When the market shifts and sales weaken, sometimes it’s time to go back to the drawing board to assess what’s working and what isn’t. But builders and architects don’t necessarily need to do a complete overhaul of their marketing efforts or floor plans. Most times, a few simple tweaks make all the difference.

In a recent blog post, architecture firm BSB Design notes that existing floor plans have proven sales histories and give architects and builders an opportunity to determine where specific design changes can make successful plans even more relevant for current buyers. A strategic plan review can help get existing products up to date and in line with the current market.

The architecture firm suggests builders and designers should evaluate how the plan lives and if it makes sense for modern buyers, consider what impact changes will have on the overall price, and look at how the improved floor plan fits within the context of the rest of the product lineup.

The entry sequence can reveal a great deal about a floor plan. Your review should start by answering a few key questions:

• What does the buyer see when entering the home?
• How does circulation connect to the primary living spaces?
• Are rooms appropriately sized and easily furnished?
• Do adjacencies support the way the buyer will use the home?

Lifestyle is part of that evaluation. Depending on the buyer, market and price point, opportunities may include an owner’s entry, pocket office, improved storage, more functional kitchen or a stronger relationship between the kitchen, dining and family spaces. The objective is not to incorporate a feature simply because it is trending. Every modification should have a purpose.