Floor Plans: Frequently Asked Questions
The topic of floor plans is important because it is where the new home dream begins. Whether you need a floor plan or already have one you like, our design team is uniquely qualified to help and guide you. Head designer and founder of Connecticut Valley Homes, Catherine Taylor, answers frequently asked questions about the floor plan and design process at Connecticut Valley Homes.
Q: Can I change or modify a pre-designed plan from your website?
A: We expect changes because everyone is building for different reasons and has different needs. Our team has designed and built over 1585 new homes and is exceptionally well qualified to make any modifications you might want. You will be happy to know there is no additional fee to re-design any pre-designed plan unless additional materials are used.
Q: I have looked at your pre-designed plans and don't see what I want. Can you design something that looks completely different from anything on your website?
A: Absolutely. We have been designing new homes for well over 30 years. Our focus is designing a plan for each customer that both fits their needs and embraces their building site and budget. Clients routinely say their home is such a pleasure to live in and how grateful they are for the help they received from the Connecticut Valley Design Team. Please note that home design and blueprints are included in the price of your new home.
Q: I designed my own plan and know exactly what I want. Would you be able to use my design?
A: Yes. We can build from the plan you designed, or any plan you have, as long as you own the rights to that plan. We can also review your plan and offer suggestions if you would find that helpful.
Q: Are you an experienced coastal home designer?
A: Connecticut Valley Homes has been building along the coast for over thirty years and has helped hundreds of clients move into new homes perfectly designed for their needs and building site.
We have extensive experience with:
- Flood Zones (Examples: AE, X and V Zones)
- Wind Zones
- Building On Piers
- Small and / or Difficult Building Sites
Customers from towns all up and down the Connecticut and Rhode Island coast, plus Block Island and Fishers Island have selected and trusted us to design and build their coastal home.
Q: I want to tear down my cottage and replace it with a new home. How do I find a floor plan that will fit my footprint?
A: We frequently adjust the size of our pre-designed floor plans to perfectly fit the allowed building space. We can also create a custom floor plan specifically for your footprint. Designing homes for small and /or difficult building sites is one of our specialties.
Q: Can I work with an architect?
A: Of course. We are happy to recommend an architect to you or work with your architect. If you already have an architect, we would suggest a meeting before the design process begins to review the sizes that work best from a factory perspective. This allows as much work as possible to be done in the factory, which is the most cost effective way to build. Another approach is to have Connecticut Valley design your new home and then bring the plans to your architect for design review. Some of our customers have taken this approach when they had specific design concerns like needing historical commission approval.
Q: Do you have handicap accessible plans and / or features available?
A: We have built many such homes over the years. The reason you don't see them on our site is that each home has been totally different based on each customer's needs. In general, we incorporate features to make living easier like wider doors and halls, handicap kitchens and baths, easy to use door hardware, ramps, etc. All you have to do is tell us what your requirements are.
Q: Do you have any floor plans that could accommodate in-laws / returning college students / au pair, dual master suites, etc?
A: You may not see one of our pre-designed plans that meets your needs, but that doesn't mean we can't help you. The best solution for a unique situation is a plan designed specifically for you. Let us know your needs and budget and we will offer floor plan solutions to consider.
Q: What about outside living space – covered porches, decks, garages, etc. Can they be added or incorporated into one of your floor plans?
A: Yes, we show those spaces on your blueprints even if you plan to build them in the future. We also show walk-out basements, sunrooms, screened porches, etc.
Q: Are the options shown on the floor plans the only options offered?
A: No, we offer a wide selection of choices and design options. Our photo gallery shows some of the possibilities. If you don't see what you want, all you have to do is ask.