How to Choose a North Facing Simple House Plan

There is no simple answer to the question of whether you should build your home on a north facing slope or a south facing one. If you do not live in an area where the slope offers good outdoor views then the answer is probably “No”. But that said, not only is the slope important for aesthetics, it also offers practical benefits such as energy savings and cost reductions.

Building your house on a slope can also provide good protection from strong winds. So if you are considering a north facing simple house plan or one with a steeply pitched roof (such as a Cape Cod home), the first thing you should ask yourself is if your house would be able to handle the increased wind velocity necessary to meet your needs.

The only way to know if you will be able to tolerate the impact of the wind on your home is to build your home on a non-sloping site. You must also decide if you would prefer a simple house plan or one that has special features like a steeply pitched roof.

Once you have determined if you want to build your home on a non-sloping site or on a slope, you will need to choose a building plan that includes special considerations for the location of your home.

For example, if you live on a large lake you will want to choose a plan that allows for easy access to both the water and your home, to a home located on a rural hilltop may not have these same considerations. With this information in hand you can begin to evaluate the best houseplants for your particular location.

The simplest way to start evaluating the best houseplants for your needs is to visit the local homebuilders’ association in your area. Most people don’t realize that homebuilders’ associations often maintain a comprehensive directory of all the plans they have approved for use in their region.

Visit the office regularly, and pay special attention to the first floor and the rear floors of any house plans you are considering.