House Plan Blog

Narrow House Plans You’ll Love!
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Featured cover image: The Millicent, Plan 1559   Building on a tight lot doesn’t mean compromising on style or space. Our curated collection of Narrow Lot House Plans features plans specifically engineered...
The Ultimate Pantry: House Plans That Prioritize Kitchen Storage
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Today’s families need more than counter space – they need a kitchen designed for real life. Our house plans with large kitchens and pantry storage give you a dedicated space...
Multi-Generational Living Plans with Inspired In-Law Suites
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Multigenerational house plans are designed to bring families together under one roof – with private retreats for every generation and shared spaces that foster connection. Today’s best multigenerational home designs...
Open Floor Plans Are Still the #1 Choice for Today's Homebuyers
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Whether you are in the market for a brand-new home or looking to breathe new life into your current residence, Open Concept Floor Plans continue to capture the hearts of homeowners....
Modern Farmhouse Style: Where Comfort Meets Character
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Modern Farmhouse Home Designs  Featuring crisp white exteriors, expansive windows, and welcoming porches, modern farmhouses blend timeless charm with versatile design. Whether grand or intimate, their simple yet cozy styles...
Bring the Outdoors Home: House Plans Designed for Better Living
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Outdoor Living Spaces That Transform Everyday Living Today’s homeowners want more than beautiful interiors — they want functional outdoor areas that expand how they live, relax, and entertain. House plans...
Craftsman House Plans: Timeless Style, Modern Comfort
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Craftsman-inspired house plans remain one of the most beloved home styles in America. Their signature architectural details — inviting front porches, columns, exposed rafters, and natural materials — create a...
Top House Plan Design Trends Buyers Love Right Now
Donald A. Gardner Architects
When it comes to choosing a house plan, buyers aren’t just looking at square footage—they’re responding to how a home feels. Based on our recent house plan sales, three design styles...
First Floor Master Suite a Must-Have for Comfort & Convenience
Donald A. Gardner Architects
When shopping for a home plan, one feature consistently rises to the top of wish lists: a first-floor master suite. Whether you’re building a forever home or simply want a layout...
A Better View from the Kitchen
Donald A. Gardner Architects
When you’re choosing a house plan, the kitchen location can make a bigger impact on daily life than you might expect. One increasingly popular layout is the front-view kitchen — that...
Why Colonial Style House Plans Continue to Stand the Test of Time
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Some home styles come and go, but Colonial style house plans have remained a favorite for generations. At Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc., Colonial homes continue to be among our most...
3 Reasons Two-Story House Plans Deliver More Value
Donald A. Gardner Architects
When deciding between a one-story and a two-story house plan, it’s important to understand the practical advantages of building up instead of out. Here are three of the most important...
How to Read a House Plan Like a Pro
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Buying a house plan is exciting, but for many homeowners, the floor plans, elevations, and technical details can feel overwhelming. At Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc., we believe that understanding a...
The Top 3 House Plan Modifications That Give the Biggest Bang for Your Buck
Donald A. Gardner Architects
When building your dream home, small changes to a house plan can have a huge impact — improving comfort, functionality, and even resale value. At Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc., we’ve...
Why a House Plan Is One of the Smartest Investments in Building Your Home
Donald A. Gardner Architects
When it comes to building a new home, most people focus on big-ticket items like land, materials, and labor — and understandably so. But there’s one crucial piece of the...
From Back Room to Heart of the Home: How Kitchens Have Evolved
Donald A. Gardner Architects
The kitchen has come a long way. What was once a utilitarian space tucked away in the back of the house has become the true heart of the home — a...
7 Common Fears When Choosing a House Plan (and How to Overcome Them)
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Choosing the perfect house plan is one of the most exciting parts of building your dream home — but it can also feel overwhelming. At Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc., we...
3 Important Things Homeowners Miss When Choosing a House Plan
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Picking a house plan is one of the most exciting steps in the home-building journey — but it’s also easy to get swept away by pretty renderings or trendy layouts....
Modern Farmhouse Style House Plans: Classic Charm Meets Contemporary Living
Donald A. Gardner Architects
The modern farmhouse style has become one of the most popular trends in home design — and for good reason! It perfectly blends the warmth and charm of traditional farmhouses with...
Advantages of Ranch Style: Comfortable, Convenient, and Classic
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Ranch style homes have been a favorite for generations — and it’s easy to see why. With their single-floor living, open layouts, and simple design, Ranch homes are perfect for anyone...
Moderate-Sized House Plans: Smart, Comfortable, and Efficient
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Big homes have their appeal, but there’s something special about a moderate-sized house. Not too big, not too small — just the right amount of space to live comfortably, stay cozy,...
House Plans with Great Front Porches
Donald A. Gardner Architects
There’s something timeless about a front porch. It’s the perfect spot to sip your morning coffee, wave to a passing neighbor, or simply enjoy a quiet evening as the sun...
The Secret Perk of Bonus Rooms: More Space Without the Extra Cost
Donald A. Gardner Architects
When you're choosing a home plan, one of the smartest ways to get more space without stretching your budget is by choosing a design with a bonus room. At Donald A....
Big Style in a Small Package: Why Small House Plans Are a Smart Choice
Donald A. Gardner Architects
When it comes to building your dream home, bigger isn't always better. In fact, more and more homeowners are choosing small house plans for their efficiency, affordability, and surprisingly spacious feel....
Embrace the View: Mountain House Plans Perfect for Sloped Lots
Donald A. Gardner Architects
If you’re dreaming of a home nestled in the foothills or perched high among the peaks, mountain house plans are the perfect fit for your scenic lot. Designed to blend with...
