Regardless of whether you have already acquired a lot, that your own home plans should be developed by following the tips we have compiled below, you will make sure that your own home projects will create your dream home.
1. Establish excellent communication.
Poor communication can ruin a set of custom house plans. For example, if your architect does not really understand what you want in your custom home projects, you can create your own home that you don’t really like. Alternatively, you might be shocked to see your “custom” in new residential construction. (Some architects turn their best customized plans into shared, widely available floor plans.) Avoid both of these dubious results by clearly highlighting what your custom home plans should include, and whether or not you customize your own design into a universal plan at home.
2. Select a designer with experience with similar properties.
If you have already bought land for your dream home, make sure your designer has experience with your type of property. For example, while a steeply sloping lot often offers the best views, it also creates unique design problems.
3. Make sure your architect has liability insurance.
Accidents happen - this is why insurance was invented. If something does not work out in your usual home design, liability insurance may cover restoration costs or other unforeseen expenses. Professional engineers and designers carry insurance to protect their customers from costly mistakes. Make sure your own home plans come from a designer with liability insurance.
4. Zoom in on details.
A complete set of custom home plans will contain enough information to facilitate construction. Contractors should be able to quickly find parts in size, materials and construction methods. Unclear floor plans will cause all sorts of problems. Costly mistakes are often due to the fact that proper contractors cannot read or find the necessary data on a set of custom house plans. The last thing you want is a carpenter or a plumber who guesses what intentions you plan to use. Work with an architect who includes a lot of construction details on home plans.
5. Ensure compliance with the building code and state certification.
Federal and local construction laws are constantly changing. If your custom home design doesn’t meet these building guidelines, city officials may opt out and you’ll have to face high costs to bring your design to code. Since this is such an important issue, be aware of this with your designer. Ask about how they ensure compliance with the code, and check with previous customers to make sure that the city approval process went without a hitch. One final bit of due diligence: make sure your architect or designer is professionally certified in your state. If any red flags appear during this investigation, select another architect. Otherwise, you could be stuck in home plans that actually cannot be built.
6. Choose an architect which style matches yours.
Doctors specialize in bodily systems; writers specialize in different types of communication; architects specialize in different design styles. Make sure your designer has experience in producing the type of home you prefer. For example, if you like the Tudor style, you should choose a designer who has created a beautiful custom home in this design mode. Don't expect the lover of Frank Lloyd Wright to suddenly switch to the Tuscan approach.
