If you are planning to build a new home, you’ve likely spent hours browsing floor plans and Pinterest boards. However, there is a specific moment in the “Buying” phase where those dreams transform into a technical reality: The Structural Meeting.
At McArthur Homes, we believe that a well-built home starts with a solid foundation—not just of concrete, but of communication. This meeting is your opportunity to customize the “bones” of your house before we pull permits and begin construction.
The Purpose of the Structural Meeting
While many buyers look forward to picking out tiles and paint colors at the Design Center, the Structural Meeting is arguably more important. This is when you finalize the architectural layout of your home.
Because we are finalizing the footprint and engineering of the house, any changes made after this meeting can be incredibly costly due to re-permitting and structural engineering updates. This is your time to ensure the layout perfectly matches your lifestyle.
Key Decisions You’ll Make
During your structural consultation, your McArthur Homes representative will walk you through every inch of your floor plan. Common decisions include:
- Optional Room Layouts: Deciding between a traditional living room or an enclosed study; choosing a loft versus an extra bedroom.
- Expansion Options: Adding square footage through “bump-outs” in the garage, kitchen, or primary suite.
- Window Placement: Adding extra natural light or adjusting windows to ensure privacy from neighboring lots.
- Outdoor Living: Finalizing covered patios or deck configurations.
- Basement Finishing: Deciding on plumbing rough-ins for future bathrooms or opting for a fully finished lower level.
How to Prepare: A Pre-Meeting Checklist
To make the most of your time with the McArthur Homes team, we recommend arriving with a clear vision of how you intend to use your space.
| Step | Action |
| 1. Furniture Audit | Measure your must-have furniture. Will that heirloom dining table fit if you add a pantry extension? |
| 2. Prioritize “Internal” Upgrades | Focus on things that are hard to change later, like ceiling heights, extra gas lines, or plumbing for a laundry sink. |
| 3. Walk the Model | Visit our model homes again. Pay attention to the flow of the hallways and the height of the windows. |
| 4. Think About the Future | Are you planning for a growing family or aging in place? Structural changes today prevent expensive renovations tomorrow. |
Why These Decisions Matter Early
Many buyers ask, “Can’t I just decide to add a window during the framing stage?” In a professional build process, structural changes impact the engineering loads of the home. By finalizing these details on May 11 (or whenever your meeting is scheduled), we ensure that your home is safe, permitted correctly by the city, and stays on its construction timeline.
Start Your Journey with McArthur Homes
The structural meeting is one of the most exciting steps in the building process because it’s the moment your house becomes uniquely yours. Whether you’re looking for a gourmet kitchen layout or a three-car garage, our team is here to guide you through every structural nuance.
Ready to start designing your dream layout? Explore our available floor plans and see which structural options best fit your life.
