Changing Floor Plans – How Much Is Too Much?
You’ve decided to have your new home built by a reputable, trusted homebuilder. You’ve found a floor plan that, for the most part, meets your needs and reflects your personal style. But… there are a few elements you don’t particularly care for, and some features you were hoping to find are missing. Now the question arises — can you change your floor plan, and if so, how much?
Most homebuilders can, and will, make certain changes to an existing floor plan to satisfy their customers. At Ernest Homes, we offer a wide variety of flexible new home floor plans, many of which include built-in options and enhancements.
Minor Plan Changes (Redlining)
Minor changes are often referred to as “redlining.” These adjustments can include moving or resizing doors or windows, changing non-load-bearing walls, or updating exterior finishes. These modifications are usually straightforward and affordable; however, hallway widths, staircases, and certain openings must meet national building codes. Always check with your homebuilder to ensure your requested changes comply with current regulations.
Moderate Floor Plan Modifications
Moderate changes involve more substantial adjustments. These may include reversing the layout, adding a fireplace, enlarging a kitchen or bathroom, adding a room, porch, or garage, foundation changes, framing changes to exterior walls, or altering the roof pitch. Many of these enhancements may already exist as optional upgrades in the Ernest Homes catalog — for example, extended porches, fireplaces, sunrooms, and bonus rooms. Ask your New Home Sales Consultant which options are available for your selected plan.
Major Structural Changes
If you're considering major changes — such as increasing or decreasing the overall footprint of the home by more than 20%, adding multiple new rooms, or modifying load-bearing walls — be prepared for a more complex (and costly) process. Some requests, such as significantly shrinking a floor plan, simply are not structurally feasible.
Major alterations may extend your build time or impact your overall budget. Before committing to any structural modification, ensure you fully understand how it will affect your final price and construction schedule.
Custom Floor Plans
If you love a builder’s craftsmanship but none of their plans perfectly match your vision, you may consider asking about a fully customized floor plan. Some builders will take on custom designs based on workload, feasibility, and policy. It never hurts to ask — just keep in mind that most standardized floor plans exist because they’ve been proven successful across multiple builds.
Trust the Experts
Your builder may advise against certain modifications for good reason. Structural integrity, code compliance, and long-term durability are always top priorities. Trust their expertise — the goal is to deliver a safe, beautiful home you’ll love for years to come.
To explore flexible and customizable home layouts, view our current floor plans or take a look at our Quick Move-In Homes for faster timelines. If you’d like help understanding your options, contact our Sales Team at 912-660-9673 or send us an email anytime.
