Fresh Country House Plan Picks

The interiors of these county homes are rustic yet have the modern touches that we all look for today. Take a look and see how you like them!

House Plan 8645 has a beautiful cabin exterior and a stunning interior built around a cathedral great room with open beam trusses. And with totally clear sightlines from the kitchen in front to the living in back, this design is ideal for hosts! It offers split bedrooms with the master suite and another bedroom near a hall bath on one side and more bedroom suites on the other. If you want an awesome family vacation home, look no further!

Perhaps you want a country home with more volume that can maximize views? House Plan 8786 has a compact footprint with simple gables and a unique two-story window design in back. As you can see, this plan really brings the outdoors in! It also has split bedrooms with the primary bedroom on the main level and two others upstairs for privacy.

Barndominium-Style Country House Plans

The barndominium is another kind of country house plan. Aptly named, it has the shape of a barn that has been converted into a livable dwelling, but ours are designed to look this way from scratch! These “barndo” plans offer today’s owners a more unique place to call home.

House Plan 9101 keeps things simple inside and out. The nearly rectangular footprint is topped with a gable roof with an angled overhang for the front porch and an intersecting gable over the patio in back. Inside, you’ll find completely open spaces, like you might find in an industrial building. The three bedrooms are split with the master suite beside the garage and the other two on the far side. Be sure to notice the boot room off the laundry/mudroom and how the master bathroom connects–it will make laundry and clean up a snap if you come home filthy!

Not the look you want? Rest assured we have all kinds of barndominium designs to serve the growing need! Just consider the bold two-structure look of House Plan 8854, the naturally bright and sprawling layout of House Plan 5168, the rugged and rustic appearance of House Plan 1063, and the unmatched simplicity of House Plan 6506 with its rectangular shape and single gable roof.

With just a touch of country charm and hospitality, these welcoming homes are perfect for growing families. Front porches, gable and shed roofs, and natural finishes create great curb appeal in these special country house plans.

You can find these and many other plans at www.dfdhouseplans.com. 

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The Pacific Northwest has long been a haven for those wanting the best life has to offer.  Today we’ll look at the State of Washington.  A dramatic coastline, beautiful parks and forests, mountains, waterfalls, and big cities with a small-town feel are just a few things to expect.

Starting with the small city of Lakewood, this gentle town boasts many waterways, wide-open spaces, and nature.  Mt. Rainer is within driving distance.  Richland is another small town where three major rivers converge.  It’s known as one of the Tri-cities in the state.  Finally, Tacoma is the largest city in Washington.  Although home values are high, home buyers can find something much more affordable within an hour’s drive.  All three of these beautiful cities offer a mid to high level of living. 

Homes being built in the State of Washington range from Modern to Farmhouse to Traditional.  One of the newest styles is a Modern Ranch home featuring 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, and a 3 Car Garage. 

This beautiful home is perfect for builders, young families, and those looking to downsize. 

Another style of home, the Duplex, has become very popular in larger cities where space is at a premium.  Allowing the home builder to live on one side and rent out the other is a perfect way to stretch the budget.  Or, live on one side and put Grandma and Grandpa on the other.

If you need a farmhouse-inspired duplex that doesn’t skimp on space, give House Plan 6656 your consideration. Each side-by-side unit has 2,544 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms–the perfect size for most families! 

Recently, the popularity of the Modern Farmhouse has been gaining traction throughout the country.  The Pacific Northwest is not immune to this trend.

If you are looking for a plan you can grow into with various life stages (kids, older parents, etc.), this 1-2 story (4-6 bedrooms) Country Modern Farmhouse plan might just be the one you’ve been hunting for.

No matter which home you choose to build in these breathtaking areas, you’ll be sure to enjoy the beauty and nature of the outdoors and be comfortable in the peaceful and serene home you choose to build. 

Charming and beautiful, each of these homes brings out the best in what the Pacific Northwest  has to offer. If you have any trouble finding the perfect simple home for your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced home plan advisers for assistance!

The post BEST CITIES IN WASHINGTON STATE TO BUILD A HOME IN 2023 appeared first on DFD House Plans Blog.

This beautiful state has it all, including beaches, mountains, plains, rural farmland, and cities. With this diversity, you’ll find all sorts of homes in Georgia. Do you have a style in mind? Does it match your location? It can be difficult to find exactly what you want, which is why many people choose to build custom homes from scratch.

