OK, dimesnions would help a lot. Is the dot grid at 12 inch spacing? I am assuming it is.

1. MBR commode door looks like it would kneecap occupant when opened or closed. Suggest pocket door instead.

2. Kitchen, baths, and laundry at four different locations, none back to back or next to each other. Raises plumbing costs.

3. Where are the windows? It is hard to evaluate a plan without knowing window placement.

4. No coat closet. No utility closet.

5. 1/2 bath layout doesn't look right. Sink looks too small to be practical. Depth of room looks too shallow to rotate commode 90 degrees, which would be a normal design.

6. Laundry tub should be next to the washer.

7. In general, there seems to be a lot of wasted space.

In my opinion it is fruitless and impractical to try and complete a design one floor at a time. What is on one floor affects the floors above and below in many ways, i.e., traffic flow, location of fixtures, structurally, and in exterior appearance. All of which are important.

What software are you using? Beter home design software lets you switch between floors at the click of a mouse. It also lets you superimpose one floor on another, so you can see a direct correlation between the two floors and adjust you work accordingly,

With flickr you can insert the picture by clicking on the size you want then copying and pasting the html code you find underneath it. Then it will automatically link back so people can choose a larger version if they want. I like to a picture showing what to copy and paste.
You might to rethink your kitchen layout there is a lot of walking in your work triangle
Other good info to have would be how old you are (just starting out, retiring soon?), do you have kids, do you plan on having kids, do you cook alot, entertain?

Here is a link that might be useful: flickr

Sorry in the above post I "linked" to a pic showing you what to copy and paste.

With thanks to MightyAnvil who figured out how to say it so we can understand.

To post a photo:
go to http://tinypic.com (it's free and no sign up is required)
select "browse" and go find your jpg, png, gif, or tif photo file and select it (it will be automatically downsized to 250K)
select the "upload image" button
copy the contents of the "HTML" window and paste it into the text part of your message.
Now preview your message. If you can see the photo, submit the message

Frog Hopper:
Sorry about the lack of dimensions right now, you are correct, the dots are on 12"

I like your idea for the pocket door for the MasterBath. I will incorporate that!

As far as the closets go, we were trying to keep closet space on the main floor to a mininum. With the big kitchen pantry and a coat rack, thought we should be ok. Will consider adding another closet.

I agree with you on your criticism of the half bath, i'm still trying to figure out a better design and open to any ideas. As far as the laundry tub, what do you need that for? We were just planning on having washer/dryer and pet shower/boot wash area in the laundry room.

I am drawing with AutoCad, which works pretty well for what i need. As far as drawing the first floor first, i wanted to get it pretty well finished first, so I can see exactly where I will need the supports, etc for the next floors. I'm not as picky about the layout for the 2nd floor and basement.

Che1sea

Do you think i could move the fridge to the upper wall, by either the sink or dishwasher to make it work better?

We are a young couple, expecting our first child in December, probably a few more after that :) My wife likes to cook and we love to entertain!

Thanks for the help with inserting of pictures!

Please let me know what I can do to improve!

LOL.

I thought your pet shower was a utility sink. If you've never had a utility sink handy to the garage and laundry room, you don't know what you are missing. My wife insists the sink must be located next to the washing machine.

Leave the fridge where it is. It fits the kitchen triangle theory nicely. If a fridge has counter on both sides, you must be very careful that it sticks our far enough for the hinge side of the door to clear. You always have to watch out for that on a double door fridge, which will have something against it on at least one side.

As shown in your plan, the hinge would have to be on the left, providing your symbols are to scale.

I would incorporate the 1/2 bath into the utiity room area and use the 1/2 bath for a walk in pantry.

If you want some good advice for just the kitchen I would post in on the kitchen forum, they will have tons of ideas. All and all your layout is good except the triangle between your sink/range/fridge is a bit big. Also it can be nicer to have the fridge closer to the dining area so people wanting snacks don't have to walk through the kitchen, potentially getting in the way but that isn't a necessity.

Where are kids stuff/toys going to be stored downstairs? Also it is nice to have your bedroom on the same floor as the children's when they are little, especially if they aren't sleeping in your room. You might try moving the powder room so it is closer to the laundry to simplify plumbing.

If you love to entertain you might want to consider opening the kitchen into the great/living room.

However, if you love to entertain, but are not one to "clean as you go" when cooking, your kitchen is just fine as it is. (lol, Brutuses-- 2 viewpoints here.) Actually, I don't even want the kitchen open to the eating area, much less to the living area. I *do* clean as I go when cooking, but when the guests arrive, then I want my attention to be on them, without worrying about wiping up any spills and without them having to see either spills or dirty pans. Like I said, it's another viewpoint and you need to suit *your* style.

What bothers me is the frig will stick out further than you think making the passageway small. Can you recess it into the pantry somehow? I think you would also like the flat 'look' of that better.
Will you wife also want to be downstairs and child/children upstairs? Better ask her !

Thanks for all of the great input. I am currently re-working the kitchen, pantry, bathroom, and mudroom area. I will repost a drawing when i finish with those changes. I still welcome any comments on my first revision. Thanks!