Whether it’s in an urban city core or a sparsely populated suburb, garage apartment plans offer a whole new range of housing solutions.
Garage apartments are an efficient way to optimize your land by building upon existing structures. Even if you opt for new construction of a detached garage with an apartment above it, you can do it easily, providing your household with bonus living quarters that can be repurposed as needed.
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The French countryside brings to mind romantic images of rolling hills and cozy chalet homes, so it’s no surprise that Americans have been imitating that concept in French country house plans. Though French country homes have evolved over the centuries, especially when they made their way to the Americas, they maintain the rustic charm and eternal elegance that many people associate with rural France.
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There has always been an old-world glamour to European architecture, so it’s no surprise that it’s become a common umbrella term for a large variety of architectural styles in the United States and Canada.
European house plans are popular with everyone from first-time homebuyers to empty-nesters looking to downsize. The range in styles, and their versatility and timeless elegance make European-style houses a long-standing favorite.
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Wood pillars, stone siding and a steel roof give this home a uniquely modern/rustic feel. Stone bases anchor the tapered columns on the porch, and we love the unique triple window accent by the front door.
In the spacious entrance foyer you can drop off your bags in the coat closet. Notice the corner space by the window: here you can make use of the sunshine and stand a tall house plant to add a bit of natural décor.
Access to the open living area is through a set of double French doors. Not only is the foyer arrangement stylish, but it’s also a practical way of blocking the draft on a cold winter night when you return home.
From here, you can greet family members who are gathered on the plush couch enjoying a bowl of popcorn and a movie. A beautiful fireplace is the heart of the living space, and you can just picture Christmas stockings hanging from the mantle.
Abundant windows overlook a large, 24′ x 10′ covered patio in the back. Right now, you have the perfect view of the sunset whether you remain inside the warmth of the house or venture outside with a mug of hot chocolate.
The dining table seats 8 and spatially splits the family room from the well appointed kitchen with large kitchen island. This L-shaped kitchen is a blank canvas waiting for you to choose your favorite cabinets, counter top, and appliances.
Tucked in behind the kitchen is a laundry room, discreet powder room, and another coat closet. Built ins and direct access to the garage add to the practical features of this home.
Upstairs, the 4 bedrooms include a master suite with a large walk-in closet. Many new home designs tend to overdo the bathroom, but the minimalist will appreciate the simple design found here. Everything you need is behind the space-saving pocket door: shower, single vanity and toilet.
The other 3 bedrooms share a second full bathroom. This bathroom, however, is designed to accommodate three kids and all of their accessories. It boasts a double vanity, pedestal bath and large shower enclosure.
The double garage has two doors with windows above each to let in an abundance of natural light.
An unfinished basement and other foundation options are available for this home.
With a two-car garage angling off to the left, the curved façade seems to embrace the visitor.
A door next to the garage acts as an informal entrance; under a covered porch with two beautiful gables sits the front door. Entering here, you find yourself in a lovely foyer with eleven foot ceilings.
Walking forward, you enter the vaulted great room, which flows out, through a set of double doors, to the vaulted outdoor living room.
A vision enters your mind of a late summer shindig, friends gathering around cozy fires crackling in the fireplaces here, fending off the first hints of winter chill. Both the great room and the outdoor living room boast a fireplace.
The great room also has a built in media center. The rest of the home radiates off this stunning shared living space.
Walking in a clockwise pattern from the foyer, the main floor includes an office with a window seat looking over the front porch, two bedrooms with a Jack-and-Jill bathroom in between, the outdoor living room, the open dining room and kitchen, and in the back corner, the master bedroom.
Wandering back to the entry foyer, you see a hall off to the left. This contains a half bath, the utility room with its washer and dryer, stairs to the upper story, and a door to the garage.
This striking and distinctive brick ranch with stone accents includes all the frills. From the inviting front porch to the screen porch and deck, this home provides dramatic spaces, luxurious appointments, and spacious living areas.