Reasons to Build Rather Than Buy

It can be difficult to decide between building new or buying an existing home. Some people prefer a ready-made purchase. Others find that limiting. If you have particular wants or needs, you should carefully consider the options. Most people understand what it’s like to buy a home but don’t have any experience with building from the ground up. Here’s why building a new home appeals to so many of today’s families.

•  With a new build, you can choose your exact location and home design.

• Older existing homes tend to have things that need replacing before you can move in. You may not be able to renovate them exactly how you want due to their underlying structures.

• You can avoid a bidding war. Buying empty land doesn’t get as competitive as buying a home.

• Building allows you to decide on your own upgrades like better fixtures and energy efficiency.

• A newer home will be up to date in terms of building codes and style trends.

As you can see, building a home opens up a world of possibilities. It’s an especially attractive option in a booming market like Georgia!

Great House Plans for Building a Home in Georgia

Most Southern-style designs are perfect for Georgia. You’ll find grand antebellum architecture, simpler farmhouses, and coastal homes in the mix. There are a few features common across all styles, like front porches, spacious entries, and wide-open interior living spaces. You’ll also find high ceilings for combatting the summer heat and plenty of exterior symmetry between windows and columns that harks back to Neoclassical roots. Perhaps you like brick exteriors? Tons of Southern house plans use stylish brick!

Building a home in Georgia starts with choosing the perfect design. That’s easier said than done! These homes offer unique historical curb appeal, and many of today’s newer designs are streamlined versions with more transitional and modern flair. Luckily, Direct from the Designers offers plenty of Southern house plans to suit every need and desire.

If these homes don’t do it for you, don’t worry! Our collection is extensive and we’re sure to have something that checks all your boxes. Feel free to reach out if you need any assistance finding the perfect home for building in Georgia or anywhere else!

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Stylish, efficient, affordable, and easily maintained—the buzzword for 2023 is simplicity. People want to enjoy their homes. They have an eye for timeless design. Simple front views with clean lines are extremely popular. And gone are the days of homeowners willing to spend weekends performing upkeep. Modern families keep coming back to straightforward homes like these—all available from Direct from the Designers!

Laid-Back Country-Style Homes

We have all sorts of country homes with traditional and contemporary features. This exceptionally popular category includes tons of affordable, midsize, and luxury options, all of which you’ll find in simple packages.

Looking for some inspiration? DFD-8587 features a comfortable 2,405 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. This home maintains a simple aesthetic inside and out that makes it a customer-favorite for families. Make sure to notice the office and bonus over the garage that add some flexibility to the design.

Neat Modern Home Designs

Many people think modern homes must be super bold and grand. Not the case! Stick to classic modern homes like those first popular in the late 1940s and you’ll fall in love with their stylish simplicity.

Another 3 bedroom, 2 ½ bathroom home, DFD-9980 packs its spaces into a 1,875-square-foot layout with mid-century modern flair. Its clean shed rooflines and a partial brick exterior make maintenance a breeze. The bright and airy, open feel inside make this home a popular choice.

Cottage Home Plans for Simple Living

Have traditional architectural tastes instead? Our cottage homes impress with classic exteriors and your choice of interior style. Whether you keep it formal or opt for an open layout, you’ll find plenty to appreciate.

DFD- 6532 is a charming cottage perfect for first-time owners and those who want to downsize yet still have room for the grandkids. This 1-story, 3-bedroom, and 2-bath design has a split-bedroom layout that helps make the most of its 1,531 square feet. It’s functional, spacious, and offers elevated style with vaulted ceilings despite its modest facade. 

Charming and beautiful, each of these homes brings out the best in what “simplicity” has to offer. If you have any trouble finding the perfect simple home for your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced home plan advisers for assistance!

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Counting down from #5 to #1, here are the most popular places to build on the East Coast this year:

5.  Jacksonville, Florida

4.  Melbourne, Florida

3.  Washington, D.C.

2.  Boston, Massachusetts

1.  Portland, Maine

Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville is a hotbed of new home construction in Florida because it offers a unique opportunity for builders and aspiring homeowners alike.  Builders enjoy working throughout the year without slowing down in the winter months thanks to the sunny weather. There’s also tons of growth opportunity for average families with “middle housing” right now. Jacksonville has everything from luxury gated communities to inexpensive public housing apartments, but there’s a shortage of things like single-family homes and duplexes. These types of homes are in high demand and provide average citizens with reasonably priced housing.

