Don Gardner Craftsman Style Home Plans for Families

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Don Gardner Craftsman Style Home Plans are perfect for families who want a warm and inviting home. These plans are designed to be functional and beautiful, making them ideal for families of all sizes.

The Craftsman style is characterized by its emphasis on handcrafted details and natural materials. This style is a great fit for families who value simplicity and functionality.

Don Gardner's home plans are designed to be adaptable to different family needs. For example, some of his plans have a flexible floor plan that can be easily modified to accommodate growing families.

Don Gardner's Craftsman style home plans are inspired by the traditional Craftsman homes of the early 20th century.

Craftsman House Plans

Craftsman House Plans offer a unique blend of natural materials, handcrafted details, and horizontal lines that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. This architectural style emphasizes function and simplicity, with exposed structural elements, built-in furniture, and extensive use of wood and stone.

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One of the key features of Craftsman house plans is their emphasis on built-in storage, which helps manage clutter and keeps homes organized. You'll often find built-in bookcases, window seats, and other storage solutions that add to the home's charm.

Some popular Craftsman house plans include one-story homes with classic single-story charm, cabin house plans with Craftsman styling suited to rugged terrain, and mountain house plans that incorporate Craftsman elements. These plans typically range in size from around 1,700 to over 4,300 square feet, with varying numbers of bedrooms and bathrooms.

Here are some examples of Craftsman house plans with their corresponding square footage, number of bedrooms, and number of bathrooms:

Craftsman house plans are not only beautiful but also practical, making them an excellent choice for families with children. They offer flexible bonus rooms that can serve as playrooms or study areas, perfect for kids to learn and play.

Main Plan

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The main plan of a Craftsman house is designed to be open and inviting, with a focus on natural light and comfortable living spaces.

A typical Craftsman house has a bonus room, which can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a home office or playroom. The bonus room in our example plan has a generous size of 795 sq/ft.

The main floor features a great room, which is often the hub of activity in a Craftsman house.

The great room is a great place to relax and unwind, and it's often equipped with comfortable seating and a fireplace.

The height of the main floor is 9', which provides a sense of openness and airiness.

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House Plans for Families with Children

Craftsman house plans are a great choice for families with children because they offer built-in storage solutions to help manage clutter. This feature is especially useful for families with young kids, as it keeps toys and belongings organized and out of sight.

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One of the benefits of Craftsman house plans is that they have open yet defined spaces that allow for supervision without feeling cramped. This is perfect for families with multiple children who need to keep an eye on their little ones.

Breakfast nooks, window seats, and cozy reading areas are also great features of Craftsman house plans that provide perfect children's activity spaces. These areas can be used for homework, reading, or simply enjoying a quiet moment together.

Flexible bonus rooms in Craftsman house plans can serve as playrooms or study areas, making them a great addition to any family home.

Here are some specific Craftsman house plans that are perfect for families with children:

Design and Features

Craftsman-style homes are designed with a focus on natural materials, handcrafted details, and horizontal lines that blend with the surrounding landscape. This emphasis on simplicity and functionality sets them apart from more ornate styles like Victorian homes.

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One of the defining features of Craftsman homes is the use of exposed structural elements, built-in furniture, and extensive use of wood and stone. This attention to detail creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere that's perfect for families.

Here are some key design elements you can expect to find in a Don Gardner Craftsman-style home:

These design elements work together to create a warm and welcoming home that's perfect for families and individuals who value simplicity, functionality, and natural beauty.

Upper Plan

Upper Plan houses offer a unique blend of style and functionality. The majority of Upper Plan houses have one to two stories, with most having two bedrooms.

Some Upper Plan houses have a total living area of over 4,000 square feet, like PLAN 9328, which has a total living area of 3,867 square feet. Others have a more modest size, such as PLAN 1250, which has a total living area of 967 square feet.

For your interest: Free Plan

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Upper Plan houses often feature multiple levels, which can be beneficial for families with children or for those who want to have a separate living area. For example, PLAN 8786 has 1.5 stories, while PLAN 7378 has 2 stories.

The number of bedrooms in Upper Plan houses can vary, but most have between 3 and 4 bedrooms. PLAN 9328 has 4 bedrooms, while PLAN 1250 has only 2 bedrooms.

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Roof

The roof is a crucial part of any building, and there are several key features to consider.

The roof framing style is conventional, which means it's a tried-and-true method that's been used for many years.

