The Open Vs Closed Floor Plan

So you’re renovating your home and your designer asks you a key question, “Do you want an open or closed floor plan?” Identifying the right choice for you can be a tricky task, however, our team at Executive Craftsman is here to help! With our many years of experience in both design and construction, we are with you every step of the way.

The Difference

The main difference between an open floor plan and a closed floor plan? The walls! By eliminating walls, you will instantly create a more customizable room division that can impact where people travel throughout the home to where you place furniture. If you are looking for a home with more privacy, then a closed floor plan is absolutely right for you and if you seek having conversations effortlessly, consider an open floor plan. Either way, when you reside in the home of your dreams, we are happy!

Deciding Design

Deciding on a floor plan for your home all starts in the design. What feel do you want for your house?

• Closed floor plans are a more traditional option. They allow for private spaces and a true delineation of purpose from room to room. Closed offers more wall space for things like art, posters, and tapestries. It also means you can change the design or feel of each room individually, instead of feeling tied down to one.
• Open floor plans are more modern and at the moment, highly sought after. Unique design options are available to both. Open allows not just for more furniture, but more options on furniture placement. They also have more natural light. Without walls blocking the paths from your windows, the entire space is easily illuminated.

Calculating Cost

Here’s the thing, walls are costly and so is the labor to put them up or tear them down. Taking down a load-bearing wall can be an expensive hassle for workmen and homeowners alike. Closed floor plans have a lower resale value than open ones. Open floor plans are currently trending on the housing market, but it may end up costing you elsewhere. The open space costs extra money to cool and heat monthly. The more space you’ve got, the harder it is to regulate the temperature and the more it’ll cost you. Truly, the financial pros and cons will vary on the project and your existing structure. If you still feel torn however, our team of experienced workers is here to help you find the best fit!

Pondering Practicality

At the end of the day, you need to consider the use of your space. Open floor plans are better for entertaining. With a large open space, it accommodates for more people to move around freely. It also promotes everyone to socialize with ease.

Picture this, you are hosting a party and want to converse with friends. Would you prefer to attempt to talk through walls or communicate freely without them? The choice is clear! Open floor plans are also good for people with young children or someone with mobility issues. With children, it allows parents to keep their kids within line of sight. They can play in the living room while you sit and work at the dining table. For those who are challenged with mobility, the open space allows for easier movement and access to necessary spaces!

Closed floor plans are better for privacy. If you need alone time to focus while you work or would much rather curl up with a book than have guests over, a closed floor plan may be a better option. Closed floor plans also help with noise control.

So, open or closed? Both floor plans have their strengths and weaknesses. It all comes down to your needs for the space, budget, and sense of design. Still debating? We would love to weigh in and help you decide! As a full-service construction company, our team at Executive Craftsman can help from plans to finished product. Simply give us a call to get started or read up on some of our other blogs for more design tips on crafting your perfect home.