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by MJ Thompson
4 months ago in Design Dilemma
Dead end trying to find the floor plan to suit our needs!
We love prairie style homes - want to build something efficient and functional for our busy family. I have certain ideas I want incorporated, but having a difficult time finding floor plans to suit what we are looking for. Are there any free design sites out there that give you a base plan, that you can adjust to suit your tastes?
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The Virtual Designer- Kitchens & Bathrooms I don't know of any that are free, but there are a few that will charge a very reasonable fee. let me get back to you.
4 months ago ·
Ironwood Builders Free plans probably will be hard to find. I recommend discussing your goals with an architect or design/builder. They may have models that can be altered for you site and taste without starting from scratch....though the Prairie Style is pretty definitive and many new plans will not match it's style of construction.
4 months ago ·
The Virtual Designer- Kitchens & Bathrooms http://associateddesigns.com/plan/30532
These guys will modify plans for you. Why not try to draw up something that you like and visit a draftsperson who might draw it up suitable for submission to planning authority.
4 months ago · ·
Dytecture Do a google search on "craftsman floor plan" and there are plenty of 'free' websites that give you a general plan layout. The key is you will not find anything that will match 100% of what you are looking for. I agree you could either draw up a floor plan yourself or find one that is very to close to what you are looking for and find a draftsman to draw it up for construction. Although you won't receive too many design tips if you go that route.
4 months ago ·
MJ Thompson Thank you for the input! It is greatly appreciated. I figured I would eventually have to take a plan that is closest to what we want to an architect who could then help us with modifications.
4 months ago ·
MJ Thompson Dytecture - what do you mean I won't receive too many design tips if I go which route?
4 months ago ·
Ironwood Builders Dytecture means that a draftsman, as opposed to an architect will not insert themselves (as much) into the design process. They pretty much draw what they are directed to draw. The information they insert will be more about the practical aspects of obtaining permits and complying with code. An architect will give design advice and direction.
4 months ago · ·
Dytecture Thanks Ironwood Builders, this is exactly the differences between working with a draftsman vs. an architect.
4 months ago · ·
MJ Thompson Thanks Ironwood Builders for all your help and input. I appreciate the feedback from all of you!!! I will definitely look into working with an architect as I desire the advice and tips.
4 months ago ·
Christine There is a tv show on hgtv called the Pioneer Woman. Her name is Ree Drummond. She lives on a beautiful spread and her house is stunning and I said If I was not a city girl her's would be the type of home and lifestyle that might work for my nesting alter-ego. Maybe you can find someone who has access to her homes' layout. There was one epside which showed several rooms and it was lovely.
4 months ago ·
MJ Thompson Looks like Cortney and Robert Novogratz did a room for her--- I love those two, they've done some amazing work, so now I'm anxious to check out their second season apparently airing soon - this Saturday? I had no idea, so glad I found out through you they are coming back to TV. Thanks Christine for that!!! --- - I will look more into this as well.
4 months ago ·
Hrivnak Associates, Ltd. Its your home! Hire an Architect. A good architect will save you more than their fee both in obtaining good competitive bids and through sustainable, energy-saving approaches while giving you a home that adapts to you and your lifestyle - not the other way around. A good architect will use the same "sticks and bricks" in creative ways thus creating additional value - so in reality, the next owner will pay the architect's fees. You get one shot at this. Do it the right way. You'll be glad you did.

John Hrivnak, AIA, MBA, NCARB, LEED AP
4 months ago · ·
Custom Home Planning Center many of the prairie stye homes work with long narrow lots which can be hard to find. Do you have the lot?. That where any design should start.
4 months ago ·
Christine Have you thought of doing the PH thing in front and then modern and open in the back. The pictures I posted are of her home but she has rolling hills and what appears to be farmland so if your plot of land to build on is smaller then you may have to plan downwards a bit.

I do suggest that since this is your dream home you take the time to look at magazines and pull tear sheets of what you absolutely love before going to a home builder or architect or planner. This way you can be sure you get your vision and not someone elses' vision (no matter how talented) of what THEY think YOU want.

The first pix I attached is Ree's actual house pre reno. and the others are just some idea of how you might be able to meld modern and PH.
4 months ago ·
Ironwood Builders Christine...google Prairie style, OK? It is an offshoot of Arts and Crafts style developed in the Midwest by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright.
4 months ago ·
Brenda Fisher Architect definitely. First set your priorities: energy efficiency, green building, and your budget. I have retrofitted my Prairie Style home and maintaining the integrity of this home while allowing for HVAC and pluming can be a nightmare. An architect can help you place these immovable elements within your desired floor plan. A floor plan without this consideration will mean scraping your plan or adding bulkheads and or tray ceilings which are definitely NOT Prairie Style. My renos included a lot of built ins to be added to hide the mechanicals. It will be cheaper and less frustrating in the end to work with a pro. Unless you enjoy learning about 6 different trades and careers and getting it wrong any way.
4 months ago ·
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