7 Tips when Investing in Southern Living House Plans

A Southern Living house plan can describe a lot of different styles, but there are a few things that you can count on when you’re searching for a Southern Living plan: hospitable spaces, beautiful symmetry, grand entrances, and an appreciation of outdoor living just to name a few. With thousands of plans available, it may seem difficult to narrow down your choices, but a house plan should not be a casual investment. When you are ready to invest in a Southern Living home plan, however modest or grand, you want to make the right choice. Here are seven tips to keep in mind to help you do just that.

Know your budget.

Southern Living house plans, with their simple lines and basic floor plans, may offer more house for your money. Ask for a cost-to-build estimate and you may find out that you can build bigger than you’d anticipated.

Notice the kitchen.

The old adage that the kitchen is the heart of the home may never be as true as it is in a Southern Living home. Their typically rambling kitchens have plenty of room for a gourmet setup, kitchen island, and even a walk-in pantry. Breakfast nooks offer eat-in capabilities, while bars and buffets are the norm in these large, comfortable rooms. Look for features that are important to you – the options are plenty in Southern Living plans.

Plan for sun exposure.

Southern Living homes are often designed to make use of and protect against the heat from the sun. If you have a lot for your house, look at how windows will be positioned. Windows to the east will receive bright morning light, while the western portion of the house will take the brunt of a scorching afternoon sun. Southern porches will often alleviate these effects by shading downstairs windows.

Beat the heat.

Much as you want to notice the window exposure, you want to pay attention to the orientation of outdoor living spaces. Does the floor plan fit on your lot in a way that maximizes use of porches or decks? If you’ve planned to turn that screened porch into a sunroom, does it have western exposure? If so, you may find yourself roasting in the summer heat with the air conditioner woeful to keep up.

Look for amenities.

Although many Southern Living house plans are leading the pack with stunning modern features, many more plans are true to their very basic roots. A few common upgrades can turn a simple home into a spectacular one, so plan ahead for best results.

Become familiar with local building codes.

Codes may vary from one locale to another. Most house plans are built to national standards, but some regions may have specialized codes – particularly those in flood, hurricane, and earthquake prone areas. Be aware of zoning laws and other restrictions before purchasing plans.

Modify now.

Make changes before you order the blueprints in order to save time and money later on. Once the blueprints are shipped, a change here and there can add up to thousands of dollars.