Melbourne, FL

Melbourne, Florida is the opposite of Jacksonville in many ways. Jacksonville is a large city with all the hustle and bustle to match. Melbourne is a beautiful seaside city with a more laid-back, upscale beach feel. Its suburbs include Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbor Beach, and Satellite Beach, all which offer a similar atmosphere. Dining and entertainment are booming here and there are many opportunities to enjoy splendid nights on the town. New construction in the Melbourne area focuses on mid-range single-family homes with a beachy Floridian vibe.

Washington, D.C.

A surprise in the #3 slot as Washington, D.C., our nation’s capital, makes the list. Construction in this diverse area ranges from upscale single-family homes to multi-family apartment buildings. And no wonder, what with the unique community here. Newly elected politicians always look for homes in good school districts for their families. Mid-level government employees want the same, but usually have tighter budgets. Finally, service personnel and young professionals may not be ready for their own homes, but they definitely buy into condos and apartments.

Boston, MA

The #2 slot goes to Boston, Massachusetts. A vibrant and exciting urban area, Boston is known as a city that feels like a large town. Although there isn’t much space in the city proper, its suburbs still offer plenty of lots. Building a home in the Boston area is pricey, but you’ll find opportunities around most of the commuter rail lines. Look for mid-range, single-family homes with Cape Cod or colonial style for the suburbs. Still have your heart set on the city? You might be surprised by how modern many new residences are!

Portland, ME

The winner of the top 5 places on the East Coast to build is Portland, Maine. This beautiful seaside city evokes images of picturesque water views with sailboats. Looking in toward land, you’ll find tons of 19th century charm. Consider a beach or cottage-style home if you have a water view. In the interior of the city, you’ll find brownstones and multi-family homes. The suburbs have plenty of room to grow and feature all sorts of traditional home styles. Whatever sort of living experience you want, you can make it in Portland!

No matter where you choose to live, Direct from the Designers has the right house plan for you. We know because our collection is so extensive, and we’ve helped customers build dream homes in every state! The top 5 cities on the East Coast to build a home are just the beginning—we know real estate is booming elsewhere, too. Reach out and we’ll be pleased to help you find the perfect design for your needs!

The post Top 5 East Coast Cities to Build in 2023 appeared first on DFD House Plans Blog.

Young professionals living in the city are looking for upscale, trendy multi-family properties to live in and help start their investment portfolios.  Families moving out of the city and into the suburbs are looking for single-family homes in a neighborhood that provide a comfortable and safe environment to raise their families yet are still close enough to the city to allow them easy access to restaurants and nightclubs.  The Dallas-Fort Worth area is ranked as the #2 Best Place to live in Texas, according to realestate.usnews.com.  And, U.S. News has ranked this area as the #32 Best Place to Live in the country

Multi-Family Home Plans for Building in the City

Take a look at this beautiful Modern style Apartment house plan.  Perfect for building in the city, young professionals looking to increase their investment portfolio could live in one unit and rent out the other 7 units.

Another option for investment, yet not quite as ambitious, is a beautiful duplex.  This contemporary, duplex home plan is a great and affordable option.  With each unit providing 952 square feet, along with 2 bedrooms, a full bath, and a basement, which is ready for future expansion, this plan is sensibly designed with tons of style.

Single-Family Homes for Building in the Suburbs

The Dallas-Fort Worth suburban areas have many different styles of single-family homes.  One of the more popular styles would be a Craftsman style plan.  Beautiful craftsman elements set it apart from a standard traditional home.  Impressive among home plans, this designs fairytale front porch embraces the craftsman exterior.

A new style of home that is becoming very popular is the Transitional style home.  These homes take the best of the farmhouse and mix it with a more contemporary modern look.  Lower roof pitches in the center combined with metal roofing materials give this an updated look.

Another beautiful style is the Modern Farmhouse.  The updated farmhouse is extremely popular, and this trend looks to continue throughout 2023.  This brand new, beautiful 3-bedroom, 2570 square foot 2-story farmhouse features a rear 3-car garage and wraparound porches that welcome you into a spacious floor plan with vaulted ceilings.

