Guides
8 guides — practical, original writing on choosing and building a house plan.
How Setbacks and Site Constraints Can Affect a House Design
Setbacks, easements, and other site constraints quietly shrink the space a house plan actually has to work with — here's what to look for.
Priya Nair · 8/28/2026
What to Check Before Choosing a House Plan
A short, practical checklist to work through before you commit to a specific house plan for your block.
Priya Nair · 8/28/2026
Understanding Planning Zones
Every property sits within a planning zone that shapes what can be built there — here's what that means before you commit to a design.
Priya Nair · 8/28/2026
Why Block Orientation Matters
Which direction your block faces affects light, temperature, and even which house plans will work well — before a single wall is built.
Priya Nair · 8/28/2026
Single Storey vs. Double Storey Homes
The choice between one level and two isn't just about budget — block width, depth, and household needs all point one way or the other.
Priya Nair · 8/28/2026
What Is a Narrow Block?
"Narrow" isn't a fixed number — it's a description of how a block's width changes the design decisions available to you.
Priya Nair · 8/28/2026
Understanding Your Block Width and Depth
The width and depth printed on your title aren't the numbers a house plan actually needs to fit against — here's the difference, and why it matters.
Priya Nair · 8/28/2026
How to Choose a House Plan for Your Block
Before you compare floor plans, get your block's own numbers straight — width, depth, orientation, and driveway side all shape which plans will actually work.
Priya Nair · 8/28/2026