Featured House Plan: Get Cozy This Season in Hickory Flat

3-4 Bedrooms

2.5-3.5 Baths

2-Car Garage

2,205 square feet

 

The Hickory Flat house plan is modern farmhouse style that’s warm and inviting, with a casual, yet elevated, feel. When you enter through the foyer, you’re greeted with elements like painted brick, hardwood floors, exposed wood beams, and galvanized metal fixtures — the perfect blend of traditional country and contemporary design. With large windows and sliding glass doors to outdoor living spaces, natural light is abundant throughout the home. 

 

Most of the living in the Hickory Flat occurs on the first floor. The center of the home is the vaulted family room with an enclosed fireplace — perfect for snuggling with the family for movie or game night. The family room flows effortlessly into the chef’s kitchen and dining room in one direction, and the oversized covered porch with built-in fireplace in the other. Entertaining is effortless as guests notice the natural flow of the interior space.

 

When it’s time to move outdoors, this home has plenty of spaces so that you can make the most of every season. Next to the covered back porch is a vaulted screen porch, so you have plenty of choices for how you want to spend your time. Whether it’s napping the afternoon away, enjoying a crackling fire, or soaking up the sunshine, there’s a space for it here. And of course, the welcoming front porch is perfect for chatting with friends and meeting new neighbors.  

 

Back inside the home, the expansive owners’ suite is the definition of luxury. With a vaulted bedroom ceiling, a spa-like bathroom with dual vanities, separate walk-in shower and soaking tub, and large walk-in closet, waking up and falling asleep each day will feel like a dream. The two additional first-floor bedrooms are tucked away on the other side of the home with their own private bath for ultimate privacy.

 

If you require more space, you have the option of building out the second floor, which includes a bonus room, full bath, and additional bedroom. This level is perfect for frequent house guests, a child’s playroom, a private study, or anything else your unique lifestyle requires. 

 

If you are ready to make the move into the Hickory Flat, contact us at 888-717-3003 to get started. 

 

best selling craftsman house plan frank betz

Top-Selling Craftsman House Plans

 

Craftsman homes first appeared in the early 20th century as a rebellion against the mass-produced, excessive, ornate Victorian styles that were popular at the time. Shifting focus back to natural, functional, and handmade elements, the original Craftsman architects focused on building homes that were simple, efficient, and low maintenance. 

 

Today, Craftsman-style homes, like those you’ll find on our website, have sleeker lines and more modern interiors, though they still feature the wide porches, thick support columns, low-pitched roofs, exposed beams, and natural materials like wood and stone that were used in the early 1900s. On the interiors, these homes open up into large living rooms, the kitchens tend to be centrally located in the open floor plan, and bedrooms are tucked away for privacy. 

 

At Frank Betz Associates, the Craftsman is one of our top-selling house plan styles. Though we offer 148 different variations that vary in elevation, number of bedrooms, and square footage, there are three that our customers request time and time again.

 

Sonoma

 

With 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths (including a jack-and-jill bathroom), and 2,707 square feet, the Sonoma has plenty of space for the entire family, plus guests. The first floor — with its wide covered front porch, two-story foyer, open-concept kitchen and family room, plus formal living and dining spaces — is meant for gatherings of all sizes. Upstairs, the owners’ suite is large and luxurious, with a tray ceiling, a vaulted bathroom with separate soaking tub and shower, vaulted sitting room, and private covered porch. The additional three bedrooms are spacious and placed well apart for privacy and quiet. 

 

Castle Rock

 

One-story living at its finest, the Castle Rock plan includes everything you need for comfortable, yet elegant, living.  Whether it’s relaxing with neighbors on the welcoming front porch, having a quiet glass of wine on the back deck, or entertaining in the gourmet kitchen and large family room, you have space to do it all. With 3 or 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, flex rooms, and 2,336 expertly-designed square feet, this is the home for you if you crave function, style, and beauty in one package.

