​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!
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