We compare new vehicle features…the advantages of one cell phone over another…and what the benefits offered by various smart home systems mean to us.  So, what would such a comparison look like among home plans?

Three top-selling 1600 square foot ranches battle for bragging rights

Metal-clad shed roofs over the front bedroom and garage door are just one of the elements contributing to the Shelton Farm’s street appeal.  Vertical board and batten siding around and over the garage as well as the front bedroom window blends with traditional horizontal siding, helping establish the home’s Modern Farm House styling. Factor in the home’s compact size, plus its value engineering helping control costs, and it’s easy to see why the Shelton Farm quickly has become a top-selling home design.

The Jensen Falls, plan 29385, 1676 sq. ft.

The Shelton Farm, plan 42392, 1603 sq. ft.

Contrasting colors of shake shingle siding are one of the eye-catching elements of the Jensen Falls.  Another is the covered front porch established by tapered columns set atop stone bases – adding to the home’s obvious Craftsman–influenced styling.  A sidelite and transom window over the front door further contribute to this home’s sense of “Welcome!”  At just 50-feet wide including its 3-car garage, split bedroom layout and open floorplan, The Jensen Falls accommodates so many buyer preferences!

The Jensen Falls, plan 29385, 1676 sq. ft.

The Jensen Falls, plan 29385, 1676 sq. ft.

Like a magnet, the Locklear holds gazes as people pass by.  The combination of masonry, lap siding and shake siding in the gables works beautifully.  Vertical lines, established in the windows and shutters, is a theme carried through to the garage doors.  The home’s sloping rooflines tend to direct attention to the front entry, brightened by a sidelite and transom window over the door.  The Locklear’s outstanding livability, aesthetics and value have made this home design popular across the entire United States.

The Locklear, plan 42074, 1635 sq. ft.

The Locklear, plan 42074, 1635 sq. ft.

Today’s most-wanted amenities!  These three homes delight with innovative solutions to real-life issues.  Whether working from home, de-stressing your morning, or finally getting rid of the bathroom laundry basket eyesore, design adds meaning and value!

The Shelton Farm, plan 42392

The Shelton Farm, plan 42392

Pocket Office

The Pocket Office. Providing a private space for homework or finishing up projects you brought home that are due tomorrow, the pocket office is a popular solution that doesn’t take up all the space of a traditional home office, nor does it need to always be tidy!

The Jensen Falls, plan 29385

The Jensen Falls, plan 29385

Stor-N-More

Stor–N-MoreTM. It makes sense.  We undress in the bathroom to shower, so a laundry basket or clothes hamper there is practical, even if it is always in the way.  And, we at Design Basics were getting requests for a seat in the bathroom.  The Stor-N-More addresses both issues beautifully, with its padded flip top bench seat opening to accommodate your clothes basket.  Then we attended to other common bathroom challenges, providing towel hooks and a linen storage cabinet!

The Locklear, plan 42074, 1635 sq. ft.

The Locklear, plan 42074, 1635 sq. ft.

Drop Zone, Bench and Lockers

Drop Zone, Bench and Lockers. Addressing the reality that “nothing is more stressful than getting the entire family out the door on time in the morning with everything,”, lockers mean you won’t be hearing, “Mom, Dad, have you seen my…” because gym clothes, science projects, backpacks and lunches can all be staged right where your kids pass by en route to school.

So…all three of these homes have different strengths and appeals.  In upcoming posts we’ll judge them on their livability and identify the winner!

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