My Bielinski Home Building Experience, PT. 1

By Paul Bielinski

I’m building a new Bielinski home! And if that isn’t exciting enough, you all get to follow along. In this four-part series I’ll share what that process looks like, starting with the floor plan.

What was I looking for in a floor plan?

I like to entertain so I definitely wanted to go open-concept. That way people can be in different rooms participating in different actives without feeling as though they are separated from one another.

My spouse and I also love to cook so we wanted to make the kitchen a chef’s dream. We included a walk-in pantry and plenty of counter space and even a prep island. The kitchen also needed to be completely open to the rest of the living space, so if one of us is cooking we can still talk to the other in the great room.

We also wanted our guests to have a sense of privacy while they were getting ready so a shared bathroom between the two secondary bedrooms was important.

Finally, we wanted a large laundry/mud room. A lot happens in the laundry room besides laundry. We have dogs, and dogs need space. We installed a huge farmhouse sink right in the mud room, so now dirty pets can be washed before stepping foot on my beautiful hardwood. Plus, a large mud room is great for putting water dishes and food bowls.

How does the floor plan selection process work?

The floor plan selection process starts with understanding your lifestyle. Since we don’t have children, a two-story, four-bedroom home wasn’t necessary. Instead, we opted for a three-bedroom ranch.

Next, understand your budget. Knowing what you can afford will help you determine the size of the home. More square footage equals more cost. Once you understand these two things, you can start evaluating different floor plans in a size that fits your budget.

The rest is easy. Just determine which floor plan speaks to you. Different floor plans in similar sizes may provide different features — one might have a tech center, one might feature a unique kitchen configuration, one’s entry through the garage may require you to walk through the laundry room. Simply decide which feels right to you. And don’t forget to walk through a model!

How did I know it was “the one?”

We knew our plan was the right one for us because it felt right. It was an open-concept plan with split bedrooms, perfect for entertaining out-of-town guests. We also had an advantage as we already live in a similar plan, so we know this home and we love it. We’re just making it better this time.

What sets it apart?

Here’s a secret. No other builder offers a plan similar to this. It is unique and a true gem. I think what really sets it apart is the room configuration — the main living areas including the kitchen, morning room, great room, and dining room are centralized in the home and are located in one open room with no divisible walls. Furnishings and cabinetry with countertops create divisions from room to room instead of walls.

To take a look at my floor plan, click here. To contact us about building your own new home click here. And remember to check back for monthly blog updates on my building process!