The Better-Than-Ever Box

Most buyers, whether first-time entry level, move-up, or building a custom home, are looking for more square footage with more usable space, well designed kitchens, family activity centers and private retreats, aesthetic beauty, energy efficiency, and (most important) all of the above plus more for the best dollar value possible. That's a tall order to fill! The good news is that it can be done in all price ranges. The builder can provide a lot of the bells and whistles to any level buyer while cutting costs in other areas. When it comes to saving money, the best place to start is always at the beginning... the design!

In the plan pictured, our firm has taken a basic box footprint and developed a top-selling plan for their client. Notice the amenities that are popular in today's market. In a two-story home, the downstairs master bedroom is much desired by this particular builder's move-up buyer. Remember, this may not hold true in all regions. Design trends in a given area will be directly proportional to the desires of the buyers in that area.

The two-story entry done in tile leads us to the partially curved staircase. This type staircase is very attractive and more economical to build than a full curved stair because it is straight for the most part; with only a slight curve at the beginning. At left, the arched openings, sculpted with sheetrock, invite us into the formal living and dining areas. On our right is a flexible room that can be used either as an extra bedroom or study. This flex space is particularly nice in that it has access to the powder room, which has a private shower.

Created for a lot with a beautiful rear view, the entire back of the first floor is designed with lots of windows and a vaulted ceiling. Two bays, one in the breakfast and one in the master bedroom, add square footage economically while adding excitement through visual expansion. The kitchen is open to the family and breakfast areas and shares the outdoor view with those rooms.

The master bedroom is large and bright with its many windows. The slightly oversized shower and oval tub with its own window make the master bath a big hit! Closet space is certainly no problem. The bay window in the master bedroom makes a wonderful sitting area for "cocooning" owners. In fact, the entire home, even with its open design, provides plenty of space for the family members to enjoy privacy.

Upstairs, the bedrooms are separated into different areas. The bedroom to our left contains a private full bath and walk in closet -- great for guests, nanny, or a visiting college child. Another full bath on the right is shared by two other bedrooms and the teen room. The teen room is conveniently located over the garage -- away from the owners' sleeping area. This teen room is also easily converted into a bedroom.

By building a home that is economical in design, a move-up buyer can gain in square footage, have any style of elevation, a graceful staircase, and elegant accents throughout the home. However, our move-ups are not the only ones that can benefit. This type of value engineering is probably most popular in starter homes, but think of the effects these economics can have on the upper end! The buyer of a custom home, who starts with a simple design rather than a complicated floorplan can attain more living square footage, more luxury, flexibility, and overall refinement per dollar. And the builder? The builder enjoys easier construction, an easier sale, and a bigger profit.