Shingle roofs are a popular choice for many homeowners, offering durability and ease of maintenance.

Conventional roof framing is strong and reliable, able to support the weight of shingles and other roofing materials.

Additional Room Features

You can expect to find a sunroom in some Craftsman house plans, perfect for enjoying natural light and views.

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Storage areas are a thoughtful touch in many of these homes, helping families keep clutter at bay.

Some Craftsman house plans also feature a screened porch, ideal for relaxing in the great outdoors without the bugs.

Built-in storage solutions are a hallmark of Craftsman design, making it easy to keep your home organized and clutter-free.

Breakfast nooks and cozy reading areas are common in Craftsman house plans, providing perfect spaces for family activities.

Some homes have a flexible bonus room that can serve as a playroom or study area, depending on your family's needs.

Here are some common room features you might find in a Craftsman house plan:

Kitchen Features

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and for good reason. It's where we spend time with family and friends, and where we prepare delicious meals.

A kitchen breakfast nook is a great way to create a cozy atmosphere and make mealtime more enjoyable. This feature is perfect for families with young children.

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A kitchen island is another must-have for many homeowners. It provides additional counter space, storage, and seating.

Some kitchens also feature a kitchenette wet bar, which is ideal for entertaining guests. This feature adds a touch of luxury to the kitchen.

If you're looking for a space to relax and have fun, a hobby rec room or game room is the way to go. These rooms are perfect for families with teenagers or for adults who want to unwind.

A deck is a wonderful addition to any home, and it's often connected to the kitchen. Some decks even have a porch, which is great for enjoying the outdoors.

Outdoor Spaces and Architecture

Craftsman-style homes often feature beautiful outdoor spaces that seamlessly integrate with nature. Covered front porches and screened porches are popular design elements.

A covered rear porch is a great way to create an inviting outdoor living area that's perfect for relaxing or entertaining. This design element is often seen in Craftsman house plans.

The Craftsman philosophy emphasizes honest materials and quality construction, which is reflected in the substantial porch columns that are often tapered and rest on stone or brick pedestals.

Exterior Wall Framing

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Exterior Wall Framing is a crucial step in building an outdoor space. The wall framing system consists of vertical studs, horizontal top and bottom plates, and diagonal bracing.

The typical spacing for exterior wall studs is 16 inches on center, with 2x4 lumber being the standard choice for most projects. This allows for adequate space for insulation and drywall.

A well-designed exterior wall framing system can provide a solid foundation for a deck, patio, or other outdoor structure. It's essential to consider factors like wind load, snow load, and local building codes when planning the framing.

The use of diagonal bracing helps to resist wind forces and provides additional stability to the structure. This is especially important for structures exposed to high winds or extreme weather conditions.

A good rule of thumb for exterior wall framing is to use a minimum of 2x4 lumber for the top and bottom plates, and 2x6 lumber for the vertical studs in load-bearing areas. This provides a sturdy and reliable foundation for the outdoor space.

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Outdoor Spaces

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Outdoor spaces can greatly enhance the livability and charm of a home. A covered front porch is a great way to create a welcoming entrance and provide shade for outdoor activities.

Covered front porches often feature a roof or awning that protects from the elements. This can be especially useful for areas with high rainfall or intense sunlight.

A covered rear porch is another popular option for outdoor living. It can provide a quiet retreat for relaxation or a space for outdoor dining.

Screened porches offer a unique blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. They can be used for relaxation, entertainment, or even as an additional bedroom.

Covered porches can be built in a variety of styles to match the architecture of a home. This can help create a cohesive look and feel for the entire property.

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Traditional Architecture and Arts

Traditional architecture and Arts and Crafts building features are all about embracing the beauty of natural materials and handcrafted elements. Characteristic features include low-pitched gable roofs and wide overhanging eaves with exposed rafters.

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Wide porches with substantial columns that are often tapered and rest on stone or brick pedestals are a staple of Craftsman house plans. These porches invite outdoor living and create a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors.

Decorative brackets add a touch of elegance to Craftsman-style homes, while built-in furniture and extensive wood trim and paneling create warm and inviting environments.

Style and Comparison

Craftsman house plans are all about blending in with the landscape, and one way to achieve this is by using natural materials like wood and stone. These materials give Craftsman homes a warm and inviting feel.

