Schumacher Homes Meadowview Floorplan: What We Changed (and Would Do Again)

We chose the Meadowview floorplan from Schumacher Homes because we loved its open-concept heart and family-friendly layout — but we didn’t leave it untouched.

With a realistic budget and real-life needs, we made a few smart modifications that made a big impact. Here’s exactly what we changed, why we did it, and what we’d consider doing differently (if anything).

Our Schumacher Homes Meadowview Floorplan (American Tradition)

Truthfully? Our first love was the Savannah floorplan — a charming one-story we fell hard for. But once we priced out an elevated foundation for its larger footprint, we knew it wouldn’t work for our budget.

Enter: the Meadowview.

We didn’t expect to love it quite as much — but after tweaking the layout and choosing the American Tradition elevation, it ended up being the perfect fit for our long, skinny lot.

Going two-story ended up solving more problems than it caused — and gave us room to grow without blowing our budget.

What We Changed in the Schumacher Meadowview Floorplan (and Why)

• Elevated foundation
  → Required by local zoning + gave us peace of mind in our flood-prone area
  
• Rear screened-in back porch (12×20)
  → Perfect for dinners, early mornings and added real livable square footage
  
• Removed door to laundry room + created walkthrough mudroom
  → Gave us a drop zone for muddy boots and made the porch-to-kitchen flow smoother
  
• Extended the kitchen island + added cabinetry on window side
  → Gave us more prep space and storage without blowing the budget
  
• Added windows in living room and owner’s bath
  → Natural light = always worth it
  
• Upgraded to a stand-alone tub in owner’s bath
  → A little luxury that makes the space feel custom
  
• Added a 4th bedroom + loft upstairs
  → We’re a blended family, and it was important for every kid to have their own space
  
• Extra window in our son’s large room
  → Balanced out the space and made it feel intentional
  
• Added a brick fireplace
  → Originally removed for budget, but ended up adding it back — it made the home feel grounded and cozy
  
• Added a storage closet in the loft
  → Because my home decor habit needs a proper home 😉

These changes weren’t about blowing our budget. They were about making the space fit our lives. And honestly? We love it more for that.

Required Upgrades to Our Meadowview Floorplan (Zoning & Budget)

This one surprised us.

We originally planned to use Schumacher’s included vinyl siding — until we learned our historic district doesn’t allow it.

That meant upgrading to HardiPlank® siding, which added tens of thousands to the budget — but it was required for architectural review approval.

Painful? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.

Lesson: Always check with your city or HOA before assuming your builder’s “standard” options apply to your lot.

What We’d Do Again in Our Schumacher Homes Meadowview Build

• Add the 4th bedroom and loft — our family needed it
  
• Stand-alone tub and extra bath windows — worth every penny
  
• Extend the kitchen island + mudroom layout
  
• Screened porch = Charleston essential, hello mosquitos
  
• Brick fireplace gave the space warmth and permanence

What We Might Change (Someday)

• Built-in shelving — TBD for phase two upgrades (my husband is super handy and plans to DIY these in the laundry room and my office)
  
• Board and batten or shiplap — definitely happening eventually, but cheaper to DIY later
  
• Metal roof — still dreaming of that coastal shine 😅

Plan Your Own Floorplan Modifications

Don’t walk into your design appointment unprepared.
Grab the Budget Build Starter Sheet to:

– Track upgrade costs

– Compare elevation options

– Prep for zoning surprises

📋 Budget Build Starter Sheet

Your Pinterest board deserves a real plan — and this is where it starts.