 

Altamonte

 

A classic Craftsman aesthetic coupled with modern design sensibilities make the Altamonte the perfect plan to call home.  This well-proportioned home is easy to live in, with rooms flowing naturally into one another, making the best use of form and function. The tucked-away location of the first-floor owners’ suite guarantees privacy, and with a separate soaking tub and shower, every day will feel like living in a luxury resort. The other downstairs bedroom can easily be used as a home office, private gym, or nursery. Upstairs there are two additional bedrooms, along with a vaulted loft overlooking the family room that’s perfect for a playroom, sitting area, library, or any other space your family needs.

 

Excellent craftsmanship, thoughtful layouts, and today’s modern conveniences create simple, easy, living in these popular Craftsman-style homes. For more information about how you can purchase any of these in-demand Frank Betz house plans, please contact us at 888-717-3003.

 

Thanksgiving

Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving in Your New Home

Before long, family and friends will gather to share laughs, recount stories, and of course, indulge in Thanksgiving fare. With an abundance of room to relax, a new Frank Betz Associates home is the perfect space to host the big meal. Can you smell those festive flavors floating through your gourmet kitchen yet? 

 

If this is your first time hosting Thanksgiving in your beautiful new home, all you need is a little preparation and you’re on your way to your best holiday yet. Take a look at our recipe for a smooth, easy dinner party:

 

Plan Out the Meal

 

We all know that organization is key, so a concrete plan will help you visualize your evening. Grab your computer or a notebook and make notes about the following: 

 

  1. How many people will you be serving?
  2. Are there any dietary restrictions? 
  3. Which recipes can you make ahead? 
  4. Which recipes should be prepared the day of? 
  5. Which dishes will family members or friends prepare?
  6. Is there something new you particularly want to serve?

 

Pro Tip: If you’re a first-timer, start off slow (especially if you’re not a veteran chef). Enlist your family and friends to help out with cooking and choose easy-to-follow recipes. By the way, there’s nothing wrong with buying components of your dinner from a restaurant or market. If this is the best option for you, you can always bake a simple dessert or put together a cheese board appetizer. 

 

Getting a clear idea of what you want your meal to be like helps to alleviate stress. After all, Thanksgiving is about family, graciousness, and relaxing, so take the time to enjoy it!

 

Freshen Up Your Home

 

From seasonal table settings and a beautiful, festive centerpiece, to flowers and hors d’oeuvres in your spacious living room before the meal, there are so many ways to get creative. Freshen up your open interior by dusting, vacuuming, polishing silverware, fluffing cushions and pillows, and wiping down tables.

 

Most importantly, you don’t have to bend over backwards to fill your abundant space with festive flair. In fact, little touches (like painted pumpkins on your front step or entryway table) sometimes make the biggest impact. Scented candles are a timeless go-to — whether you opt for aromas like pumpkin chai or cedarwood and mahogany, this simple addition spreads happiness throughout your entire home.

 

Prepare For Post-Dinner

Of course, your focus will be on the fun of the big meal, but a few simple touches here and there will ensure that post-dinner will be just as easy and enjoyable as the dinner itself. Empty the dishwasher and trash bins to prepare for cleanup, and line your trash bins with more than one bag so that you have a fresh one ready to go when the first becomes full. Finally, stow any fragile items that children might get to.


Start the Party in a New Home


Last but not least, give your guests something to smile about as soon as they walk in with a festive drink. Whether you love warm, cider-based drinks, something fruity and fizzy, or classic wine with a kick, there’s a holiday cocktail out there to start the fun.

This Cranberry Champagne Cocktail is easy to make, fun to sip, and absolutely beautiful. All you need is cranberry juice, lime wedges, frozen cranberries, and Champagne or sparkling wine. Chill the flutes, add a squeeze of lime and cranberry juice, fill the flutes with your desired amount of alcohol, and finish off with 3-4 cranberries. Prepare these drinks ahead of time so everyone receives a “party favor” when they walk in.

From all of us at Frank Betz Associates, happy early Thanksgiving!

Bellmoore Plan

Trend Spotlight: Laundry Access From Master Bathroom

Have you ever browsed a house plan that seemed contemporary and stylish… but not quite the right fit for you? At Frank Betz Associates, we don’t just hold our new home design plans to the highest standards of construction and design — we hold our knowledge of what you want to the highest standards as well. 

