One of the most exciting parts of building any home is planning for the kitchen. After all, dream homes start with dream kitchens, and the one trend that isn’t going away is open concept kitchen floor plans. These kitchens have long been popular—and for good reason. They create great opportunities for anyone who loves entertaining or spending time with family using airy interiors that eliminate barriers between the kitchen and a home’s social spaces.

Looking for open concept kitchen floor plans is a practical move if you’re building a lake home and want to entertain, or if you are building a smaller home and want it to feel more spacious. Without barriers of a wall, this plan allows for a more fluid design, with simplified structures and a décor style that gives you a functional space.

Open concept floor plan - Total Quality Home Builders

Open concept floor plan – Total Quality Home Builders

Traditionally, this type of floor plan links the kitchen to the dining area with a kitchen island and creates a buffer to the living area. With an open design, you can create “zones” for socializing, dining, relaxing, and even working in comfort. In short, without fixed restrictions, the kitchen can be much more friendly to your needs.

Don’t forget to consider finding ways to create privacy in those spaces, too. For instance, adding a butler’s or scullery pantry can help tuck messes away or create more work or storage space. Or you can use design sensibilities to create clear visual distinctions between the spaces for that extra privacy.

Open concept floor plan - Total Quality Home Builders

Open concept floor plan – Total Quality Home Builders

What else should you be thinking about as you consider open concept kitchen floor plans?

We recommend the following:

  • Design with your home’s light and lake views in mind. Natural light will open up the space and add natural beauty to an already stunning design.
  • Consider placing the kitchen, dining area, and living space parallel to each other. Believe us when we say a glass wall and sliding door that opens the entire space to the lake and outdoor entertainment areas will be a choice you’ll never regret.
  • Plan for the ambiance you want to create. Regardless of whether you’re building a minimalist, contemporary, or traditional home, you can find the right solution to complement your style and home. If you’re a minimalist, look for natural and organic colors and finishes to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Or, using oak wood in your cabinetry, kitchen island, and floor can seamlessly extend the design and make the entire space look modern and comfortable.
  • Use floor-to-ceiling windows in your open kitchen to invite the outdoors in. Imagine the breathtaking views you’ll get to experience every day.
  • Think about using curtains strategically to separate the different functions as needed.
  • Don’t forget to look up! A ceiling’s design can also play an important role in compartmentalizing the space.

Whatever look you’re going for in your new custom home, you can’t go wrong with an open concept kitchen floor plan. Contact us about your dream today!

Open concept floor plan - Total Quality Home Builders

Open concept floor plan – Total Quality Home Builders

Building a new home can be a dream come true. It’s even better with the right builder on your side. Complete transparency between you and your builder is all it takes to ensure the best experience possible.

If youre on the hunt for a home builder in Lake Keowee, SC, we recommend using the following process to ensure you get the perfect home at the perfect price, and that you understand what’s being done every step of the way.

Find the Right Site

If you haven’t already purchased the land, you should start with a home builder in Lake Keowee that is also a licensed real estate agent—like us! We have the ability to help you find and secure a home site you’ll love. If you’ve already purchased a lot, no problem. We’re happy to meet you wherever you are to ensure you can build your dream home on that lot.

Analyze the Lot

Our waterfront property specialist has the special role of assessing the land on which you want to build. You’ll want to have an idea of what you’d like in your home, and that specialist will provide you with the suggestions you need to determine what is possible on the land you purchased. Together, you’ll discuss the topography, the views you’d like from your home, and even the driveway and location of your septic tank. You’ll walk away feeling empowered to make the right decisions for your specific piece of land.

Survey the Land

As your builder, we want a better understanding of your land’s boundaries and an accurate property assessment for planning purposes. Therefore, we’ll order your land to be surveyed. A survey is also required by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for the septic system and the county in order for us to obtain a building permit, so the sooner we have a better understanding of the land, the quicker we can move forward on the project. Most importantly, the survey will help us provide you with accurate estimates so you won’t have any unforeseen costs arise in the process.

Create the Floor Plan

Once the land is properly assessed, it’s time to move on to the fun part: the home itself. We work directly with you to find the right plan for your family’s needs. There are a few ways you can find the perfect floor plan. First, you could purchase architectural plans. Second, you can work with our architect/draftsman to draft a custom floor plan for you. Or third, our architect/draftsman could make modifications to a new or existing plan you may have. Whatever you have in mind, we’ll make your dream happen, all while working well within your budget.

Lake Keowee custom home being built

Make Your Selections

Next, it’s time to go into planning mode. What will you want both the interior and exterior to look like when it’s complete? Maybe you want an interior that feels like a rustic getaway. Or maybe you’d like clean, modern lines. Once you’ve settled on those important details, you can make the decisions up front, which will help keep your estimate accurate and your stress level low.

Review the Master Site Plan

This is where things really start to come to life. We’ll overlay the floor plan against the topographical survey and really start digging into the best way to make your home come to life. Together, you and our team will look at all of the ways you can get exactly what you’re looking for in your home. If it’s the perfect view of the lake, a long and winding driveway, a landscape that creates a peaceful oasis, or the outdoor space of your dreams, we’ll look at how we can make those things happen once the floor plan is involved. We love this part because it truly helps you see this home is being built exactly the way you want it.

Prepare the Land

When we’re ready to begin construction, we’ll clean up the land with underbrushing services. While our goal is always to preserve as much of the natural elements as possible, underbrushing will help prep the installation and inspection of the septic system and help clear the way for us to begin the building process. We’ll also use this time to apply for the septic tank permit, which is required by the state.

Lake Keowee lot being prepared for building a custom home.

Work with the HOA

Following a Homeowners Association’s guidelines can sound intimidating, but don’t worry—with us on your side, you’ll have no problem knowing what you need to do. We’ll work with you to understand and submit all of the HOA paperwork that will keep your project on schedule and without hiccups.

Discuss Funding

Part of having full transparency means we’ll also be fully transparent regarding your funding arrangements and our own accounting procedures. The last thing we want is for any surprises to arise regarding financial details. Our goal is to ensure there will never be a wrench thrown in your plans. No matter what, we’re on your side.

Build Your Home

Now it’s time for your plans to become a reality. Once building begins, we’ll set a target date for completion and keep you informed along the way. Each week, you’ll get photos and video documentation of where we are in the process. In short, we want you to have full confidence in what we’re doing as we build your home. So we do whatever it takes to give you full disclosure from start to finish.

As a top home builder in Lake Keowee, we know the process of a custom home can be intimidating. But we’re here to make it a fun, exciting adventure that results in a home you’ll love for years to come. We can’t wait to work with you.

Framing stage of custom home being built on Lake Keowee.