5 Tips to Choose the Right Floor Plan
One of the most exciting moments in your homebuying journey is choosing the floor plan. At Ernest Homes, we know that the “right” floor plan depends on how you live every day – from morning routines and work-from-home schedules to entertaining, hobbies, and future plans.
From the size and shape of the home to how rooms connect to one another, every design choice impacts how your home feels and functions. Use these five tips to choose a floor plan that truly fits your lifestyle today and in the years ahead.
1. Decide what size home fits your life
Start by thinking about how much space you realistically need – not just today, but a few years from now.
- How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need for your household and overnight guests?
- Are you downsizing, or do you expect your family to grow?
- How many garage bays or storage areas do you need for vehicles, hobbies, or outdoor gear?
Make a simple “must-have” and “nice-to-have” list. Prioritizing what matters most will help you quickly narrow down your options when you browse our new home floor plans.
2. Choose a floor plan that matches your lifestyle
Every family lives a little differently, so your floor plan should support the way you actually use your home.
- Work-from-home? Look for a dedicated study or flexible room that can become a home office.
- Love movie nights or game days? A large great room or media room may be a priority.
- Have kids or frequent visitors? Consider a loft, rec room, or second living space for extra hangout room.
As you review plans, picture a typical weekday and weekend. If you can easily imagine your daily routines in the layout, it’s probably a strong contender.
3. Pay attention to what “feels” right
Sometimes your instincts are the best guide. As you walk model homes or tour our Coastal Georgia communities, notice which layouts feel comfortable and natural.
- Do you prefer an open-concept kitchen, dining, and family room or more defined spaces?
- Would you like the owner’s suite on the first floor for privacy, or all bedrooms together upstairs?
- Does the traffic flow make sense from the garage to the kitchen, laundry, and main living areas?
If a layout feels awkward or hard to picture yourself in, it may not be the right fit – even if it checks a lot of boxes on paper.
4. Be honest about your stage of life
Your needs today may look different than they will five or ten years from now. Before you commit, think about how well the floor plan will age with you.
- Starting or growing a family? Make sure there’s space for expansion.
- Expecting frequent overnight guests? Consider a guest suite or additional full bath.
- Planning for retirement? A single-level plan or first-floor owner’s suite may be ideal.
- Love to entertain? Decide whether you prefer formal spaces or open, casual layouts.
Being realistic about your long-term plans will help you choose a home that works for you now and later.
5. Don’t forget workspace, hobbies, and storage
It’s easy to focus on bedrooms and main living areas and forget about the “support spaces” that make life easier.
- Need a quiet office, craft room, or homework zone?
- Have hobbies that require extra storage?
- Would a walk-in pantry, mudroom, or spacious laundry room make daily life smoother?
Look for floor plans that include flexible rooms and smart storage so your home feels tidy and tailored to your needs.
Need help choosing the right floor plan?
Answering these questions honestly will give you a clear picture of what you really need from your new home. From there, our new home specialists can guide you to the Ernest floor plans and homesites that fit your lifestyle, budget, and preferred community.
If you’d like one-on-one help, our team is just a call or click away. Reach us at 912-660-9673 or schedule a personal tour of our model homes today.