 

No matter how small, a desirable home trend can make all the difference in the look and feel of a living space. This week, we want to highlight a home feature that we’re proud to incorporate into our plans: laundry access from the master bathroom. Take a look at how this unique shift in design enhances the way you live every day:

 

 

 

In a house plan like Lavista Park, you and your partner don’t have to lug laundry up the stairs to get it done. With a laundry room conveniently placed off of your gorgeous master bathroom, you can simply throw your clothes into the wash in the morning after getting ready or in the evenings while unwinding. Imagine: after soaking in that luxurious tub, you would only have to walk a few steps to get your laundry… not up the stairs.

 

 

 

Having your laundry close to your bedroom, as opposed to on a separate floor or near the kitchen, makes a lot of sense. Easy access means less hassle — and who wouldn’t want to take the hassle out of doing laundry? After a load is finished, all you have to do is fold is up and take it right into your bedroom. And if you’re not a fan of laundry baskets, no problem; taking “trips” to and from your laundry room is as easy as can be.

 

 

 

If you have a growing family or are planning to start one, laundry days become more frequent than ever before. With your laundry room an entire floor away from your children’s rooms upstairs, you never have to worry about a late-night load of laundry waking anyone up. Especially when you have a newborn, you’ll want as much sleep as possible, which means keeping them far from your washer and dryer will work wonders for everyone.

At Frank Betz Associates, we pride ourselves on creating house plans that live the way that you do. If you’re ready to move into a home that caters to your modern design preferences and personal needs, we’re right behind you. For more information about our house plans, please call 888-717-3003. We can’t wait to meet you!

14-Hazelwood Square

The Beauty of Outdoor Living in the Fall

At Frank Betz Associates, we believe that paradise is a cozy chair, a warm drink, and your feet up on a crisp fall day. Who says you can’t experience this bliss on a daily basis? With a gorgeous outdoor living area attached to your home, you can finally enjoy the beauty of fall in true style — day or night.

 

From impromptu get-togethers with friends to mornings with a cup of coffee and a good book, an expertly designed exterior completely changes the way you live your life. Especially in the fall, when the weather cools and the scenery comes alive, you don’t want to miss a single moment of what’s right in front of you…

 

Covered Porches

 

Just as functional as they are stylish, our covered porches allow you to experience the outdoors in complete comfort. Perfect for all times of day, you’re free to do whatever you wish — whether that be host your family and friends for a fun fall meal or take advantage of your quiet time and relax.

 

Best of all, our aesthetically pleasing porches add to the beauty of your home, which makes them the ideal asset. The goal of these features is to extend your indoor life to the outdoors, so that you can truly feel like your best (and most free) self whenever you’re in your home. 

 

Fire Pits

 

Who says cold weather has to stop you from enjoying the peace and privacy of your backyard? With a modern, compact fire pit, you have every opportunity to sit outside and do exactly what you normally would in the warmer months of the year. It may not still be summertime, but it’s always prime time for relaxing.

 

Style your furniture around your fire pit however you wish and watch your space ignite with life — there’s nothing more charming than a cozy fire. Do you have fond memories of camp as a child? Gather with your kids for homemade s’mores under the stars. From happy hours to celebrations, a fire pit brings a spark to your space that you can’t help but fall in love with each time. 

 

With 100 years of combined experience and unmatched skill in all areas of home design, you can be sure that we have a plan that fits your preferences perfectly. Are you ready to live in a home that loves you back? We can’t wait to meet you and get started! For more information about our house plans, please call 888-717-3003.

Tuxedo Park

Featured House Plan: Meet Tuxedo Park

That excitement when you see your new home for the very first time? We believe you should feel this every time you return home, whether from a getaway vacation or a work day. A house may be purchased, but home is priceless — so you deserve a modern plan that lives just the way that you do. 

 

Meet Tuxedo Park, an innovative plan that combines contemporary features with timeless charm to create a home you can’t help but fall in love with. With 3,306 total square feet, you’ll have all the room you need to enjoy life’s little moments — from your charming porch to your gorgeous master suite and everything in between. 

 

This one-of-a-kind house plan also comes complete with a flex room, a vaulted porch, and an optional bonus room on the second floor, which can be turned into another bedroom for family or guests, or a specialized space for whatever you wish, whether a movie room, a home office, or your own personal art studio. 

