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If you’re planning a home and feeling a little overwhelmed, you’re not alone.

Most families don’t struggle because they aren’t thoughtful enough. They struggle because they’re trying to make a high-stakes decision inside a system that pushes square footage first.

Heather Hanson Homes exists to help you decide how much house you actually need—by designing the core of the home first, then offering that same core in right-sized versions.

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HERE'S how I CAN HELP with that

A calmer way to choose...

From an architect’s perspective, the hardest part isn’t choosing a style.  It’s choosing the amount of house. So, I reverse the usual order. 

core first

I design the most important parts of the home—how the kitchen, living, dining, and primary suite work together—so daily life flows well.

Size second

That same resolved core is offered in three versions:
  • Petite — a lighter footprint with a complete, fully resolved core
  • Classic — a balanced expression of the design
  • Expanded — added capacity layered around the same core

These are not steps. They’re options—each designed to feel right at its size.

Why my designs are special:

Flow

Paying attention to how people naturally flow between rooms and tasks in their house, all of our plans keep a busy mom and her busy family in mind.

Function

A home can be the most beautiful thing you've ever seen, but if it doesn't actually function the way you need to use it, then it will never be the right home.

Size

Once flow and function is resolved in the core of the house, you can choose the size of house that fits you best. Petite, Classic, and Expanded versions of each.

Browse the Collections

Take the Quiz if you're not ready

Choose Your Path

pick the one that matches your headspace

Option 1:
“We’re not sure how much house we need.”

Start with the quiz. It’s designed to be simple and lifestyle-based—no technical planning language.

It will help you orient toward a likely size (Petite, Classic, or Expanded) without locking you into a decision.

Take the Quiz

Option 2:
“We want the reasoning before we look at plans.”

Get the free guide: How to Choose the Right Amount of House (Without Overbuilding or Regret).

It’s an orientation tool that explains why square footage is a poor starting point, introduces core-first thinking, and helps you notice patterns in your real life.


Get the Free Guide

Option 3:
“We’re stuck between two versions and can’t decide.”

That’s a common place to get stuck—and it’s figure-out-able.

The Build Clarity Framework is decision support (not a construction course). It helps you understand why this decision feels hard, apply a clear framework to your life, and choose without second-guessing.

Learn About Build Clarity

If you're tempted to browse plans first...

You can. Just know this:

My plan collections are the execution step—not the place where the decision gets figured out from scratch.

If browsing makes you feel clear, it’s a great next move.

If browsing makes you feel scattered, start with the quiz or guide first.
Take the Quiz

Browse the Collections

Is the smaller version enough?

Petite is designed to feel complete, not minimal. Smaller doesn’t mean less thought—it often means less to maintain. And the core of the home is the same across all versions.

A Few Quick Reassurances

How do I know I won’t regret this?

Regret usually comes from layouts that don’t support daily routines—not from choosing the “wrong” size. This approach reduces regret by resolving the hardest decisions first.

Which version do most people choose?

Many families find Classic offers a good balance, but there’s no “most correct” option. The right version is the one that supports your daily life without creating extra work.

because these questions are normal

How do I know which version is right for my family?

This is why I have created all my other resources: to help you choose with confidence. Start with the free quiz and the free guide, then use Build Clarity if you need more information / help deciding. 

The simplest next step

If you only do 
one thing

Take the quiz

today, make it this:

TOP RESOURCES

This free guide will help you think beyond square footage to choose a house size that fits your needs. 

TOP RESOURCES

Before style or inspiration or even browsing floor plans, you need to know what you're looking for in a plan. This free guide helps you pin down your priorities so you'll know when a house plan is right.