Why You Need a 3000-3500 Sq. Ft. House Plan

Luxury in 3,000 Square Feet

 

It may seem surprising, but a luxury home doesn't have to be a 4,000-square-foot-plus mansion. Houses of 3000 to 3500 square feet are large enough to create a luxury home that can suit almost any family. Features such as high ceilings, an expansive master suite, home office, media room, or separate guest space can easily fit in an upper-mid-size home plan.

Many of today's luxury homes have added features during construction when the home finishes are selected. With well-designed floor plans and fabulous interior finishes, many of today's luxury homes are in the 3000–3500-square-foot range. So if you have a family with a couple to a few children and you're looking for stylish digs, here are some considerations for choosing one of these upper-mid-size houses.

 

Choosing an Upper-Mid-Size Home Plan

When choosing your luxury home plan, it is wise to spend some time making a wish list. While a home's appearance might be just your style, how it functions for your family is equally, if not more, important. First, list your absolute needs – like a separate home office, large kitchen, or split bedroom plan. Deciding on the location of the Master Suite is very important – some people like the privacy of a second-floor master suite. However, if you plan to "age in place" in the home, a first-floor master suite might be best.

Next, make a list of "wants" – perhaps a soaking tub, a game room, or a three-car garage. Think of your favorite activities and hobbies. You might want a large back porch if you love to garden or have kids running around the yard. Maybe a man cave is at the top of his list. Many upper-mid-size homes have bonus rooms or a home office. You may decide to use the area instead of a home gym or craft room. Now you can start searching! Search first for the features you need, then narrow down plans by architectural style or layout. Be sure to consider your lot size and shape as well. In some neighborhoods, lot sizes are getting smaller as people gravitate toward a New Urban style – walkable, village-style neighborhood.

"Urban Style" neighborhoods – where lot sizes are small and grouped in clusters and are sometimes interspersed with retail establishments – appeal to Baby Boomers and Millennials alike and are becoming more popular. They harken back to the kind of community thrived before automobiles came along. 

Square footage and floor plan are the first decisions that new home buyers focus on. Floor plans as large as 5 bedrooms can easily fit into a 3,500-square-foot home design. Luxury home plans usually incorporate more bathrooms, so fewer people have to share one. A powder room for guests is another nice touch. Think about the ages of the children and how long you plan to keep the home. You'll have a busy household if you have small children and plan to keep the house until they're all grown. Extra bathrooms are a worthwhile luxury. Some couples even prefer his and her bathrooms.

Here are some of the other luxury home features you can easily include in your 3000-3500-square-foot house:

 

Split Bedroom Plan or Guest Suite

Split bedroom plans are popular with both families and retirees. With the master suite and family/guest bedrooms at opposite ends of the home, you'll have the luxury of privacy.

 

For empty-nesters and retirees, it is practical to be able to close off unused rooms and set the temperature in a very efficient setting. A separated guest suite not only provides privacy for occasional guests but is also convenient for long-term guests or can be a room for a caretaker or even an income-producing rental.

 

Energy Efficiency

Many upper-mid-size home plans are designed for energy efficiency. You can make upgrades during the construction of your home to make it even more attractive, comfortable, and efficient. On-demand water heaters and radiant floor heating systems are luxury home upgrades that cost a bit more upfront but save money over time. Plus, your feet will stay toasty warm all year, and you'll never run out of hot water! Put an on-demand heater under the kitchen sink, and have instant hot water for tea and cooking.

Structural upgrades include increased insulation in the attic and thicker 2x6 exterior walls; installing brick, stone, or fiber-cement siding; and incorporating energy-efficient cool roof shingles.

