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3 Features to Include in Your New Home Plans

August 16, 2020
Residential House

Is less inventory currently on the real estate market? You might consider the possibility of a new home build rather than an existing home purchase. This option gives you the freedom to choose your own floor plan that best fits the needs of your family. Discover three trends that may influence what you include in your new home plans.


1. Add a Home Office

As people are increasingly likely to work from home or spend time online, newer homes often boast a dedicated home office. 21st-century home offices are geared toward privacy and work.


A home office is a separate, insulated space with a door to ensure quiet while you work from home. Families have recently realized the importance of a room away from the noise of children and other activities that can distract from or hinder an important Zoom meeting. The pandemic has forced many families to seek a quiet place to call their home office.


Additionally, children who participate in online learning need a place to work. Some home floor plans include a built-in desk in a high-traffic area like a hallway or loft. However, often families seek a separate room as a home office to serve as a schoolroom for their children to study. In this way, kids and adults have a separate space to work more efficiently.

2. Nix the Formal Dining Room

The idea of a formal dining room appeals if you are prone to dinner parties. However, many families enjoy a more casual lifestyle and do not want to spend valuable square footage on a rarely used room. Sometimes the gravy-cooling trip from the kitchen to dining room is just too far.


Instead, families nix the formal dining room and opt for an enlarged breakfast nook with enough room for a larger table. This space is more convenient because it is immediately adjacent to the kitchen, which lets hosts and guests still engage with one another. Additionally, the idea of a large breakfast nook fits well with the great-room or open floor plan concept. Here, families and their friends can visit, eat, and watch TV simultaneously.


3. Upgrade the Backyard

While not technically part of your architectural home plans, the backyard is still an important feature on a property. Many families consider outdoorliving essential and add or upgrade elements already in the yard to enhance the enjoyment of nature.


Time spent outside with family has become even more important while many restaurants or other entertainment venues are closed. Fresh air and sunshine in your own backyard offer positive health benefits as well.


One way to upgrade outdoor living space is to add a deck off of the eating area or great room large enough for a table, chairs, firepit, and other seating spaces for relaxation and dining. If your family wants more protection from the elements but still craves the sun, consider an enclosed patio or unique space like a sunroom.


Your deck system can be built to accommodate a second floor as well, which helps connect more of your home to the outdoors. For example, add a private deck off a second-floor master bedroom. You can add stairs to allow access to the main deck on ground level.


As you search home plans in preparation for a new home build, there may be additional features you have not yet considered. JO Contractors has experience in new builds as well as room additions and options for outdoor living. Contact us for help navigating the world of home features for your new home build. We look forward to helping you define and realize the home of your dreams.

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