4-Bedroom Two-Story Craftsman Home with Rear Double Garage Floor Plan

Craftsman-style homes remain one of the most requested architectural designs in the United States, valued for their handcrafted details, exposed structural elements, and connection to the American Arts and Crafts movement. This 2,419-square-foot, two-story plan delivers four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a rear double garage on a compact footprint. The design uses red brick as its primary exterior material with an arched entryway and elevated foundation that give the home a grounded, established appearance.

Exterior Brick Work and Foundation Design

The exterior relies on red brick veneer as the dominant cladding material, supported by an elevated foundation that lifts the first floor above grade. This foundation approach serves two purposes: it protects the wood-framed structure from ground moisture and termite intrusion, and it creates visual weight at the base of the home. Brick veneer installations require a 1-inch air gap between the brick and the sheathing, with weep holes every 24 inches along the bottom course to allow moisture drainage. For alternative exterior strategies in similar-sized homes, the Craftsman home floor plan strategies guide covers siding material comparisons for four-bedroom layouts.

Brick Veneer Installation Requirements

1. Foundation ledge – a minimum 3.5-inch-wide concrete ledge supports the brick weight at the base, cast integrally with the foundation wall
2. Weather-resistant barrier – building wrap applied over the sheathing before brick installation prevents moisture penetration
3. Wall ties – corrosion-resistant metal straps connect the brick to the wood frame every 16 inches vertically and 24 inches horizontally
4. Weep holes – open vertical joints or wicking ropes at the bottom course allow trapped moisture to escape
5. Flashing – metal flashing at all penetrations (windows, doors, vents) diverts water to the exterior face

Elevated Foundation Types for Craftsman Homes

First Floor Open-Concept Living Arrangement

The first floor follows an open-concept layout where the living room, dining area, and kitchen form one continuous space without full walls. A breakfast nook extends off the kitchen with windows on two sides, and the family room sits adjacent with direct access to the rear yard. The plan places the master suite on this level – a feature increasingly requested for aging-in-place and multi-generational living. Total first-floor conditioned space is approximately 1,450 sq. ft., or 60% of the home’s overall square footage.

First Floor Room Dimensions

• Great room – 16 ft x 20 ft, open to dining and kitchen, corner window placement for cross-light
• Master bedroom – 14 ft x 16 ft, walk-in closet with 6 ft x 8 ft footprint, ensuite bath with double vanity
• Additional bedroom – 11 ft x 12 ft, located near the entry, suitable as guest room or home office
• Kitchen – 12 ft x 15 ft, L-shaped layout with island, pantry cabinet, and breakfast bar
• Breakfast nook – 10 ft x 10 ft, window seat option, direct access to rear patio via sliding door
• Laundry room – 6 ft x 8 ft, located between kitchen and garage entry, includes utility sink and folding counter

Open-Concept Structural Considerations

Removing partition walls to create open-concept space requires structural beams or trusses to carry the loads that the walls would have supported. In this 2,419 sq. ft. plan, a central LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beam spans 18 ft across the living-dining-kitchen zone, supporting the second-floor joists above. LVL beams carry up to 3,000 psi in bending strength compared to 1,200-1,800 psi for standard dimensional lumber, making them the preferred choice for long, clear spans in residential open plans.

Second Floor Bedrooms and Storage Planning

The second floor contains two bedrooms, each with walk-in closets, and a shared full bathroom. Hallway space includes an additional storage closet positioned above the garage for seasonal item storage – holiday decorations, luggage, and sporting equipment. The second floor also provides access to the attic space above the main living area. For bonus room ideas above garages in Craftsman homes, the Northwest Craftsman plan with bonus room shows an alternative upper-level arrangement with finished space above the garage.

Second Floor Layout Metrics

Walk-in Closet Organization Strategies

Walk-in closets in this plan measure 20-30 sq. ft., which accommodates a standard double-rod layout. A 5 ft x 6 ft closet (30 sq. ft.) fits approximately 6 linear feet of hanging rod space on each side, plus shelves above. The recommended organization includes:

• Top shelf – 12 inches deep at 84 inches height for off-season storage bins
• Upper rod – 40 inches from floor for shirts and folded items
• Lower rod – 72 inches from floor for pants and long garments
• Shoe shelf – single tier at baseboard level, 12 inches deep

Rear Double Garage Configuration

The rear double garage provides parking for two vehicles plus additional storage. Positioning the garage at the rear rather than the front changes the home’s streetscape – the front elevation remains dominated by the brick facade, arched entry, and porch rather than garage doors. This configuration works well on corner lots or properties with rear alley access. The Craftsman home with bonus room above garage shows how rear garage placement can support additional second-floor finished space in the same footprint.

Garage Dimensions and Clearances

1. Overall garage footprint – 22 ft x 24 ft (528 sq. ft.), wide enough for two full-size SUVs with 3 ft of clearance on each side
2. Door opening – two 9 ft x 7 ft sectional doors, each with torsion spring system and manual release
3. Interior ceiling height – 10 ft minimum to accommodate a car lift or overhead storage racks
4. Workbench area – 4 ft x 8 ft along the rear wall, with pegboard backing and task lighting
5. Storage loft – optional truss system supports 40 psf live load for attic storage above the parking bays

Garage-to-Home Access

A covered walkway or breezeway connects the garage to the main house, entering through the mud room or laundry area. The path length from the garage entry door to the kitchen is roughly 25 ft in this plan, short enough that groceries can be carried without crossing through formal living spaces. A motion-sensor light at the garage exit and a keyless entry pad on the garage service door improve nighttime convenience.

Arched Entryway and Front Porch Design

The arched entryway anchors the front elevation. The arch radius typically measures 6-8 ft, constructed with brick soldier courses – bricks laid vertically on their ends – that form the arch ring. A keystone at the crown locks the arch in compression. The front porch extends approximately 6 ft deep and 12 ft wide, enough for a pair of chairs and a small side table. For a different take on Craftsman entry features, the country Craftsman home with angled garage uses a covered wrap-around porch with tapered columns instead of an arched entry.

Craftsman floor plans that combine red brick exteriors, rear garage placement, and open-concept main levels create homes that perform well in suburban neighborhoods where curb appeal and functional interior space both matter. The 2,419 sq. ft. footprint keeps construction costs moderate while delivering four bedrooms, a first-floor master suite, and the storage capacity that growing families depend on. For a contemporary interpretation of the same style, the contemporary Craftsman home design guide explores modern updates to the traditional form.