 

Built with a mix of classic and modern charm, Tuxedo Park first catches your eye with an old-world English elevation with Cotswold elements. Past a beautiful front porch with classic dormers that break the cornice line, you’ll walk inside and feel the warmth of a wide open interior — and immediately know you’re home.

 

The first floor provides an abundant, open-concept living area with a kitchen, dining, and living room. The family room is expertly designed with a beamed ceiling and beautiful fireplace, perfect for get-togethers, celebrations, and weeknight dinners. You’ll also find a spectacular master suite with a spa-like bathroom that’s specifically created to make you feel your best, day or night. 

 

On the second floor, there are three spacious bedrooms, each with walk-in closets and access to a bathroom. There’s also a large loft space that can become anything you want, from an entertainment area to a quiet place to read, relax, and recharge. Up here, you and your family will always embrace your most comfortable state.

 

When you come back to a home that fits you perfectly, every day suddenly feels wide open. You won’t believe all of the experiences and opportunities that are waiting for you in a home like this… For more information about Tuxedo Park, please call 888-717-3003. All of us at Frank Betz Associates can’t wait to meet you!

2019 Kitchen Design Trends | Frank Betz Associates

At Frank Betz Associates, we know that the kitchen is where the heat happens — so we always incorporate the hottest trends into every design. From holiday brunches and celebrations to milestones and weeknight meals, there are so many memories waiting to be made in your kitchen, which means you deserve nothing less than the best. If the kitchen is the heart of the home… then one of our house plans is where you truly belong.

 

From more space to gather with guests to contemporary, sleek appliances, homeowners today are looking for entirely different kitchens than they were even five years ago. One of the reasons our Frank Betz team is so trustworthy is our ability to constantly stay on top of trends, and incorporate what matters most to you into your expertly designed house plan. Take a look at a few of our favorite things that we include in our beautiful kitchens: 

 

Massive Islands with Pendant Lighting and Seating:

 

Whether you’re a Sunday-morning-breakfast kind of person or a big fan of weeknight wine tastings, a large center island in your kitchen is the perfect place to relax, gather, and enjoy whatever it is you love most. Complete with pendant lighting and comfortable seating, there’s nowhere else you want to get “stranded.”

 

Built-In Refrigerators:

 

Refrigerators may do the most important job of all (keep our delicious foods safe and sound!) but let’s face it… they should take up the least amount of space as possible. When a refrigerator is built into the cabinetry of the kitchen, they make efficient use of space and look incredibly sleek while they’re at it.

 

Commercial Ranges with Decorative Hoods:

 

Who says that ranges can’t be stylish? While this part of the kitchen isn’t typically the first thing that comes to your mind, our sleek ranges serve as a focal point when they’re paired with a decorative hood. Both functional and aesthetically pleasing at the same time, this pair of appliances adds a trendy touch to your kitchen.

 

Open Shelving:

 

Openness in homes is now on the rise, and shelving in your kitchen is no exception. While traditional design called for closed cabinetry, our modern house plans incorporate shelving where everything can be seen. This way, you can get creative with how you display your items, and utilize pieces that enhance the vibe of the room.

 

If you’ve been looking for a house plan that lives the way that you do, Frank Betz Associates has the perfect fit. Our kitchens are expertly designed with contemporary trends to make your everyday life even more special, and we can’t wait for you to experience one for yourself. For more information, please call 888-717-3003.

Featured House Plan: Meet Mahogany Springs

When you finally come across “the one,” you’ll know it right away… With steeply pitched gables with brackets, mixed exteriors materials like stone and siding, and double columns on pedestals, our Mahogany Springs house plan is love at first sight — but wait until you step inside.

With a modern charm and timeless coziness, this gorgeous home offers the perfect blend of luxury and function. On the main floor, you finally get to enjoy the company of family and friends without the barrier of walls — in your warm and inviting open-concept living area, your best memories and meals are waiting to be made.

A flex room provides an abundance of space that can be used however you wish, from a formal dining room to a media space. Best of all, your stunning master suite is exactly what you’ve always envisioned, with elegant design and contemporary features, including a spa-like bathroom with a free-standing tub and walk-in shower.

