In its simplest form, a house is a structure that has four sides, a front door, a backdoor, windows and a roof. While most houses retain most or all of these characteristics, variation does exist. The materials used to build houses often vary, while the houses’ colors are also frequently different. Some houses have three-car garages, while others do not even have one. Many have basements, but if you live in a coastal area, the likelihood of your having a basement is slim. Some houses are big; others are small. Some are even called manors or mansions, while others are known as shacks or shanties. Overall, a house is a structure that has basic characteristics, but one house can dramatically differ from another.

And, a house is not simply a physical structure. In many ways, the intangible ideals that surround the term “home” are just as relevant. They also vary from one homeowner to another. More often than not, a house’s appearance represents status, well-being and lifestyle. Ultimately, a house represents the attainment of the American Dream.

The American Dream is different for everyone. Some people aspire to have large two story homes to show their financial success. Others simply want a humble one story house where they can spend a cozy life with their loved ones. Whatever they expect from their house, however, prospective homeowners must find a place that has the right floor plans to match their expectations.

Whether they want two story homes or ranch-style houses, homeowners should locate a professional, licensed designer who can create the best floor plans for their building projects. If they don’t bother to do that, they run the unfortunate risk of ending up with a house that they will not like. As a result, they might even come to hate something that was supposed to be their own version of the American Dream.