Master:

- I understand you want an "unusually large closet", but consider the proportions. This closet has lots of "empty space" in the middle of the closet, which is wasted. A long, narrow rectangle provides the most wall space, and that's what you want in a closet.

- I can't read the numbers, but the toilet - tub - shower side of the bathroom looks small /squished. The toilet closet especially looks tiny -- it looks to be only inches wider than the toilet itself. This could be made more comfortable by reducing that "empty space" in the middle of the closet.

- The bathroom also is too wide for comfort -- the two sides are too far apart. I'd bring the sink side towards the right, allowing for a very nice closet by the front door (or a recessed spot for a large hall table).

- Have you considered furniture placement in the great room? It's a large room, but the dimensions are odd. It would work better if you move the fireplace to the bedroom wall . . . it would allow the furniture to spread out around the fireplace.

- I'd say the same thing of the kitchen: It's a large room, but it has so much "empty space" in the middle of the room. The cabinets are too far apart for comfort . . . yet you don't have space enough for an island.

- It'd be nice if the dining room could be closer to the kitchen.

- I think the back entrance is a little skimpy. Imagine your mother one day has a walker or a wheelchair -- getting her in and out would be easier if that space were a little larger. I'd also want at least a counter or a space for keys and purses.

- The "cafe" -- cute name -- is a little narrow, given that it's ALSO acting as a hallway. I think you'd be okay if you do a built-in banquette bench on the back wall.

- The secondary bedrooms look okay, but their bathrooms are all quite minimal. No storage. No space for a hamper. I'd rather see a nice-sized jack-and-jill instead of two separate skimpy bathrooms. I'd place the j-and-j between the two bedrooms on the far left . . . and that would mean that one adult would have the front bedroom/bath, and the second adult would have the back bedroom/j-and-j, which would be shared on occasion when you have overnight guests.

- I'd consider making the front bathroom a jack-and-jill with the powder room. That is, let the powder room stand "as is" . . . but add a door to connect to the now-minimal front bath . . . remove the toilet from that bathroom. This would mean the occupant of the front bedroom could have a larger, more comfortable vanity area . . . and have the toilet through the door. It would cut out one toilet from your plan too. One less expensive item to buy, one less toilet to clean every week.

- Given that your mother is elderly, I'd also suggest that at least one bathroom be outfitted with a walk-in shower in place of the tub. As she grows older, she may find it more and more difficult to lift her legs up over the edge of the tub. A walk-in shower the same size as the tub will also allow her to have a shower stool. Keep in mind, too, that a shower is cheaper than a tub -- that never hurts.

- You said your mother wants a sunroom - hobby room, and that isn't on the plan now. I don't know which direction is the preferred side for a sunroom, but I'd consider making the spare bedroom into a sunroom. Use a day bed /trundle (the trundles can pop up to form two twins OR a king) and a couple comfortable chairs. This would allow her to have her room . . . and it would double as a guest room occasionally.

MrsPete

Thanks for the suggestions. You make some very good points. I will incorporate them into our next revision.

Before reading your post, I was looking at the article linked below, have a look? There's a floorplan at the bottom and maybe you could get some ideas.

How wonderful for you to build a house that includes extended family. Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: One level house