Moving into an existing home means learning to live with someone else’s choices. But building from scratch? That’s your chance to shape a home that fits you - your lifestyle, your future.
That’s why getting the floorplan right matters. More than rooms and walls, it’s about how life flows. From indoor-outdoor living to everyday routines, your floorplan lays the foundation.
With Metricon, you’ll have access to a huge range of modern home designs and flexible layouts - plus expert guidance from our New Home Advisors to help you narrow it all down.
Here’s how to get started on choosing the best floorplan for your new home build.
Step 1: Think about who you’re building for
The first step in selecting your perfect floorplan is knowing who’s going to live in it. Sounds obvious, right? But many people get swept up in the design phase and forget to plan for real-life needs.
If you’ve already chosen or purchased a block of land, a great first step is to jump onto the Metricon Home Designs page and use the block width and depth filters to see which designs will align with your lot size. You’ll also need to decide whether you want a single or double-storey home to match your lifestyle and land dimensions.
From there, think about the people who’ll call this place home.
If you’ve got a growing family, or plan to expand in the future, think about how many bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas you’ll need. Maybe that includes a guest room, a kids’ playroom, or a dedicated study too.
Flying solo or just the two of you? Prioritise flexibility. Consider spaces that can evolve over time - like a home office, gym or chill-out zone that can double as a nursery or spare bedroom later down the track.
Step 2: Get clear on your lifestyle goals
Once you’ve covered the essentials, now’s the time to dream a little bigger. What kind of floor plan actually supports the way you live?
- Do you love to entertain? Think open-plan living and dining areas that connect seamlessly to an alfresco.
- Big family? Decide if you want everyone hanging out together or if separate spaces will save your sanity. Zoned living areas - like a kid-friendly retreat or a quiet parent’s escape - can make a world of difference.
- Want a sense of luxury? Consider features like a butler’s pantry, an over-sized walk-in robe, or a spa-like ensuite.
Other design choices worth thinking about:
- Do you want the master bedroom at the front of the home, with kids’ rooms tucked away at the rear?
- For double storey designs, do you want the master bedroom downstairs and the rest of the bedrooms upstairs? Or would you prefer all bedrooms to be upstairs?
- Do you want walk-in robes and ensuites for every family member?
Step 3: Focus on functionality
Let’s get practical. When it comes to home design, it’s the little layout decisions that make the biggest difference.
Here are some must-haves for modern families:
- Butler’s pantry: Keeps your kitchen clean and clutter-free.
- Multiple bathrooms: No more morning queues.
- Mudroom/laundry: Great for families with kids or pets.
- Study or office: A must if you work from home or study.
- Guest bedroom: Ideal for visitors or live-in relatives.
- Storage: Built-in robes, linen closets, and hidden nooks make life easier.
- Workshop: A dedicated space for hobbies.
It’s all about creating a practical home layout that handles daily life with ease. Future-you will thank you.
Step 4: Maximise flow
A well-designed home floor plan should feel effortless to move through - with a natural flow from one area to the next.
At Metricon, our open-plan living designs are built for connection. Whether it’s family dinner, weekend hangs or quiet nights in, these zones are designed to adapt. You can still create distinct zones within an open plan. A well-placed alfresco can split the dining from the living room, for example - keeping things connected, but calm.
Step 5: Orietation is key
It’s not just what’s inside - it’s how your home sits on the block. Think about:
- Where the sun rises and sets
- Whether you want to catch the morning light in your kitchen or block out the harsh afternoon glare
- Whether you want privacy at the front or connection to the backyard
Orientation is a game-changer here. Where your home sits on the block affects natural light, airflow, and even your energy bills.
That’s where Metricon's GeoSite tool comes in. Once you’ve selected your land, GeoSite shows you exactly how different home designs will look on your block - at different times of the day and across the seasons. This smart tech helps you orient your home for maximum energy efficiency and optimal natural lighting.
Step 6: Stay grounded in your budget
Here’s where reality meets the dream.
While it’s fun to wishlist all the floorplan features, it’s important to align your vision with your budget and build goals.
At Metricon, our New Home Advisors can help you:
- Prioritise must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
- Explore flexible floorplan options and upgrades
- Match a home design to your block and budget
- Recommend tweaks that offer big impact without blowing out your build
Don’t forget: The Home Designs page on our website lets you filter by just about everything - block size, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, price, single or double-storey, car spaces, and more. It’s the perfect way to compare layouts and get inspired.
Ready to build your dream home?
Choosing the right floorplan for your new build is a big decision - but with the right guidance and a little planning, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Metricon is here to help you every step of the way, with smart home designs, expert advice, and flexible layouts to suit every stage of life.
Let’s build something great together. Enquire with us today.
