Stating the Facts About Real Estate

An open floor plan is a popular design choice amongst many homeowners. As expected, some people think the choice was one of the best ones they made during the building process, and for others, they wish they would have chosen otherwise. By now, you probably realize that there are both pros and cons when it comes to open floor plans. Learn about these differences to make sure you make the right choice.

1. Pro: Helpful for Young Families

For homeowners with young children, an open floor plan can provide a sense of security. In closed design homes, it is impossible to see what your little ones are doing in every room, unless you are standing in every room with them. With an open concept floor plan, you can cook dinner and still keep a watchful eye on your children in the living room. As a parent, this design gives you greater flexibility to move around, while still watching your children. 

2. Con: Noise Control and Privacy

Noise control and privacy can be an issue for a home with an open floor plan. Traditionally, a home fashioned after this type of design would have the kitchen, living room or den, dining room, breakfast nook, and sometimes an office area, all in one space. If your child needed to complete homework in the office area and the rest of the family was talking in the kitchen, it could be a distraction. 

3. Pro: Ideal for Entertaining

For homeowners that love to entertain, an open floor plan offers plenty of advantages. Each room within the plan has a distinct design to distinguish it from the next, but for the most part, everything is one big open space, or room. If you need to entertain, you can have some people in the kitchen and others in the living room, while remaining together. This type of layout is great for family gatherings, as it allows everyone to remain close. 

4. Con: Climate Control

The homeowner can expect to pay more to heat and cool their home if they choose an open floor plan. With a closed design, you have the option to close the vents in the spaces you do not use, which can offer savings. Since the rooms flow, one-to-another, with an open design, it is impossible to isolate the air to only certain parts of the space. However, the caveat to this is to build the home with great insulation and energy-efficient windows.

If you are still not certain which type of design option to choose, sit down and discuss your concerns with a new home builder for more insight.