Owner-specific modifications:
Eliminated railing from front porch
Removed column between entry, dining room and family room
Eliminated master suite sitting room to enlarge bath
Extended master bath; rearranged bath layout
Eliminated serving bar near breakfast nook
Added built-in buffet to breakfast nook
Replaced menu desk in kitchen with wall-mounted oven
Finished future area over garage as study
When Carla and George Rials were ready to buy their first home, subdivisions were popping up all over Santa Rosa County, the second-fastest growing county in Florida. However, once Carla and George started looking at this new construction, they quickly saw that the quality of the homes didn't meet their expectations. Confident that they could get more for their money—such as better flooring and cabinetry—than builders were offering, Carla and George decided to build their own home using stock plans.
After the young couple bought and cleared a lot, they found Home Plan APS-1717, a charming country-style home with as much character inside as outside.
Despite a slow start due to bad weather, the Rials moved into their new home six months after they'd broken ground. Even now that the couple has settled in, Carla, a teacher, still has a hard time picking a favorite room. She loves the kitchen, where the serving bar allows her to be a part of activities taking place in the family room when she's preparing a meal.
And what about George's favorite room? That's easy. George, a project manager who is working on a distance-learning master's degree, loves the study that was built over the garage, which he calls "guy space." George told Carla, "You can do whatever you want with the rest of the house, I just want the [future area]."
George and Carla also appreciate the large bath in the master suite, which was extended into the space originally designed for a sitting area. They modified the bath to create a larger shower and moved the whirlpool tub to the corner, instantly transforming the room into a home spa.
The couple's future plans have them gravitating toward the yard. Since the warm Florida climate encourages residents to spend time outside, Carla and George would like to spruce up their yard by screening the back porch and building the deck (both of which are part of the original plans), as well as adding more landscaping. But for now, Carla and George, who have quickly become friends with their new neighbors and enjoy entertaining with them, are content to relax and enjoy their new nest.
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