Free house-plan search guide
Search Smarter. Build a Better House-Plan Shortlist.
Download A Homeowner’s Guide to House Styles to learn how plan websites use style categories, recognize the exterior features you actually like, improve your search terms, and compare plans more thoughtfully before purchasing.
Use the preference worksheet while browsing plan websites, then record the specific roof, porch, window, material, garage, and massing features that matter to you.
Educational planning resource only. Style labels vary, and project-specific code, site, structure, cost, permit, and construction requirements must be confirmed separately.
Inside the guide
Turn visual reactions into useful search terms and comparisons.
- 22 visual house-style profiles
- Common alternate style names
- Exterior features to notice
- Roof, window, porch, material, and garage characteristics
- Search phrases to try
- Similar-style comparisons
- Budget and construction considerations
- A house-style preference worksheet
- A plan-comparison worksheet
- A house-plan shortlist checklist
- A house-style comparison chart
Need broader project planning help? See the free Residential Planning Guide.