How to Choose the Perfect Floor Plan for Your New Home in Woodland Park
When you build a new home in Woodland Park (or anywhere, really), choosing the perfect floor plan is one of the most important aspects of the process. Nothing frustrates homeowners more than having to make workarounds for inadequacies in their home design. In this article we’ll discuss some things you should consider to create the perfect floor plan for your new home.
What Comes First—The Land or The Floor Plan?
What comes first, the land or the floor plan? While it's important to know what you want in a house, many decisions depend upon the lot you choose. In Woodland Park, some lots feature stunning mountain views, while others are nestled among the trees. Some lots are flat, and some are on the side of the mountain. Choosing or designing the right floor plan really depends upon where you decide to build.
For instance, if you are building on the side of a mountain, the back of the house will likely be uphill while the front will be downhill. If you want a walk-out basement, it will likely be on the front of the house. From this perspective, it makes sense to create the floor plan once you know where you want to build.
The Basics
To start planning the perfect floor plan, you’ll start with the easy stuff: the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and garage spaces you want. Then think about the home style—rancher, bi-level, tri-level, four-level, or two-story and the square footage.
With the basics in hand, you have options for creating a floor plan. You can scour the internet for floor plans, work with an architect, use one of the builder’s floor plans as a starting point, or start from scratch on a napkin (just kidding, a piece of paper works better.) Regardless of which direction you go, you’ll want to make a list beforehand to ensure your floor plan includes everything important to you. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the things you should consider when you decide on a floor plan.
Assess Your Lifestyle and Space Requirements
The Primary Bedroom
As you’re thinking about the floor plan, consider how you will spend your time at home. Starting with the bedrooms, which floor do you want the primary bedroom on? A primary bedroom on the main level works well for aging in place. Be sure to consider the lot when placing the primary bedroom. If the front of your home will have mountain views and the back will have trees, which do you want to wake up to? Almost all homes today have an adjoining primary bathroom. Do you want a five-piece bath? A tub shower/combo? Or a shower built for two?
Secondary Bedrooms
If you have small children, you probably want to keep the children’s bedrooms on the same level of the home as yours for convenience and security. If your children are teenagers or your parents live with you, you might want bedrooms in the basement. Should each bedroom have its own bathroom? Should they have adjoining bathrooms? Or is one in the hall enough for everyone?
The Laundry
Next, think about the location of the laundry room. Is it on the same level as the bedrooms? Do you need more than one? I’ve always dreamed of having a laundry room accessible from the primary bedroom closet with a space to fold clothes. Imagine how convenient that would be. Many homes today have a washer and dryer in the mudroom.
The Mudroom
As a mountain community, Woodland Park sees about 28 inches of rain each year and about 84 inches of snowfall (don’t worry, it is not all at once.) That makes a mudroom a must-have for removing shoes and jackets and keeping the rest of the house free of snow and mud. Consider a good-sized coat closet to keep winter coats and snow boots. If you have dogs, one of the new trends is adding a pet washing station to the mudroom so you can clean the dogs paws before they bring all that mud through the house.
Living Areas
When you think of your living areas, consider how often you entertain. Where do people congregate, and how do you want the rooms to flow? Do you do formal dining, eat at the kitchen table, the breakfast bar or island, or set up buffet-style events? A great room that adjoins to the kitchen is a great option for entertaining.
The Kitchen
Since we’re talking about the kitchen, a kitchen close to the garage makes bringing groceries into the house a whole lot easier. Of course, that’s just my opinion. One of the biggest complaints people have when talking about homes they’ve lived in is a lack of storage space in the kitchen. Consider how much space you need; if space allows, consider a walk-in pantry. A walk-in pantry makes it so easy to store food and keep kitchen appliances out of site. Of course, if there isn’t room for a walk-in pantry, a smaller pantry can also be helpful.
Cabinetry
In the kitchen, do you want all cabinets, cabinets with pull-out shelves, or some cabinets and drawers? Drawers are great for pots, pans, plastic containers, and more. When placing drawers and cabinets, consider their
proximity to other items. In my current home, the dishwasher is 12 inches to the right of where the counter turns to the left. When the dishwasher door is open, there is not enough room to turn around and put the dishes away. In a previous home, the dishwasher door could not be opened while the utensil drawer was open. It is these small nuances, or should I say nuisances, that make a difference in how we enjoy our homes.
Windows & Wall Space
As you look at your living areas, think about where the views are and where you want windows. Also think about any artwork you want to hang. I once visited a house that had so many windows there was no room to hang artwork. If you have children or dogs, consider a kitchen window looking into the backyard (or front) to keep an eye on the kids while they play.
Specialty Rooms
In home design, there are many extra specialty rooms that can be added to your home, like a wine cellar, home gym, and home office to name just a few.
Optimize Indoor-Outdoor Living
Outdoor spaces become an extension of your home. A wraparound deck, patio, or porch can blur the lines between inside and out. Think about where the sun rises and sets to maximize morning coffee spots or relaxing afternoon gatherings. A kitchen near an outdoor patio makes grilling and entertaining easier.
Budget and Construction Considerations
Budget drives many design choices, so prioritize the elements that matter most to you. A larger kitchen with a walk-in pantry might mean simpler finishes elsewhere. Wider hallways, a basement bedroom, or two primary suites can affect costs. Decide if you want a grand front entry or prefer allocating funds for upgraded cabinets and fixtures. Keep an eye on how each decision shapes the overall investment.
Building New Homes in Woodland Park CO with Scott Homes Ltd
When you want to build a new home in Woodland Park CO, please consider working with Scott Homes Ltd. Skip and Deb, the owners, have extensive experience in the Woodland Park real estate market. They can help you make decisions regarding your floor plan based on what adds value and what doesn’t. They are equally knowledgeable in the resale market and can tell you what amenities will sell when the time comes and what could give you issues.
Working with Skip and Deb will bring you peace of mind. They are both very detail-oriented and will support you in each step of your project.
As you make your floor plan choices, remember every choice you make, from room placement to window size, influences how you experience Woodland Park’s beauty. Prioritizing the right layout aligns your home with your daily routines and local surroundings. By focusing on unique features, you create spaces that feel welcoming, practical, and in tune with Colorado’s natural wonders. Embrace the trees, wildlife, and varied scenery as you design the perfect home for your family.
Ultimately, the best floor plan becomes a canvas that balances privacy, comfort, and seamless access to the outdoors. It’s a chance to craft a life that celebrates all the benefits of mountain living.
To learn more about how Scott Homes Ltd. can help you build a new home in Woodland Park, CO, contact us at 719-687-6083 or click the button below to send us an email and we’ll call you.