Is this fantasy? Can there actually be a realistic way to achieve freedom from a nine to five everyday routine? Having been isolated for almost two years at home, what better way could there be than getting outside and being creative. It's time to pursue some diversions and break up the mundane existence we've all had to endure for what seems an eternity.

We've all been constantly bombarded in the media of coming shortages and societal upheaval intended to cause concern and doubt in our minds concerning the future. A great approach to fear is to look for ways to simplify our lives. This can greatly reduce the strife amplified by those constantly hyped headlines. It's always best however to focus first on our own family and those near us we love.

Many folks in our area of the country also have a great love for the great outdoors. Sharing that love with those close to us can bond families and create lasting memories of past good times. Fishing, hunting, boating, bird watching, hiking, or simply exploring nature gives a sense of peace those in major metropolitan areas can only dream about.

Investing in a more permanent destination to always be counted on to enjoy those wanted activities may be something to seriously consider. It's always possible to create an alternative ideal environment by owning a getaway camp or cabin tucked away in some secluded area. There are innumerable ways to use a camp ..... whether for a weekend getaway, or even an extended summer vacation spot for the entire family. Many folks build camp houses on nearby lakes or streams and utilize them regularly. Some use them only once a year during hunting season or the occasional get-together for family celebrations and holidays.

Whatever the case, now may be the ideal time to begin planning your own design and be ready for the next outdoor season. Innumerable options limited only by your imagination can be fulfilled using a reputable designer familiar with the local area and building techniques. Having professional input to complete your list of needs incorporated into your plan will save time and avoid potential problems during the construction process. You WILL save money with a professional design. 

I’ve personally seen folks with a simple rough sketch approach a builder and later receive a final cost estimate. Doing this can quickly develop unwanted tension after construction begins. A missing detail on the sketch assumed a certain way by one side can be perceived differently by the other side, and quickly bring unwanted cost overruns and unnecessary anxiety. It’s always best to avoid uncomfortable situations by having a professional plan beforehand.

An expert designer can assist in saving precious square footage, which immediately translates into cost savings. Many items not considered in the initial sketch can be discussed to develop ideas into a more cohesive and cozy environment to enjoy. Consideration will be given to the needs of the individual, and the plan can be developed to fit those exact requirements. A knowledge of structural design provides savings in ways not considered in the initial homeowner sketch.

There's no time like the present to get started building your future! Time passes quickly, and memories are made TODAY. Begin by creating some great ones with a weekend getaway all your own!

​Been seriously thinking about remodeling your home? Maybe your needs have slowly changed through the years, or you’re simply just tired of your current outdated look. Rising interest rates have recently become a concern, and many in response are beginning to adjust long term goals.

Most folks know the perfect change or addition needed to make their existing plan better, but have no idea how to go about it. A good designer can help guide them to a successful layout and achieve a new flow, making the old home feel completely new!

When I design a remodeled home plan, I’ve always had two major goals. Number one, have the addition or remodel appear original to the home. An obvious add-on can affect curb appeal, and ultimately lower resale value. It can become an important factor when the time comes to sell. It’s good to  always keep in mind the average time a person lives in one location is now about seven years.

Secondly, I’ve always tried to do the most cost effective design possible. There are many ways to achieve the same goal, and having a designer familiar with construction methods is a paramount advantage. It is imperative to have a plan, even if both the owner and contractor seem to understand what’s needed. While the owner is describing the desired outcome, the builder may have something completely different in mind. Having a drawing on paper is the best way to know both parties are in agreement. Avoiding future problems is well worth taking the time to do a remodel plan.

A good designer can offer ideas not previously considered, making the new home design even more special and cost effective. Trending design elements can be introduced, bringing an older design more up to date. Having knowledge of current market trends is a big plus when using a professional.

Let experience work for you. Call The Plan Shoppe, Ltd. today, and get started making your dream a reality!

​When considering a major investment such as a new home, it's always wise to do good planning. Choices made at the outset can lay a foundation for a great outcome or, in the more unfortunate case, lead to easily avoided future problems.

