterior siding and trim work paints range from pretty pastels to bold, primary colors, and even to deep, jewel-toned colors. There are certainly no strict boundaries nor set limits to the exterior paint scheme. Decorative, detailed porch railings and intricate, turned posts make the wrap-around porches just perfect! Sunrooms and enclosed porches are also functional, visually pleasant traits of the Victorian.
Interiors are similarly composed of diverse architectural styles. Octagonal rooms make a unique design statement. Bay windows and sash windows add to this romantic style. Stained glass windows are a beautiful addition. The paint scheme from the exterior may be transferred to the interior to carry on the design theme throughout. Creating the right balance of both color and texture between walls, moldings, ceilings, and woodwork further create the Victorian. Wallpaper and paint finishes in marbleizing, stenciling, and spattering add to this design style. Spiraling floral themes, Gothic inspired trellises, stylized leaf work, and even simulated woodgrain texturing are often found. Tin ceilings with hammered designed details complete the look. Wall sconces, claw foot bath tubs, and deep, dark hardwood floorings are complementary. Today, truly, a Victorian’s interior may range from old world charming to modern convenience to unique whimsy or a great combination of them all.
When choosing your home style, consider the Victorian as a possible match to your perfect home plan!

Southern House Plans

2010-12-07T09:03:00.000-08:00

Southern house plans bring to life a home that is an idyllic setting for that southern hospitality and genteel charm!
Southern home plans were certainly designed to accommodate the warm, humid air of southern climates. They are symmetrically designed with decorative porches and balconies under a low pitched roof. Homes of the southern house plan style have tall ceilings, large wrap-around front porches, are generally built of wood, and are sprawling (southern plantation style!). The wrap-around porch takes the number one spot for a characteristic of a southern house plan. A wrap-around porch was and is perfect for enjoying the fresh, country air while providing shade during the heat of the day. Imagine enjoying a glass of sweet southern iced tea in a swing or rocker on that peaceful wrap-around porch. Great open spaces for entertaining and a huge kitchen for preparing meals for just such events are also design traits of these home plans. A hearth room or family room is quite common. What could be cozier than sipping a cup of hot cocoa and making s’mores by the crackling fireplace? High ceilings (that were useful in toning down the heat), crown moldings (that add a grand, finishing touch), and wide plank hardwood flooring (that adds just the right amount of warmth) may complement and complete this home. Generally, they are two stories (to accommodate that wrap-around porch or balcony) with pitched or gabled roofs. These roof pitches are usually shallow, low, or medium in height and quite often have dormers.
This home style has similar design characteristics to plantation styles, southern colonials, also known as colonial plantation styles, and low country home styles.
When considering your new home plan, take a look at our southern style house plans. The interior of our southern home plans include many modern amenities unavailable during those “days gone by”, but the open floor plans and design remains. Southern may just be your perfect dream home plan style!

Cork Flooring

2010-12-02T22:08:00.000-08:00

When choosing the flooring for your new home design or your home redesign, you may wish to consider cork. There are a variety of options in cork flooring including floating cork flooring, natural cork flooring, and bamboo cork flooring. The raw material used for the cork floor is a tree product. Basically, it is the bark shed by the tree every 9 to 15 years. Cork flooring is a green product and environmentally friendly (since only the bark that is shed is used). As an added benefit, cork flooring has anti-bacterial properties. A preferred quality is it’s resistance to mold, mildew, and even termites. In kitchens, baths, and basements, rooms where there are high chances of water seeping under the flooring and making it moist, using cork flooring is a wise choice. The cork flooring is springy and soft under your feet (which may be a pro to some and a con to others.). Cork flooring offers insulation properties. It prevents the heat of the home from escaping and seeping through the flooring. During the cold months of winter, and if you live in a cold climate area, cork flooring is an energy efficient choice. The insulating properties offer sound and noise insulation as well. Cork flooring requires very low maintenance compared to hardwood flooring and other types of flooring. To clean and maintain your cork floor, simply sweep or vacuum, and then use an only slightly water dampened mop. Be certain to check with your professional installer for a complete guide to cleaning and maintaining your cork flooring. It is extremely durable, but it is necessary to refinish the cork flooring with a polyurethane coat every 5-10 years depending on the amount of traffic and wear and tear. Cork flooring is available in many natural shades and tones. There are even artificially manufactured colors to perfectly complete your home’s décor. A few flip-side notes: Cork flooring is generally 3/16 of an inch thick and sanding and refinishing is not an easy task. With that thickness, there are a limited number of times that sanding and refinishing is possible as the flooring will crumble. Also, if you have pets, you will want to research the best cork option with an expert. Thirdly, if a chunk of the cork flooring is missing, this remains permanent. Lastly, never use a soaking mop nor harsh cleaners as these will permanently damage the cork flooring. As you select your perfect dream home plan, you may consider the innovative, green option of cork for your flooring.

Garage Floor Finishes

2010-11-22T21:13:00.000-08:00

Garage Floor Finishes
Many homeowners are deciding to upgrade their garages when choosing home plans today. The garage is a functional part of the home. Storage cabinets and organizers in the garage have become quite the standard, and homes are being built with superior garage flooring. Paints, epoxy coatings, rubber mats, and interlocking tiles are a few choices for finishing your garage floor. Garage flooring was considered a high end feature that for years was reserved for car collectors and enthusiasts. Not so today! The majority of garage floor coverings go right over your base concrete flooring. Many of the finishes and coverings are able to have cars parked on them and other items placed on them in the very same day. Ultimately, you want garage flooring that protects your floor surface from oil spills, chemicals, dirt, and stains. So whatever your reason for installing garage floor coverings, whether it is easy to clean or simply decorating a part of the home, choose the finish that is best for you and your home design.
Painting the garage floor is an easy solution that yields a quick result. Choose any color to compliment your home design and your garage décor. It is best to use a three layer system that includes a primer, a basecoat, and a clear top coat. You may choose an epoxy shield too. Some of these epoxies even include a 2-3 year warranty. Just check your local home improvement or paint store for exact details. To make your garage floor resist grease, acid, or oil, you need an effective finishing compound. These are what you call garage floor finishes and they maintain the look of the floor for years. These compounds are used to keep the floor protected from all liquids that may accidentally be spilled. This compound is necessary for homeowners who want to keep the garage floor looking new and pristine.
If your goal is to just address those “trouble spots” in your garage, i.e. where the vehicles are parked or the work, tool, and cabinetry area, you may opt for mats. Many of these mats are designed with PVC non-porous surfaces. These components keep your floor protected from oil, fuel, grease, grime, salt, anti-freeze, and other debris. Mats come in many sizes and are easy to cut to specifications that are right for the area, and they are so simple to install. You can clean them with a simple water and soap mixture. Also, mats offer a great slip-resistant surface to keep the conditions safe while you are working and going in and out of the garage.
Another option is the interlocking floor tile system. They are great for garage floors, because they are attractive and provide a non-slip surface for safety. These tiles come in wide variety of styles, patterns, and colors. The tiles are easy to install and/or remove. Some of the heavy duty garage tiles can even support up to 2500 lbs per square inch without cracking or fading. One great benefit with tiles is that you can always just replace a tile or two if you have a stain or problem without having to redo the entire floor. Garage floor tiles are generally less expensive than epoxy coatings and some other coverings. These interlocking tile floors in a garage will also hold up to oils, chemicals, grease, anti-freeze, brake fluid, and even kickstands!

When finding your perfect, dream home plan, don’t forget the garage…and the garage floor!