How to Choose the Right Floor Plan for Your Family

Choosing a floor plan is one of the most important steps in creating a home that truly fits your family. The layout of your home affects everything, from daily routines and comfort to how well your space supports future changes.

At LBI, we understand that a great home doesn’t just look good, it works well for your lifestyle. That’s why we help families throughout Minnesota find or create floor plans that make sense for how they live, what they value, and where they’re headed.

If you’re starting the process of building a custom home or looking through our curated home plans, here are the key considerations to guide your decision, along with a free checklist to help you clarify your must-haves.

Start with How Your Family Lives

Think about your family’s daily rhythms. Where do you spend the most time together? Which spaces tend to get crowded or cluttered? What areas feel underused?

You might need a large, open kitchen for cooking meals and entertaining. Or maybe you’d benefit more from private, tucked-away bedrooms for shift work, schoolwork, or better sleep routines.

Ask yourself:

• How many people will regularly live in the home?

• Do you host guests often?

• Are there hobbies or routines that deserve dedicated space (like a home office or workshop)?

Start by focusing on how your family uses space now. Then look ahead and consider how your needs might evolve.

Prioritize Bedroom and Bathroom Count

It’s easy to focus on design style and finishes, but getting the basic room counts right is essential. Decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll truly need — and plan for future changes if possible.

For example:

• Do the kids each need their own room, or can they share for now?

• Will you eventually want a guest bedroom, or a space for aging parents?

• Could a flex room double as an office, playroom, or bedroom if needed?

Keep in mind that extra bedrooms can also serve as creative studios, workout rooms, or quiet retreats over time. A floor plan that includes flexibility will serve your family well in the long run.

Open Concept or Defined Spaces?

Many modern homes today lean toward open-concept layouts — especially around the kitchen, dining, and living areas. This approach creates a spacious feel, supports easy movement, and encourages togetherness.

On the other hand, defined rooms offer a sense of separation, privacy, and structure. Some families prefer quiet offices, formal dining rooms, or cozy nooks that serve specific purposes.

There’s no single right answer. Some of our clients choose a hybrid layout: a central great room with smaller enclosed rooms branching off for privacy and versatility.

The best layout is the one that aligns with your habits and your sense of home.

Don’t Overlook Lifestyle Features

Beyond rooms and square footage, it’s often the small touches that make a house feel like it was built just for you.

Here are some features our clients often prioritize:

• A walk-in pantry for bulk storage and convenience

• A mudroom or drop zone for coats, boots, and backpacks

• Vaulted ceilings or timber frame details that bring warmth and character

• A laundry room close to bedrooms

• Finished basements for added living or recreational space

• Outdoor living areas like covered porches or decks

Make a list of your “must-haves,” your “nice-to-haves,” and any non-negotiables. This will help you evaluate each plan with clarity and confidence.

Match the Plan to Your Lot and Budget

Not every plan fits every site. Before you get attached to a layout, take a close look at your lot dimensions, setback requirements, and elevation changes. The shape and slope of your land can significantly impact what’s buildable.

Budget also plays a major role. A thoughtfully designed smaller home can often meet your goals just as well as a larger one, especially if the layout is efficient and tailored to your needs.

At LBI, we help you evaluate how a plan will translate into real-world costs and construction logistics, and we’re happy to modify an existing design to better suit your site or budget.

Download Our Free Floor Plan Checklist

We’ve created a simple, printable checklist to help you gather your thoughts and identify what’s most important in your future home.

It’s a helpful tool to review before meeting with our team, or to keep in mind as you look through sample plans.

📤 Click here to download the Floor Plan Checklist (PDF)

🏘️ Click here to view our sample home plans

Let’s Build Something That Fits Together

Choosing the right floor plan takes time, thought, and the right guidance. At LBI, we take pride in helping Minnesota families design homes that aren’t just beautiful, they’re functional, personal, and built to last.

If you’re feeling unsure about where to start, contact LBI today and we’d be happy to talk through your ideas and help you take the next step.

Let’s build a home that works for you, every day, for years to come.