As more people get ready to retire, they are finding that downsizing their home does not mean downgrading.  Many small house plans offer the amenities retirees have become accustomed to.

The type of home you choose for your retirement will depend on your type of retirement.  Home plans with two master suites allow guests to visit and maintain a sense of privacy.  For the semi-retired, a home office will allow greater freedom to work around your schedule and telecommute.   House plans featuring Universal Design standards will ensure that your home remains accessible and convenient for years to come, possibly allowing you to remain in your home longer instead of residing in an assisted living community.

Retirees have never had more choices when it comes to where to live.  Retirement in urban areas is becoming more popular due to higher gas prices and a desire to be close to cultural attractions and medical care.  Choosing a small house plan affords the homeowner the opportunity to take advantage of a small or irregular lot that has been overlooked by a larger builder. 

A recent “Top Places for Retirees” survey listed such diverse cities as Houston, Phoenix, Washington DC, and Indianapolis.  Each city offers its own recreation options, cultural attractions, and climate to suit the way you want to spend your newfound freedom.

Are you looking for a Craftsman / Country / Cottage style house plan? Check out the newly released HPG-1800D-1, The Backwater Cove home design.

This beautiful floor plan features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, front and rear covered porches for extra outdoor living space, and great room. This plan also offers lots of flex space.

Click here to learn more about HPG-1800D-1 from House Plan Gallery.

When you’re building that dream home, granite is one of the most beautiful and popular upgrades in kitchens and bathrooms.  Recent reports indicate that certain granite products used in homes can emit radon gas, the second-leading cause of lung cancer in humans.  Some experts have even recommended that lung cancer patients, pregnant women, and small children limit exposure to granite.

Studies indicate that the vast majority of granite is safe, with the most risk occurring in exotic, highly striated varieties from Namibia and Brazil.  Take into consideration your floorplan and how much granite would be used for your countertops.  Limited physical contact with granite and a well-ventilated home greatly reduce the dangers of exposure to radon.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there are no regulations in place to test granite from any source, and there is no test that accurately measures the amount for radiation coming from granite in the home.  Checking radon levels in the entire home can easily be accomplished with a kit purchased from a home improvement store. 

Nonetheless, Granite remains a very popular and versatile product for families of all sizes and age.

View our most popular floor plans!

Best wishes in the building of your new home!