Congratulations! You are starting one of the hardest, but most rewarding project you may ever do... Designing a custom home!
Designing a custom home offers unparalleled freedom and creativity to create a home perfectly tailored to your needs and preferences. However, it can be very daunting and overwhelming if you don't prepare or spend time putting some deep thought into it.
Here is a list of seven things to do/consider before you get started:
Set a Realistic Budget: Determine your budget first thing and stick to it. It is the limiting factor in anything you will do so you must have that figure pinpointed. Once you have an overall total and would like to figure out a price/sq ft, don't forget to account for things such as the land cost, permits, or utilities (well, septic, solar panels, etc.) A good starting point for figuring out how much sq ft you can afford is to call a few local builders and get their price per sq ft with the quality of products you are wanting. (ie. granite vs laminate counters)
Choose A Location: Now this is not required but if you are able, choose your build site before you design. Things like the shape of the land, type of soil, easements and even HOAs will all affect how and what you are able to design. Be sure to also consider proximity to work, schools, amenities and community atmosphere, if those are important to you.
Survey the Land: If you already own the land or have a specific lot in mind, conduct a land survey to understand its topography, soil conditions, drainage patterns, and any potential obstacles or limitations.
Understand Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with zoning laws, building codes, and any other regulations that may affect your home design and construction process. For example, easements will affect how wide or deep you can build, and some states even require things like 2 egress windows in each bedroom. Many states also have energy codes that requirement a certain amount of "points" to be met with certain mechanicals or building materials.
Gather Inspiration: Scour the resources for architectural styles, interior design, color schemes, and for the overall ambiance you want to create in your home. Collect ideas and inspiration from various sources, such as design magazines, websites, and social media platforms like Pinterest and Houzz. Prioritize your ideas and be sure to save any pictures you find as these will be incredibly helpful to your designer.
Define Your Needs and Wants: This is a loaded one and will probably take the most work of this list. After you've made your master list of all the basics, take a notebook, start at your front door and walk through your current home thinking about how you use or would like to use each space. Do you come in through the front door or the garage primarily, where does everyone throw their stuff. do you need a large counter space for making sourdough or large pantry for canning? Do you need space in your bathroom for a clothes basket because your significant other throws all their clothes at the foot of the tub? Do you want to walk through your bathroom to get to your closet? Can people peek in your bedroom as they are walking to the powder room? Think of the things that annoy you, that you love, or that you'd love to have. Take notes for EVERY room in the house and make sure to let your designer know how you like to live in each space. Even communicating things like we are a sports filled family, family of chefs, or dog lovers" is helpful to know and consider. Here are also a few other things to think about before you design:
mobility and family size if this is your forever home
functionality of the spaces if the plan is to sell eventually
buildings materials (these will greatly affect the cost of your project so its good to decide on these early on and factor it into the sq ft you are able to afford)
personal home style such as rooflines, type of siding, window styles, etc.
technology integration such as in ceiling speakers or smart home products,
7. Hire Professionals: A good designer will help tremendously with #6. Research the pros and cons of a designer vs. architect and make sure you check out work examples of whoever you choose. Also make sure you have a clear knowledge of exactly what you will be receiving from who you hire so that there are no surprises or let downs. A good designer will be knowledgeable with the code, be able to think creatively to minimize compromise, and will be able AND willing to help with design decisions as needed. Hopefully this list gives you a good amount of help to build your confidence and help get you started on this most exciting adventure! Don't be afraid to seek advice and knowledge from any homebuilding professionals around you and take it slow. No need to rush the biggest investment of your life! Happy Home Building!!
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