Sloping Lot Collection
Sloping lot house plans transform challenging terrain into stunning multi-level homes that maximize views and natural light. These innovative designs work with the land's natural grade to create dramatic curb appeal, with many homes appearing modest from the street while revealing impressive rear elevations that cascade down hillsides.
Originally developed in response to the post-WWII housing boom in hilly regions like California and the Pacific Northwest, sloping lot homes have evolved into sophisticated designs that celebrate their sites. The style seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living spaces through multiple decks, walkout basements, and large windows positioned to capture panoramic vistas.
Most sloping lot floor plans feature split-level or multi-story layouts that follow the terrain's natural contours. Main living areas typically occupy the entry level, with bedrooms either above or below. Walkout basement designs are particularly popular, offering additional living space that opens directly to the backyard. Many plans include two-story great rooms, allowing natural light to flood the interior through tall windows.
Today's sloping lot homes incorporate modern amenities like home offices, media rooms, and multi-car garages while maintaining their connection to the landscape. Popular features include covered outdoor living spaces, wine cellars tucked into the hillside, and flexible bonus rooms that can serve as guest suites or recreation areas. Energy-efficient design elements like passive solar orientation and smart HVAC zoning take advantage of the natural grade.
These homes are ideal for privacy-conscious homeowners who value both views and functionality. The split-level design naturally creates distinct zones for entertaining and private family life, while the elevated position often provides enhanced security and reduced street noise. Thoughtful engineering ensures proper drainage and structural integrity on even the most challenging sites.
Construction costs can be higher for sloping lot homes due to additional site work and foundation requirements, but many homeowners find the unique design possibilities and optimal use of difficult terrain well worth the investment. From contemporary hillside retreats to traditional split-levels, these adaptable house plans continue to evolve, offering creative solutions for building on slopes while maximizing living space and natural surroundings.
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More Information
All of our floor plans are designed in-house and come with various options to make your dream home custom to you.
House Plan Modifications
Since we design all of our plans, modifying a plan to fit your need could not be easier. Click on the plan, then under the image, you'll find a button to get a 100% free quote on all plan alteration requests. Our plans are all available with a variety of stock customization options.
Exterior Wall Construction Choices
Most of our stock plans come as 2x4 exterior wall construction by default. We do provide options to change the exterior wall type. Those options include 2x6 exterior walls, Post Frame Construction, CMU Block Construction, etc.
Foundation Types
When de signing our house plans, a default foundation is set for a given plan. If possible, we include options to change the foundation type to better match your construction needs. For instance, if the default foundation is an unfinished basement, you'll have the option to change the foundation type to a walkout foundation, crawlspace, or slab foundation.
Please note: Some of our plans are designed with special foundation needs, such as post and pier for waterfront properties. These plans may not allow an option to choose another foundation type. If you find yourself in need of an alternate foundation and aren't given the choice, please fill out the alteration request on the plan page.
Right Reading Reverse
One of our more popular options is reversing the plan. Ordering the reverse option will not only flip the plan on the sets for you, it will also correct the text to make the plan read correctly while reversed.
CAD Files
All of our plans are offered as digital PDF downloads. If you want to make changes to the plan yourself, there is an add-on option that will give you the CAD files. Our CAD files are exported in AutoCAD format. You must have software capable of opening CAD files to use them. This option is great if you are in the business of home building and need to make slight changes to the plans per lot.
Cost to Build Report
All of our house plans come with a 100% free cost-to-build report. Just find the orange section on the plan page, type in your zip code, and choose your finish quality level. Note that this tool is for estimation purposes only and should not be used in any other way.
Garage Choices
We have multiple options for any desired garage location or type. We offer plans with detached garages, courtyard garages, side-load garages, front load, and rear load garages.
License Types
We offer 2 types of licenses for your house plan. A single-use license means that the plan can be built only once by the person who purchases the plan. An unlimited-build license is meant for pro builders that are planning to build the plan multiple times.
Best Price Guarantee
You may find our plans on other vendors’ websites. Since we design all of our plans we can offer a true price match guarantee. If you find another site selling our plans for cheaper than we are, we will match it.