Building a house begins with selecting the plans. Here are some tips to guide you.
Difficulty: N/A
Time Required: Don't rush - take at least several weeks
Here's How:
- Talk with your family. Discuss what each of you want.
- Look at how you live and where you spend most of your time.
- Reflect on homes you have visited. What features did you especially enjoy?
- Consider the features of your land. Where is the sunlight best? Which direction offers the greatest views?
- Browse through building plan catalogs.
- Use the search function offered by online directories of building plans.
- Select a floor plan that most closely matches your ideal.
- Select exterior finishing details.
- Estimate your building costs. Your budget will determine many choices you make in the design of your home.
- Consider hiring an architect to personalize your building plan, or to create a custom design.
Tips:
- Choose your floor plan first, your exterior facade second. Most plans can be finished in nearly any architectural style.
- It's usually best to purchase your land before you select your building plan. The land establishes the amount of area and the type of terrain you have to build on. Pre-purchasing the land also helps you budget the rest of your project.
- Be sure to budget for landscaping and finishing touches.