Why Duplex House Plans Are Growing in Popularity — And 4 Reasons to Consider One
Donald A. Gardner Architects
If you’ve been exploring your options for building a new home or investing in real estate, you’ve probably come across duplex house plans. Once considered a niche option, duplexes are now...
Why We Love Screened-In Porches (and Think You Will Too)
Donald A. Gardner Architects
When you're exploring house plans on our website, you're likely dreaming about the big picture—open-concept living, the perfect number of bedrooms, and just the right amount of square footage. But...
Why You Need an Engineer to Review Your House Plans
Donald A. Gardner Architects
When you’re planning to build a home one of the most important (and sometimes overlooked) steps is making sure your plans meet local building codes. While stock house plans are...
How to Select a House Plan That Truly Fits Your Lifestyle and Future Needs
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing a House Plan That Doesn’t Fit Their Lifestyle Choosing a house plan is one of the most exciting parts of building your dream home...
Can We Afford to Build It?
Donald A. Gardner Architects
One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning their dream home is underestimating how much it actually costs to build. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that the house...
How Accurate Are Online Home Construction Calculators?
Donald A. Gardner Architects
If you’re planning to build a home, you’ve probably come across online construction cost calculators that claim to tell you exactly what your dream home will cost. While these tools...
The High Pointe House Plan 713 | Rendering-to-Reality – Interior Finishes
Donald A. Gardner Architects
The High Pointe Plan 713 is currently under construction in Lesage, West Virginia! Elite Builders and Contracting, LLC is bringing this stunning design to life, and we’re documenting every step...
Stock House Plans: Smart, Simple, Affordable
Donald A. Gardner Architects
When you imagine building a new home, you might think you need to hire an architect to design it from scratch — but for over a century, millions of homes...
Not All House Plans Have Them – Make Sure Your's Does
Donald A. Gardner Architects
So, you're on the hunt for the perfect house plan. You've got your checklist ready: spacious kitchen, cozy utility room, and a bathroom that's both functional and fabulous. But have...
Setbacks Can Set You Back
Donald A. Gardner Architects
When you're planning to build your dream home, there’s a lot more to consider than just floor plans and paint swatches. One often overlooked — but critically important — element...
Are House Plans Purchased Online Safe?
Donald A. Gardner Architects
In an age where nearly anything can be purchased online—from groceries to cars—it's only natural to wonder: Are house plans bought online actually safe to use? While online house plans...
Why Architectural Plans Are Worth the Investment (Even When They Seem Expensive)
Donald A. Gardner Architects
When you're building a home, it's easy to get sticker shock from the cost of architectural plans. It can be tempting to cut corners, download a generic plan online, or...
Whats the deal with Barndominiums?
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Have you ever heard of a Barndominium and thought, "What in the world is that?" Well, fear not, because we're here to break it down for you in the most...
Custom vs. Stock – Which Plan Is Right for You?
Donald A. Gardner Architects
When you’re ready to build your dream home, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is whether to buy a stock house plan or hire an architect to create...
6 House Plans That Bring Country Charm
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Country house plans are known for their welcoming porches, charming architectural details, and cozy, livable interiors. Country-style homes offer a sense of warmth and relaxation that never goes out of...
Shore Thing: 5 Stunning Coastal House Plans
Donald A. Gardner Architects
There’s nothing quite like the serenity of a coastal home. Whether you’re planning to relocate full-time or dreaming of a seasonal getaway, coastal house plans offer the perfect escape when...
The Billy House Plan 1641 | Tiny Modern Home
Donald A. Gardner Architects
The Billy house plan 1641 is now available!  With its sloping modern roofline and striking stone fireplace, this tiny house plan from Donald A. Gardner Architects is sure to impress....
Contemporary House Plans with Photos: 5 Stylish Designs to Explore
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Contemporary house plans are known for their clean lines, open interiors, and seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living. These designs often feature a mix of natural materials, expansive windows,...
Versatile and Popular: 3-Bedroom Floor Plans to Consider
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Three-bedroom house plans are among the most versatile and in-demand home designs on the market. Perfect for families, couples, and even empty nesters, a three-bedroom layout offers the ideal balance...
Luxury Master Suite: Features That Redefine Comfort and Elegance
Donald A. Gardner Architects
When it comes to designing a home that offers true comfort and sophistication, the master suite stands as the crown jewel. A luxury master suite isn't just a bedroom, it's...
4 House Plans with Spa-Quality Master Bathrooms
Donald A. Gardner Architects
A well-designed master bathroom is more than a functional space — it can be a personal sanctuary where luxury meets tranquility. These spa-quality bathrooms go far beyond the basics, offering...
The Rometta Photography | House Plan 1210
Donald A. Gardner Architects
We have new photography of The Rometta house plan 1210! This stunning home was built by RUBIX Luxury Builder in Burns, Tennessee, as the personal residence of the builder. Set...
Cottage Living: Warm, Welcoming, and Wonderfully Simple
Donald A. Gardner Architects
When you picture a cottage, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s a quaint home tucked into a forest clearing, a vine-covered porch, or the warm glow of a fireplace on...
The High Pointe House Plan 713 | Rendering-to-Reality – Exterior Finishes
Donald A. Gardner Architects
The High Pointe Plan 713 is currently under construction in Lesage, West Virginia! Elite Builders and Contracting, LLC is bringing this stunning design to life, and we’re documenting every step...
3 Small Modern Farmhouse Designs That Live Large
Donald A. Gardner Architects
Small modern farmhouse designs offer the perfect blend of charm, comfort, and functionality. These homes prioritize efficient layouts and smart use of space without sacrificing style. Signature farmhouse elements—such as...