The importance in choosing a local designer benefits a homeowner in many ways. First and foremost, someone familiar with local norms and housing regulations (which vary greatly nationwide) help the initial home design meet local standards. Building paractices are influenced by such things as terrain, weather patterns, earthquake vulnerability, and many other factors. Having your house plan conform to local customs helps tremendously in a more efficient and cost-saving experience.

Buying online can be a great thing. We all benefit from the savings in time, transportation, as well as money as we conveniently shop at home. However, problems can quickly arise when the product received does not meet the "as advertised" presentation. Buying home plans online can lead to problems unforeseen by an enthusiastic future home owner.

Through the years, many folks with online stock plans have visited my office to have their plan modified. Most simply need a few changes done to meet their needs. I'm always glad to help with that, and have many times. As we unroll the plan, more times than not, I immediately see a multitude of changes needed to have the plan improved. 

Valuable wasted space appears, along with over-engineered lumber sizes for our area. Foundations need to be adapted to accommodate a more affordable concrete slab design, and exhorbitant architectural details can make costs soar. Many contractors viewing extremely beautiful and detailed drawings immediately recognize the project requires much more time and labor. Their final bid can bring sticker shock to the future homeowner.

The bottom line is the initial cost savings of buying online is lost. Paying for modifications of the plan in addition to the original plan cost add up to roughly the same as having the plan drawn locally. But this pales in comparison to the tens of thousands potentially lost in additional cost overruns during construction. Dreaded change orders are inevitable and quite costly.

There are a multitude of ways to design the home and achieve the same "look" with a more effective approach. Having experience in everyday building trades provides the designer a tremendous advantage over others lacking those skills. 

The old addage, "you get what you pay for" is usually true. Have your house plan done locally. Let The Plan Shoppe, Ltd. guide you along the right pathway to a successful and happy building experence! 

​The American dream of owning a home today is facing a financial reality which may seem insurmountable to younger buyers. Rising interest rates and home prices, coupled with a somewhat unstable economy are making most couples think twice before a major new commitment. Pledging almost 40% of total income for housing plus monthly utility bills might be too much to bear to maintain the reasonable lifestyle desired.

Re-thinking immediate life goals may be in order by postponing the ultimate long-term dream for the time being. Reorienting toward a more moderate and happier lifestyle unburdened by excessive debt seems more appealing day the day. Being able to watch the kids grow in a calm and protected environment can mean much more than a lavish home-life full of tumult and uncertainty.

When I began drawing homes in the late seventies, most larger three bedroom, two bath homes averaged around 1700-1900 heated square feet. That increased significantly over the past few decades, and today the average is around 2300 square feet heated area. The complexity of exterior and interior design has also changed in order to sell more visually appealing homes to customers. The increased costs associated with both these factors has helped fuel the rising costs today. 

Young families need to confront the situation and make wise decisions before investing their precious family treasure. Priorities may need adjusting to fit the changing reality we all find ourselves. And this could be a great time to ponder the importance of quality vs. quantity in our life priorities. 

This is not to imply at all the loss of that dream. We all desire to live in that perfect scenario depicted in today's consumer economy. A larger home can always be built. But investing in a more modest design now and later sold with built-up equity can allow that larger home in the future. We don't have to give up the dream!

Another approach might be adding on to your existing home, or re-modeling an area which may be dated. It can be surprising what can be done with well thought out design to make your home seem totally different and more visually appealing. Removing walls can also be done to achieve a more open space currently in many of today's homes.

I've been designing homes in north Louisiana all my life, and seen styles develop through time. I can help you with a down-sized, but still appealing,  exterior and floor plan that's easier to construct and cost friendly for your budget. I can also help with remodel plans, allowing your builder and you to be on the same page of what you expect. It is imperative to have a plan BEFORE changes are made to your home so that misunderstandings are kept to a minimum.

Call me today at The Plan Shoppe, Ltd. I'll be glad to help!
​