Selecting A House Style
There are many styles to choose from. Some sketches of the more popular ones are shown here noting their main distinguishing features. This should help you to narrow your search for the perfect house plan considerably. You can also combine features for something more unique or contemporary. You should take into account the neighborhood you are building in, and the styles already prevalent. Remember to think about re-sale.
The size house you need and the size lot that you have must be considered here. It is more economical to build up (2 story), than to build utilizing more real estate. If your lot will not accommodate the space you need in one story, you may not have any choice but to build a 2 story home.
You must also consider whether you want a basement. Dollar for dollar, you will get much more square footage from a basement than anywhere else. The downside is dampness, especially in low lying areas, and the fact that you will have more stairs to climb. If you cannot resolve potential flooding problems, I would not recommend a basement. On a sloping lot however, a walkout basement becomes feasible for very economical, prime living space! The split level design also lends itself to a moderately sloping lot.
You will also have to take into account the view, the proximity of your neighbors homes and any other issues that are unique to the building site, such as the elevation of the foundation in relation to the elevation of the street.
Saltbox side view Garrison side view
Timber detailing
Shown are some very simplified full building sections which are how the building would look if it were cut down the center. There is usually at least one with every set of blueprints, many more on complicated buildings.
They show ceiling heights and treatments, number of risers to the stairs, thickness of walls, floors, ceilings and roofs, depth of foundations, structure, total height of the building etc. If completely detailed they are very informative and also show interior elevations including trim. At this point in the planning stage, they only need to help you determine the house style you will build.