Whatever your choice of location, we have the perfect home plan for you and your family.  Reach out and we’ll be happy to find a wonderful home that answers all your needs.

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Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

Fireplaces and wood stoves provide the perfect place to stay warm and soak in ambiance. They are also beautiful architectural focal points in most traditional and modern homes alike. Whether you prefer to partake on your own or gather the whole family around the hearth to tell stories and converse, you’ll find awesome homes with fireplaces at Direct from the Designers!

So, would you like an indoor or outdoor fireplace, or perhaps both? Most of our house plans have at least one! A crackling fire offers one of the best cozy spaces for winter, even if you take the experience out into the crisp, fresh air.

Reading Nooks and Window Seats

When the weather howls outside, there’s nothing better than cozying up in a snug space with a good book. Window seats and reading nooks are two areas in your home that can provide delightfully comfortable and intimate experiences, so long as you have the right design vision. A purposefully furnished corner or sitting room in the bedroom can also be a wonderful space to relax. Whether it comes built-in or you make it yourself from scratch, your nook will serve you well through the seasons.

Spending your time in winter simply can help you to recharge after the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Do you welcome peace and quiet or enjoy the company of loved ones during this slower season? In any case, we have a variety of homes that provide all sorts of cozy spaces for winter—just imagine your perfect spot to snuggle up and you can find it here. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help!

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What do the top house plans of 2022 have in common?  Wide open layouts, outdoor living spaces, modern, farmhouse and traditional homes with wraparound porches and large areas for family gatherings have been the #1 design trends in 2022. 

Let’s take a look at the top 5 best-selling plans for Direct from The Designers House Plans in 2022.

Starting with DFD-7672. This beautiful and affordable Traditional Ranch home features vaulted ceilings and skylights inside and a lovely rear covered patio for outdoor living outside.  The open design provides enough space for everyone to congregate in various areas of the home yet still remain connected to what others are doing. 

Our charming Modern Farmhouse DFD-8516 contains 2,188 sf of comfort and understated elegance.  Another plan with a great room, the beautiful windows and skylights brings the outside in and gives a bright and airy feel to the home.

DFD-4838 is a beautiful representation of a country cottage featuring charming angles and architectural elements.  This home includes a wraparound porch and a lanai with a BBQ area and outside fireplace giving the perfect vibe for relaxation.

DFD-5623 is the perfect vacation getaway featuring a large wraparound deck, and huge windows.  This chalet style home is ideal for recreational living and scenic sites.  The interior is dramatic with cathedral ceilings and a rugged stone fireplace.

Our final top plan is DFD-6902, a French Country feel in a luxury house plan.  3,302 sf of living space is perfect for entertaining.  You’ll be proud to host friends and relatives in the sizable family room with coffered ceiling.

2022 is ending.  But these beautiful home plan will continue on through 2023.  We’re pleased to continue to provide excellence in our selection of home plans and customer service.  Go to www.dfdhouseplans.com for more information.

The post Revisit the Top 5 House Plans from 2022 appeared first on DFD House Plans Blog.

Gorgeous Living Room & Kitchens
Perfect for Entertaining During the Holidays

Check out DFD-5089. This exclusive modern farmhouse is the perfect place to celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas. 

Can’t you just picture the tree with presents all around in the corner by the French doors?  And stockings hung on the mantle by the fireplace? With seasonal décor and a wintry scene outside, this living area could host a picture-perfect Christmas with ease.

The kitchen is perfect for preparing big holiday dinners. How about that giant island? Can you see yourself hanging with the grandchildren while making cookies and treats? Or perhaps you envision laying out a grand spread for guests to graze on? With all this space, the possibilities are endless! If you’d like to find a home that puts a focus on the kitchen like this, explore our Fabulous Kitchen Collection.

Indoor/Outdoor Hosting Potential
Flexible Homes for the Holidays in These Times

Another gorgeous home for entertaining is DFD-5252. The beautiful storybook Craftsman design invites you to enjoy connection even with some partitions that formally define the spaces.

Enter through the foyer and you’ll immediately see the dramatic stone fireplace. It sits between the dining and living areas, viewable from both sides. With ample seating for sit-down holiday dinners and room to mingle, you can host any sort of event you prefer. That cozy fire will warm guests wherever they are!

