Ask Sir Walter: Which Comes First:
The Floor Plan or the Lot?

Q: We have decided to build our dream home. It seems logical to start by choosing a floor plan or is it more important to find the perfect location? - Floor Plan or Lot

A: Dear Floor Plan or Lot,

Many people start planning their dream home by selecting their perfect floor plan - whether they find it in a magazine, a home plan book or online. Searching through all the home design and floor plan options can take countless hours no matter where you start your research. You may find the perfect floor plan, one that needs a few modifications, or decide to start from scratch with a home planner or architect.

The challenge with selecting the floor plan first is that it may not work with your first choice for a lot. I recommend starting your new home building process by determining what area you want to build your dream home in and then finding a lot. You may know that you want a daylight basement or a view of the water, so knowing those basic attributes of your floor plan will help you in the lot selection process.

One last piece of advice: If you do pick your floor plan before you purchase land, you should not have a home planner or architect work on your design until you have closed on the lot of your choice. They will want to spend some time learning the typography of your lot before making changes to your chosen floor plan.

My Best,
Sir Walter Lindal

If you have additional lot or floor plan selection questions, or any other home building related questions, please email Ask Sir Walter.