Red Flags: 10 Things to Look for When Assessing a Floor Plan
Choosing or designing the right floor plan for your new home is about more than just aesthetics. A well-designed layout enhances functionality, comfort, and livability, while a poor design can lead to frustration and inefficiency. Before committing to a design, consider these 10 red flags that could indicate future problems.
1. Poor Zoning: Public, Private, and Utility Spaces
A well-thought-out floor plan should clearly separate different zones within the home:
Public Spaces: Areas like the living room, dining room, and kitchen should be welcoming and easily accessible from the main entrance. If they are tucked away or require navigating through private spaces, it could be a sign of poor design.
Private Spaces: Bedrooms and bathrooms should be positioned away from noisy, high-traffic areas. If a bedroom is adjacent to the main living space with little sound insulation, privacy could be compromised.
Utility Spaces: Laundry rooms, storage areas, and garages should be convenient but not intrusive. A poorly placed laundry near the main living or sleeping areas can create unnecessary noise disturbances.
Learn more about the importance of zoning in good house design
2. Inefficient Flow from Entry to Living Areas
The entryway should provide a natural and intuitive transition into the home. If you have to pass through a maze of hallways or private areas to reach the main living spaces, it may signal a lack of functional flow. Ideally, the main public areas should be easily accessible from the front door without interrupting private spaces.
3. Disconnection Between Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
If you value outdoor living, ensure the floor plan provides seamless access to your outdoor areas. A design that forces you to navigate through tight hallways, awkward door placements, or a bedroom to reach the backyard is impractical and frustrating. Ideally, public spaces like the kitchen and living room should open easily to outdoor entertainment areas.
4. Poor Staircase Placement (If Two Storeys)
In a two-storey home, the staircase location is crucial. It should be placed where it enhances flow rather than disrupts it. Key red flags include:
Stairs located immediately upon entry, making the entrance feel cramped or uninviting.
Stairs positioned too far from key living areas, making it inconvenient to move between floors.
Inadequate landings or poorly designed transitions that make navigation awkward.
Learn more about staircase placement and opportunities in good house design
5. Unbalanced Room Proportions
A well-designed home should have proportional room sizes that suit their function. Red flags include:
Oversized hallways that waste space.
Tiny bedrooms that barely fit a bed.
A kitchen with insufficient counter space despite having excessive square footage elsewhere.
A living room that is too small to accommodate seating and furniture effectively.
Learn more about getting the proportions right in a new house design.
6. Lack of Privacy in Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Privacy issues can arise when bedrooms or bathrooms are placed in poor locations. Things to watch for:
A master bedroom directly off a living area without any separation.
Bathrooms that open directly into dining or living spaces.
Windows positioned awkwardly, exposing private spaces to neighbors or the street.
7. Insufficient Storage Space
A beautiful design won't make up for a lack of storage. Look for:
Too few closets or undersized storage areas.
A garage with no extra storage space for tools or seasonal items.
A laundry room without proper shelving or cabinets.
8. Level Changes That Disrupt Flow
Uneven floor levels can create challenges, especially in homes with multiple storeys. Avoid:
Unnecessary steps or sunken areas that disrupt movement and create trip hazards.
Abrupt level changes between rooms that make furniture placement difficult.
A lack of accessibility for future aging-in-place needs.
Learn more about Future Proofing your new house design by carefully considering accessibility.
9. Poor Site Access for Maintenance and Storage
Consider how you will maintain and access different areas of your home over time:
Is there enough clearance for a lawnmower or trailer to access the backyard?
Can you easily transport large furniture and appliances in and out?
Is there adequate space for garbage bins and outdoor storage?
Learn more about achieving good site access in your new house design
10. Inefficient Kitchen Layout
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and a poor layout can create daily frustration. Look for:
A poorly placed sink, stove, and refrigerator that disrupts the "kitchen work triangle."
Insufficient counter space next to key appliances.
Cabinets that block doorways or interfere with movement when opened.
Final Thoughts
A beautiful home starts with a well-designed floor plan. By carefully assessing zoning, flow, and functionality, you can avoid common design pitfalls and ensure your new home is as practical as it is stylish. Before finalizing your decision, take time to visualize how you’ll move through the space and whether it aligns with your lifestyle needs.