If traditional holiday get-togethers still seem a bit too risky, you may prefer to move the party outside. Being out in the fresh air reduces the likelihood of viruses spreading. Of course, you’ll need enough comfortable outdoor space to accommodate your guests. No matter your geographical location, you can find a solution! Many homes have outdoor fireplaces to help with ambiance and provide warmth, so you can enjoy them even in the winter. DFD-5252 includes just that on its expansive lanai! Take a look at our Outdoor Living Collection if you’d like something like this.

Sweet Dreams for Everybody
Treat Your Overnight Guests to Cozy Accommodations

Finally, where are out of town guests going to sleep? Many of our homes have regular bedrooms in addition to walkout basements, bonus rooms, and bunk rooms that you can finish to suit your needs. So, you don’t have to search for homes that have more bedrooms than necessary for your own family! Just keep an open mind and imagine what you could do with the different areas of the floor plans you like.

Want a home with plenty of flexibility? Consider DFD-1132. Not only does it have a family room upstairs to give kids their own space, but there’s also a large ensuite bedroom across the catwalk from the other bedrooms and bath. This will serve guests in comfort and style! And if the main floor plans don’t provide enough, look to the walkout basement—you can do whatever you want with all that extra square footage.

You’ll find another wonderful suite in DFD-7876. This large bedroom also features a private bath and is located off the upstairs media room. It’s another layout that places guest quarters near the other secondary bedrooms, but not all plans are like this. Many place the guest suite right off the foyer for easy arrivals and departures. Use our Advanced Search if you’d like to find a home with a dedicated guest room. You can also explore our In-Law Suite Collection to see homes with everything to basic to luxurious accommodations!

Whatever holiday(s) you celebrate, be sure to take the time to enjoy your family and friends and remember the reason for the season! But if your home isn’t up to the task, we can help. Reach out and we’ll be happy to find a wonderful home that answers all your needs. You could spend next holiday season as the best host or hostess around!

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The History of the Blueprint

The word blueprint comes from the past. Construction documents were created by taking a drawn image on semi-transparent paper weighed down on top of a sheet of paper or cloth. The paper or cloth was pre-coated with a photosensitive chemical mixture of potassium ferricyanide and ferric ammonium citrate. When exposed to light, the exposed parts of the drawing (the background) became blue, but the drawing lines blocked the coated paper from exposure and remained white. So, the original blueprints—cyanotypes—really were blue!

This process was developed in 1842 by John Herschel and remained in use until the 1940’s. First, the cyanotype blueprint got replaced by diazo prints. These inverted the colors—they had blue lines on white paper—and people called them whiteprints or bluelines. In today’s modern world, digital construction files created on CAD (Computer Aided Design) software have replaced paper altogether. Why? Because PDFs of plans can be emailed directly to the consumer. Printed sets are still available to buy, but they aren’t as popular. Many people prefer sending their plans digitally to their bank, builder, building department, etc. Some people even bring them into the field on a mobile device. You can always print PDF plans at a local shop if you need physical copies!

What Is Included in Blueprints?

A full set of construction documents includes a number of pieces. They typically contain:

• A cover sheet
• A site plan
• Floor plan(s)
• Elevations
• Cross sections
• A roof plan
• Detail sheets and schedules
• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP drawings)
• Truss and structural engineering

Each of these sections uses a scale, symbols, and abbreviations to simplify reading the many elements on the page. Professionals can easily decipher blueprints and figure out everything needed to build the home.

Want to read your house plans yourself? There are a few things to keep in mind. First, blueprints are typically drawn on a ¼ inch scale. This means that every quarter inch on the plan equals 1 foot of actual length on the completed structure. Many people struggle with all the abbreviations on blueprints, but just look at the key on the side. It tells you what all the abbreviations and symbols mean to ensure everyone understands what they refer to. Your builder knows how to read blueprints, so feel free to ask them questions!

Finishing Up

Clearly, blueprints are necessary for the successful completion of any construction project. Due to ever evolving codes, you should always look for current, up-to-date house plans. It’s vital for a successful build! If you have questions, reach out to your building professional or contact Direct from the Designers so we can help you find the perfect set of home plans.

Looking for some inspiration? We have plenty! From grand homes to the simplest of cabins, our collections suit all needs. Explore the possibilities and see how your blueprints can ultimately become a beautiful home for you and your family!

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