One of the defining characteristics of Craftsman homes is their emphasis on horizontal lines, which creates a sense of calm and serenity. This is in contrast to more ornate styles like Victorian homes, which often feature intricate details and vertical lines.

Craftsman homes often feature exposed structural elements, built-in furniture, and covered porches supported by substantial columns. This emphasis on functionality and simplicity is a key part of the Craftsman style.

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Here are some key features of Craftsman house plans:

In terms of size, Craftsman homes can range from cozy 1,625 square foot homes to spacious 4,334 square foot homes.

What Distinguishes House Plans from Other Architectural Styles?

Craftsman house plans are distinguished by their emphasis on natural materials, handcrafted details, and horizontal lines that blend with landscapes.

Unlike ornate Victorian homes, Craftsman-style homes emphasize function and simplicity with exposed structural elements.

Craftsman homes often feature extensive use of wood and stone, which adds to their natural and earthy feel.

Built-in furniture is a common feature in Craftsman homes, allowing for a seamless integration of form and function.

Covered porches supported by substantial columns are a hallmark of Craftsman-style homes, inviting relaxation and connection with the outdoors.

These design elements work together to create a sense of warmth and coziness that's unique to the Craftsman style.

Difference Between Craftsman and Bungalow House Plans

Bungalows are a specific type of home that features Craftsman influences, but not all Craftsman house plans are bungalows.

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Bungalows are typically single-story or story-and-a-half homes with Craftsman styling, meaning they share the same aesthetic and design philosophy as Craftsman homes.

Craftsman homes can be single-story, two-story, or even larger estates, all sharing the same emphasis on natural materials and handcrafted details.

Bungalows are a subset of Craftsman homes, not the other way around, so if you're looking for a specific type of home, it's essential to understand the difference between these two styles.

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Planning and Costs

Craftsman-style homes can be quite affordable, despite their emphasis on quality materials and detailed millwork.

Many designs are budget-friendly, making it possible to build a Craftsman-style home without breaking the bank.

The style's emphasis on honest materials and functional layouts often results in efficient construction with excellent long-term value.

Plan

Planning a Craftsman-style home involves considering various factors, including the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The smallest Craftsman house plan listed is PLAN 1250, which spans 967 square feet and has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

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The square footage of Craftsman house plans can vary significantly, ranging from 967 to 4,334 square feet. For example, PLAN 9328 covers 3,867 square feet.

To give you a better idea of the different options available, here are some key statistics for several Craftsman house plans:

The cost of a Craftsman house plan can also vary depending on the specific design and features. For instance, PLAN 1892 is priced from $1600, while PLAN 9328 is priced from $2495.

Home Building Costs

Home building costs can be a significant investment, but with careful planning, you can stay within your budget. Many Craftsman-style homes are surprisingly affordable, thanks to their emphasis on honest materials and functional layouts.

Craftsman-style homes often feature quality materials and detailed millwork, which can increase costs. However, this style's focus on efficiency and long-term value can result in a better return on investment.

Designing your home with functionality in mind can help reduce construction costs. This can be achieved by choosing a layout that minimizes wasted space and optimizes the use of natural light.

Some Craftsman designs are even budget-friendly, making them a great option for first-time homebuyers or those on a tight budget.

Expand your knowledge: Home Remodelling Costs

Homes and Climate Suitability

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Craftsman-style homes are surprisingly adaptable to different climates. They can thrive in various environments thanks to their natural materials and clever design features.

Wide eaves provide excellent weather protection, keeping homes dry and secure in rainy or windy conditions. This is especially important for areas with harsh weather.

Craftsman homes often feature covered porches, which offer a cozy outdoor living space in all climates. This is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and scenery without worrying about the weather.

Natural materials used in Craftsman-style homes, such as wood and stone, provide good insulation and help regulate interior temperatures. This makes them a great choice for areas with extreme temperature fluctuations.

Our modification team can adapt any plan to meet specific climate conditions and local building codes. This ensures that your Craftsman-style home is not only beautiful but also safe and functional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed Craftsman style homes?

The Greene brothers, Charles Sumner and Henry Mather, are credited with popularizing the Craftsman style, designing iconic homes as early as 1903 in Pasadena, California. Their innovative designs laid the foundation for this beloved architectural style.

How old are Craftsman style homes?

Craftsman style homes originated around 1905 and remained popular until the 1930s, with many still standing today. This classic style has seen a resurgence in popularity through restoration and revival projects.

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