Articles

Pro Tips for Building in Today's Market

Rick McAlexander

For those building in today’s market, the process of getting a project off paper and under construction can be daunting—regardless of the size of the build and whether it’s a first venture into a construction project or not. Considerations from the availability of designers and architects to builders and construction supplies can impact not only how soon a project may be started, but how long it will take to complete.

“Even if you are fortunate enough to find your perfect plan, engineering and permitting will usually take several months,” said Rick McAlexander, CEO of The House...

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Charming House Plans Under 1000 Square Feet That Live Large

Rick McAlexander

The tiny home movement highlights society's recent trend in downsizing living areas and embracing a minimalistic lifestyle. These accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are small but functional homes, each containing a full kitchen, bath, living, and sleeping space.

Whether you are looking to jump on the accessory dwelling unit trend or just prefer the cozy living of a smaller home plan, designs under 1000 square feet are in high demand. The House Plan Company has put together a collection of small house plans that live large.

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Is the Great Room the Right Room for You?

Rick McAlexander

Both figuratively and literally, the open floor plan design of the Great Room has become the center of the home and what many home buyers believe they want. While it certainly can make a small home feel spacious, and it offers families the ability to stay connected while a multitude of activities take place at the same time, it can also present functional issues. How do you hide kitchen messes from view? Where can you go when you want a quiet place to read, work, or give kids space to play?

“The decision about whether or not to incorporate a Great Room really depends on the home...

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Homeowners Adjust to a Turbulent Year with Emphasis on Adaptability

Rick McAlexander

The year 2020 has brought challenges few could have imagined beforehand. With the coronavirus pandemic changing how we live, work and socialize, the same trends affecting everyday life are also playing out for homeowners and designers.

Despite these unprecedented circumstances, the home design and construction industry has remained strong in 2020 – albeit with some different points of emphasis that reflect the current times.

Spending more time at home than ever before means placing a premium on storage space. To that end, designers and builders have noted record demand for...

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For Young Family Designs, Think Versatile & Functional

Rick McAlexander

The dream of a custom-built home isn’t restricted to the seasoned homeowner.

Newlyweds and younger parents are increasingly eyeing the benefits of a custom design, one that is versatile and can evolve as their family grows.

Home design experts have seen young families create practical, serene starter homes that become the setting for priceless memories – but have also seen them make mistakes that lead to design regrets and resources poorly spent.

“Get the most function out of your livable square footage,” said Kirya Duncan, founder and building designer with Design...

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Pro-Tips: What to Expect During the Design & Planning Phase of Building a New Home

Rick McAlexander

The land and financing are lined up, and the decision has been made: It’s time to build that dream home.

But there’s a lot to consider in the time it takes between choosing to build and starting construction, from an initial site analysis to home design, engineering and eventually permitting. The House Plan Company , a home plan marketing company out of Eugene, OR, has teamed up with a couple of their home design experts to share tips for aspiring custom homeowners, to help them navigate through the process and make it a pain-free...

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What Designers and Architects Want You to Know About Buying Plans Online

Rick McAlexander

Anyone who has searched for or purchased house plans online can attest to how easy it is to quickly become overwhelmed by the volume of plans that are available. Whether building a forever home, garage or investment property, homeowners can successfully navigate the search process when they know where to start, what questions to ask, and how they can most effectively (and efficiently) find what they’re looking for.

Georgia based Design Evolutions, Inc. building designer Kirya Duncan says the online pre-design plan...

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