On the second floor, you’ll fall in love with the convenience of a sleek tech center at the top of the stairs, which is ideal for computers, games, or homework, as well as secondary bedrooms that share a compartmentalized bathroom. If you want even more space, an optional bonus room can be turned into whatever you dream up.

Not to mention, a vaulted covered porch and front porch extend the beauty of your home to the great outdoors, so you can enjoy all of the little things that make life so sweet — from mornings with a good book and coffee to evening dinners with your family under the stars.

Whether you’re a growing family or a couple who loves to entertain and enjoy an abundance of personal space, this craftsman style house plan embraces and enhances any lifestyle. With an expert, thoughtful design that’s just as comfortable as it is contemporary, this home truly is a place unlike any other. For more information, please call us at 888-717-3003. All of us at Frank Betz Associates can’t wait to work with you!

THE COMPLETE HOME BUILDING GUIDEBOOK

Frank Betz Associates is proud to have been a contributing resource to THE COMPLETE HOME BUILDING GUIDEBOOK written by Mr. Howard Zuckerman.
Mr. Zuckerman is very respected developer, builder and author. The book is a complete reference source for anyone considering becoming a merchant builder or an
individual building their own home. Just as the name implies, the book explains the processes and methods necessary to become a builder. Beside lumber, concrete or roofing for example, there are many other things to consider and/or include in the building process. This book reminds and teaches someone new to the home building industry to include and remember the intangible items as well as obvious building materials. Click this link to get your copy. https://store.bookbaby.com/book/The-Complete-Home-Building-Guidebook

Fall Decorating Ideas for Outside

Bold, bright colors, crisp leaves, festive flair… there’s something about fall decor that makes home cozier than ever. Now that you’ve found the perfect Frank Betz Associates new house plan and decorated the inside to match your preferences, you can use the new season as an opportunity to touch up your exterior. 

From classic wreaths to nontraditional front-porch arrangements, we’ve compiled a list of current design trends that add pops of autumn energy to your space. Get inspired to revamp your exterior’s aesthetic for fall:

Outside Fall Decoration Ideas

Pumpkin Vase: The ultimate piece of fall flair, pumpkins serve as the most stylish vases for your front step. Carve out a pumpkin or gourd (white ones look great, too) and place containers of your favorite fall flowers inside, whether warm-colored mums, pansies, or more.

Cotton & Muted Colors: Adorning your front door with fall-themed decor is nothing new, but this season, it’s all about light, serene colors. Whether you’re a sucker for a good wreath, pumpkins on your step, or trendy lanterns and candle holders, opt for more subtle hues like cotton to create an ethereal front-door vibe. 

Fruit Bowl: Adding a seasonal touch to your relaxing porch just makes it that much cozier. Incorporate the sweetness of fall into your favorite space with warm-colored fruits like apples and pears. Find a beautiful bowl — copper is always fall-approved — and fill it with the season’s natural gems. 

DIY Wreath: Do you fall head over heels for a seasonal DIY project? You’re going to want to make a new wreath every week… These festive wreaths incorporate things like plaid, fall fruit, flowers, harvest wheat, eucalyptus, puzzle pieces, pinecones, letter boards, hydrangea, autumn berries, and much more.

Door Mat: There’s no better time than fall to place a fun and festive mat at your door. Whether you go for a spooky-themed piece for trick-or-tricking or a timeless autumn design, your family and friends will love walking up to your door as they visit you this season.

Pumpkin Cart: Bar carts may be all the rage inside your home (is it time to break out the delicious autumnal red wines yet?) but pumpkin carts are making their way to the outside. This porch-front bar cart is given a new look when it’s filled with an autumnal crate and green oak leaves between beautiful white pumpkins.

Barrel Planters: Fall flowers and textures create a lovely vibe in your yard that make coming home even sweeter. Barrel planters give off a rustic aesthetic that pairs perfectly with yellow, orange, and red flowers. Try several planters of different sizes, and get creative with your flower arrangement.

From all of us at Frank Betz Associates, happy fall and happy decorating!