The Blueprint Primer

Home Design

Every home design guide we've written, in one place.

Home Design

9 guides
Home Design

Choosing Between a Single Story and a Two Story Floor Plan

Single story vs two story floor plans compared on accessibility, lot fit, cost per square foot, zoning, privacy, and stairs, plus a quick table.

September 18, 2026
Home Design

Bedroom and Bathroom Layout Basics

Learn to read bedroom and bathroom layout dimensions on a floor plan, including minimum bedroom size and bathroom clearances.

August 30, 2026
Home Design

Common House Plan Mistakes to Avoid

Learn the house plan mistakes that trip up beginners, from cramped hallways to poorly placed windows, and how to catch them before you build.

August 30, 2026
Home Design

Designing a Functional Kitchen Layout

Learn how kitchen layout design works: the work triangle, floor plan symbols, common layout shapes, and clearances that keep a kitchen easy to cook in.

August 30, 2026
Home Design

How to Read House Plans Before You Build

A beginner's guide to reading house plans: symbols, scale, dimensions, and how to walk a floor plan before you build or renovate.

August 30, 2026
Home Design

How to Design Your Own House Plan

Learn how to design a house plan from scratch, step by step. A beginner-friendly guide covering room sizing, layout logic, and what to confirm before you build.

July 4, 2026
Home Design

How Square Footage Is Calculated

Learn how square footage is calculated for homes and floor plans, including gross vs net area, what counts as living space, and why numbers differ.

June 30, 2026
Home Design

Space Planning Basics for Beginners

Learn space planning basics: how to size rooms, arrange furniture, set up traffic flow, and create a layout that actually works before you build or renovate.

June 21, 2026
Home Design

How to Choose a House Plan

Learn how to choose a house plan that fits your lot, budget, and lifestyle. A practical guide to buying stock plans and picking the right floor plan.

June 12, 2026

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