STOCK PLANS

I want to take a moment to highlight one of my favorite stock plans and show some of the cool details that make this house really stand out. If this house isn't your cup of tea, don't worry. You are welcome to steal some of these ideas as inspiration for a different plan - custom or stock. 🙂

To start, I love the way the house sits on the lot and opens up to both the front and back yards. As you can see above, the back yard is HUGE. That back porch is super deep and perfect for an outdoor kitchen, grilling and eating area. With double doors that swing out, it makes it perfect for entertaining and letting the kids run lose after dinner.

- Tip to steal: Include at least one really deep porch on your house. At least 10-12 feet deep if you want a table and chairs.

Notice the exposed rafter tails and the details in the eves. I like how the architects used a Hardi shake product in white in the bump outs near the roofline. It makes that detail pop.
Take note as well of the transom windows over all the windows and doors. Not only does this bring a ton of natural light into the house, but it gives it a stronger vertical proportion. If you look at the photo below, you will see how the entrance to the house off the community boardwalk also features a large porch and trellis feature. This gives it such a welcoming feel.

- Tip to steal: Don't ignore details on the exterior of the home. These really make a huge difference and, when you use them, use paint and other materials to ensure you get the biggest bang for your buck.

Inside, one of my favorite details is the kitchen cabinets. Notice how the glass upper cabinets light up. These are hard to reach, but can create a beautiful statement with lights and glass. Too often, cabinets end short of the ceiling and it creates an unusable, dust shelf. This solves that problem. Vaulted ceilings in the mail living area make this family room feel huge. And last but not least, I like the simplicity of this laundry room. Not only does it have storage, a deep sink and plenty of countertop space, but the tile pattern for the floor gives it a fun touch.

- Tip to steal: Cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling, vaulted ceilings and fun floors are just as important as the overall space layout in a home. Consider these items during the planning/design phase and don't wait until construction starts. It is much easier to make sure they will work in your home and budget accordingly if you start planning for these details early on in the process.

In short, don't think stock plans means you will miss out on the fun details.