The bonus room and basement provide plenty of space for expansion, so this home is one that won’t soon be outgrown.
Listening to our customer’s requests, we’ve enlarged the garage to accommodate 3 cars.
Just beyond the porch is an entry with 11′ high ceilings.
To the left is the formal dining room which is open to the entry and family room.
The 18’x20’ family room has a dramatic 11′ high ceiling.
Stairs to the bonus room are directly off the family room.
The spacious kitchen, with serving bar, is open to the family room which features a cozy corner fireplace.
Tucked quietly in the back of the floorplan, the private master suite is loaded with amenities such as a double step tray ceiling, a sitting room, deluxe bath, and an oversized walk-in closet.
On the other side of the home, the spacious secondary bedrooms each feature walk-in closets and private baths.
Unless otherwise noted, the main level ceilings are 9′ high. The bonus room has 5’ high “knee” walls with ceiling sloping to 8’ high.
Click here to see the plan specifications and pricing at COOL House Plans.
The tiny house movement has been in the news recently thanks to the growing number of people who have decided to give up their traditional lives for the tiny house life. But what exactly are tiny houses? And why are people so enamored by them?
The tiny house movement isn’t just a fad, as some people believe. It may be a more permanent solution to many environmental problems, as well as a way to avoid a life of debt and clutter. Instead, tiny houses encourage you to keep only what is necessary and learn to enjoy simple pleasures and live a bigger life.
And when it comes to joining the tiny house movement, you can either buy a tiny house or build one of your own. Both have their perks, but there’s a unique pleasure in choosing the layout of your tiny house and seeing it come to life.
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There’s more to building a garage than needing a place for your car. While that’s the most common use of a garage, there are several ways to enhance this area to make it more than just a space for vehicle storage.
Depending on your needs and lifestyle, you may want extra room for larger vehicles or space for elderly relatives. With the right amount of innovation, a garage can solve all sorts of space problems. And by building your garage using preexisting plans, you can save money and time instead of hiring a professional designer. Preexisting plans are customizable, so you can be sure the garage you build will capture your vision for the project.
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Bungalows are one of the most popular types of houses. Their simplicity and classic design make them an easy choice for those who prefer traditional design and those who enjoy more contemporary designs. The spacious layout can be ideal for young couples who plan to raise a family in the home or for families who need lots of space.
Using bungalow house plans is a quick and efficient way to build a bungalow home without the added stress and hassle of going through a house designer.
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You’ll love the open and airy feel of this Ranch Style Home Plan with its variety of windows which make the rooms sunny and bright.
Covered Porch – With stately columns and generous width, this covered porch area is certain to be a spot for gathering on warm evenings.
Foyer – Step from the covered porch into this open space that immediately welcomes you into the home.
Great Room – This immense room with its open floor plan and variety of windows will be airy and bright. It is open to the kitchen and features French doors to an expansive deck making the transition between the indoor and out seamless.
Rear Deck – The generous sized deck at the rear of the home will be the spot for many family dinners, and it offers you a wonderful spot for entertaining.
Kitchen – This kitchen is a cook’s dream. This spacious and well-designed kitchen features a 48” wide range, a plethora of cabinets and ample counter space making time spent in the kitchen a joy, not a chore. The large double window over the sink looks out on the rear yard and allows for lots of natural light, while the countertop seating area encourages interaction between the chef and family members.
Covered Breezeway/Rear Entry Hall – Connecting the garage to the home is an open, yet covered breezeway area. From this area you step into a large tiled rear entry that houses the utility room, powder room, and spacious coat closet.
Master Suite – Gracious in nature, this lovely suite houses a private bath that will provide you with added comfort.
Secondary Bedrooms –Two moderately sized bedrooms and a full bath help to complete the private areas of the home.
This spacious home is affordable to build due to its simple, yet elegant design. While this home has many lovely features, it can be easily expanded to meet the demands of a growing family.