 

Upgraded Flooring

High-end, durable flooring material is both a luxury home choice and a practical one. There are so many beautiful wood, laminate, and luxury vinyl floors to choose from, and many of them are guaranteed to last 20 years or more. Porcelain tile, slate, or other hard-surface floorings may be used in the kitchen, entry, and/or bathroom areas. These floors stand up best to wet environments and high-traffic areas and will last decades. Carpet can be expected to last 7 to 10 years, but its softness is popular for bedrooms. Finishing the main living areas in a luxury flooring product instantly upgrades the look of the home. It also means you won't have the expense of replacing flooring for a long time.

 

Fireplaces

There's plenty of room for a fireplace in home plans of this size. While they're usually found in living areas like a great room, hearth room, or living room, a fireplace is a popular luxury upgrade in a master suite. Add a stone or tile facade to the fireplace surround, and incorporate media for an elegant, dramatic space.

 

Designer Lighting

Homebuilders will often give their clients a package of lighting to choose from or an allowance to spend. The choices are often limited, and if you use the lighting allowance and shop independently, you can create a more personal, high-end look.

Start with beautiful ceiling fixtures and add wall sconces and cove lights for elegance and efficiency. Work with your kitchen designer and electrician to add some wow factor to your interior lighting plan. Take your lighting ideas outside and add some lighting to the landscape to highlight the architecture of your new home.

 

 

Luxury Master Suite

Consider a large master suite with a sitting area for a private getaway.

 

A luxury Master Bath usually has dual sinks, a separate tub and shower, and a water closet. Spa-like amenities, like marble countertops, luxurious walk-in showers, and high-end tile, add extra luxury to a master bath design.

 

 

Steam showers and soaking tubs are a great way to end the day. Many people make showers larger and handicap-accessible when they build a home, so they can continue living there through old age.

 

Custom Storage

Well-planned storage can make an upper-mid-size home seem much larger. Custom shelving uses every inch of space, especially in the master suite.

Working with an interior designer, or closet specialist, during construction is well worth the expense. A professional will help you take stock of your wardrobe and storage needs and plan storage throughout the home accordingly. An efficiently organized home makes living in less square footage easy.

Kids' closets and laundry/mudroom areas can also benefit from an excellent organization to help keep backpacks, sports equipment, and coats easy to find and off the floor.

 

Keep clutter under control, and have attractive storage for books, media, games, and toys with a built-in library in the den or living room:

 

 

Custom Kitchen

The kitchen is the family hub, no matter which home design you choose. A custom kitchen functions better and is an opportunity to add upgrades and luxury touches. Large islands with barstools are famous. Many upper-mid-size homes still have space for a breakfast area with a table and chairs. The dining area is close by in an open concept floor plan, so barstools provide plenty of seating for breakfast and snacks.

Kitchen finishes are one of the easiest luxury upgrades – a beautiful tile backsplash, marble or granite counters, and custom cabinet finishes that you choose during the construction process make your home uniquely yours.

Other popular custom kitchen features include pot filler faucets by the stove, a baking station with all the supplies at hand, a coffee bar, and even refrigerator drawers. Putting all the kids' snacks and drinks in a convenient drawer is a great way to ease traffic flow in the kitchen.

If you plan to stay in the home during retirement, adding some age-friendly universal design features to the kitchen is a great idea. Minor changes, such as varying counter heights and easy-access cabinets, will make it much easier to age in your new custom kitchen.

 

 

Luxury Without the Mansion

With a carefully chosen home plan, a mid-sized home of 3000-3500 square feet can easily include everything on the wish list. A growing family can have all the storage and kitchen space needed and a quiet master suite retreat with all the amenities. Active empty-nesters and retirees can handle visitors with plenty of guest space and still have that home office or oversized garage they need to pursue their hobbies.

With your wish list handy, click here to find your perfect home plan.

 

Footnote: the lead image for this article shows upper-mid-size homes just right for growing families – top left:  3-bedroom, 4.5-bath Craftsman style home (Plan #180-1047); top right: 4-bedroom, 3-bath, 2-half-bath Farmhouse (#120-2176); bottom left: 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath European style home (#142-1151); bottom right shown in the article.