5 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Home Plan

Designing and building your dream home starts with choosing the right home plan. The perfect plan should fit your lifestyle, your lot, and your long-term goals. Whether you’re planning a cozy cottage, a modern timber frame, or a spacious family retreat, these five tips from Cedar Designs will help you select a plan that’s both functional and inspiring.

1. Determine Your Property’s Dimensions

Your property’s size and shape determine what kind of house plan will fit best. Start by knowing the exact measurements of your lot and any building restrictions that apply. Narrow lots may call for vertical or long-rectangular home designs, while wide lots allow for sprawling floor plans.

Consider how many bedrooms and levels you’ll need, and think ahead to future needs like guest space, aging in place, or potential additions.

2. Choose a Layout That Fits Your Lifestyle

When selecting a home plan, focus on how you want to live — not just how the home will look. The kitchen, great room, and master suite are the most used areas, so make sure the design supports your routines and daily flow. Open floor plans remain a top trend for those seeking a spacious, connected living environment that blends comfort and style.

3. Make a List of “Must-Have” Features

Before finalizing your choice, sit down with your family and make a list of your must-have amenities. These might include:

• Open-concept living areas that connect kitchen, dining, and family spaces.
• High ceilings for natural light and an airy atmosphere.
• Walk-in pantries, laundry rooms, and extra storage space.
• Energy-efficient materials and sustainable design choices.

Your list helps narrow your search and ensures your plan reflects your lifestyle priorities — not just current trends.

4. Showcase Your Lot’s Natural Features

If your property offers beautiful views — a lake, mountains, or wooded surroundings — make them part of your home’s design. Look for plans that emphasize large windows, decks, or verandas to connect indoor comfort with outdoor beauty. This design choice not only enhances your home’s value but also creates a serene environment filled with natural light.

5. Customize and Make It Your Own

Even with a ready-made plan, you can personalize it to fit your family’s needs. Adjust the room sizes, relocate windows for better light, or add a home office or hobby space. Customization turns a good plan into a perfect one. With Cedar Designs’ flexible options, you can start with an existing design and tailor it to match your vision and property layout.

Bonus Tip: Get Inspired Before You Build

Spend time visualizing how you want to live, not just where. Explore galleries, visit model homes, and gather inspiration from nature and architecture. Your dream home starts as an idea — and grows into a blueprint that reflects your unique lifestyle and goals.

Start Your Home Design Journey

At Cedar Designs, we specialize in custom timber frame and cedar home plans designed to fit your lot, your lifestyle, and your dreams. Our team can help you find or modify a plan that’s just right for you. Visit CedarDesigns.com to explore home plans and start building your future today.