I would think your budget would be optimistic for that area unless it's a very basic construction (little millwork etc).

People still appear to be enamored with "open concept" and I personally don't get the appeal. If you're building this for YOU and intend to stay in it a long time, build what YOU prefer. If it may be a re-sale in the not too distant future, then you probably should go with a full open concept plan.

As the old saying goes "all real estate is local." If you're going to roll the dice on a $500K bet, I'd consult with Realtors in your local market about what sells best and why. Ditto for interior selections and colors.

As a New Englander, I'm sick to death of colonials. I know dozens of aging boomers in their late 50's who plan to retire to the Cape from metro Boston. A decent number are looking to buy before retirement age. They all want a great one floor living.

@a13xxa I would be interested in seeing your plans.

Obviously, you work for a 'tract' builder. Your boss builds 2 story because it's allot cheaper to build and they can make more 'profit'!!!!!!! By S/F pricing. 'Track' builders do 'whatever' they can to make the 'most' profit......period!!!!!!!

Hello! I am in Western Mass - so not too far from you. We are in our mid-40's currently planning a very similar "step down" build going from 3600 sq. ft. down to 2400. We are planning open concept for the entertaining areas, a first floor master, and a small den space tucked away to "hide". Since foundations are so expensive here, we modified our plan and decided to put the secondary bedrooms and bath upstairs. I also think your budget, depending of cost of land, might push closer to $600k. We thought we could get what we wanted for about $550k and we are pricing out closer to $625k. Good luck with you project. I think you are on the right track.

If this were a house in which you intended to live, I would suggest that you look through this:

https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/15-reasons-to-think-twice-about-an-open-floor-plan-52554#less-storage-space . However for a spec house, wall-less interiors are probably the way to go.

I generally prefer to have walls separating the functional areas. I physically and visually enter another space and function. My mind follows. I also like to have plenty of walls on which to hang art. In many houses the TV is over the fireplace because that is the only wall in the living/dining/kitchen/den space. And don't get me started on how many living areas only have overhead lights (which are typically very unflattering) because all the furniture is "floating" and there are no outlets for lamps and tables in the middle of the living space. If you do decide on no interior walls, think about furniture placement before you start to build.

Hello Devonfield. This post is a year old. I did decide to go with the (mainly) single level living area with a WIDE OPEN concept entertainment area. In the lower level is the garage and 500+ sq. ft. family room / 1/2 bath. Attached is the floor plan. The framing starts tomorrow!!