Building your dream home can be an exciting but daunting task. One of the most critical decisions you'll make when constructing your house is selecting the right house plan style. With numerous options available, choosing the right style for your new home can be a challenging task. In this article, we will explore the top 5 most popular house plan styles and their unique features, advantages, and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision.
1. THE TOP 5 MOST
POPULAR HOUSE PLAN
STYLES
NELSON DESIGN GROUP
2. Top 5 Most Popular House Plan Styles
01
02
03
05
04
Ranch House
Plan
Colonial House
Plan
Contemporary
House Plan
Craftsman House
Plan
Cottage House
Plan
3. • Ranch House
Plan
The Ranch style house plan is one of the most popular
house plans in America. The style first gained
popularity in the 1950s, and it continues to be a
favorite for many homeowners. Some of its unique
features include:
• Single-story
• Low-pitched roof
• Open floor plan
• Large windows
• Attached garage
• Easy to maintain
• Ideal for those who prefer one-floor living
4. Advantages
• • Easy to maintain
• Perfect for families with young
children or those who have
mobility issues
• More affordable than multi-story
homes
• More energy efficient than multi-
story homes
Disadvantages
• Less privacy since all rooms are
on one level
• Limited space for expanding the
home
• Less architectural variety
compared to other styles
5. 2. Colonial House Plan
The Colonial style house plan is one of the oldest and most
traditional styles. It originated in the early 18th century. it
features:
• Symmetrical design
• Two or three stories
• Central front door
• Large chimneys
• Decorative shutters
• Dormer windows
6. Advantages
• Beautiful, classic look
• Large windows allow natural
light
• Multiple levels provide ample
space for large families
• Room for customization
Disadvantages
• High maintenance costs due to
the multiple levels
• Higher construction costs than
other styles
• Steep roofs can make
maintenance challenging
7. 3. Contemporary House
Plan
The contemporary style house plan is ideal for those who
want a modern, minimalist look. It features:
• Clean lines
• Minimalist decor
• Flat or sloping roofs
• Large windows
• Open floor plans
8. Advantages
• Energy efficient
• Provides ample natural light
• Sleek and stylish design
• Flexible design allows for
customization
Disadvantages
• Limited privacy due to large
windows
• Can be expensive to construct
• Less traditional than other styles,
which can affect resale value
9. 4. Craftsman House Plan
The Craftsman style house plan first gained popularity in
the early 1900s. It features:
• Low-pitched roof
• Large front porch
• Exposed beams
• Woodwork details
• Handcrafted details
• Open floor plans
10. Advantages
• Beautiful design with unique
features
• Energy-efficient due to open
floor plans
• Low-maintenance due to the use
of durable materials
• Room for customization
Disadvantages
• Can be expensive to construct
• Limited architectural variety
compared to other styles
• May not appeal to all
homebuyers
11. 5. Cottage House Plan
The Cottage style house plan is perfect for those who want
a cozy, comfortable home. It features:
• Steeply pitched roof
• Cozy interiors
• Exposed rafters
• Small or no dormers
• Use of natural materials
• Intimate spaces
13. In conclusion, there are countless house plan styles to choose
from, each with its unique features and benefits. The top five most
popular styles include Craftsman, Contemporary, Colonial, Ranch
and Cottage house plans. No matter which style you choose, a
well-designed house plan is essential to creating a home that is
both functional and beautiful. With the right house plan, you can
turn your dream home into a reality. Nelson Design Group offers
over one thousand custom-designed house plans with “Today’s
Living” requirements in every style and square footage size
imaginable.