Genre: Instruction

Whether you want to watch sport on TV away from the glare of the afternoon sun, or have a sunny kitchen window to grow basil and parsley, the way that your home is oriented can make a big difference to how you use your home. When you choose a floor plan that faces the right way on your block, you'll make your home more comfortable, and you can save money on heating, cooling and lighting. Your home builder can flip or rotate your floor plan to make the most of your block's orientation. Here's a quick guide to help you work out which rooms to position where in your home: North -- This is side of your home that will be warmer in winter. The north side is generally the best place to have living areas and rooms that you use the most. South -- This is the coolest side, so it's generally the best place for bedrooms in warmer climates, or rooms that you don't use during the day. East -- This side is where you'll receive morning sun, so it's a great idea to have your kitchen or bedrooms on this side so you can enjoy a relaxing breakfast in the sunlight. West -- Since this is the direction the sun sets, the western side of your home is more likely to get hot in the afternoon. This is a great area to place rooms that you don't use often, such as your bathroom, garage or laundry. You can also make the most of the sun within your home by using eaves. In summer, eaves will shade your walls and windows from the sun -- and in winter when the sun is at a lower angle, the eaves will let the sun into your home. When you're working out the orientation of your home, always keep the amount of glass you have in mind. Glass looks great, but it can turn your home into an oven in summer and an igloo in winter!