You have likely been making mental notes for years. Every book or magazine that you read and each home that you visit has become a source for pieces to the puzzle that can become your new home. You don't know a thing about architecture, designing or drafting but that shouldn't stop you from taking the dream house that you have pictured in your head and making it a reality.
There are two ways that you can approach the creation of new house plans from which a builder can work:
1. Hire an architect
2. Make alterations to an existing house plan
There are many benefits to working directly with an architect. You will be able to sit down with an experienced designer and review, very specifically, all of the ideas and requirements for the home that you have in mind. The architect can give suggestions and help you to avoid problems that you may not have anticipated. However, be prepared to pay handsomely for this service. A good architect does not come cheap.
An economical compromise is to modify existing new house plans. There are hundreds of publications and websites that specialize in developing house plans that are available for purchase. These packaged plans are designed by professional architects and are available in a variety of styles, sizes and price-ranges. In many cases, you can visit a website and enter the various criteria for the home that you desire and an internal search engine will match your specs with plans in inventory.
You should be looking for companies that will allow you to modify existing house plans. Not all of them will. When you find one that has a large enough inventory of plans, take the specifications that you have developed for the house that you want to build and use the site's search engine to find compatible designs. You will likely be indicating basics such as:
- Style of home (Colonial, Ranch, Mediterranean, Cape Cod, etc.)
- Square footage
- Number of bedrooms
- Number of bathrooms
- Garage
- Type of foundation
While it is unlikely that a plan will be just what you were looking for (though you never know), you may find one that is generally suitable if some modifications can be made to match your specific requirements. For an additional fee, the company will allow you to present written alterations to the existing plan. These changes will then be presented to a staff architect who will incorporate the modifications as requested.
Common modifications include:
- Changing the foundation
- Adding or enlarging a garage
- Reconfiguring a bathroom or kitchen
- Adding to or reducing the size of rooms
Typically, you can make the changes right on the house plan. Written explanations are requested along with the design to insure accuracy. The altered plans are then submitted and an estimate is prepared by the design firm and returned to the customer. Once satisfied, the customer will receive a complete set of blueprints to forward to the builder.
While you may not be able to claim that you personally designed your own home, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that the finished product has your personal touch. And you will be able to afford a few more amenities with the money you saved on an expensive architect.
About the author: J. Terrence McDermott is administrator and webmaster for House Plans Central a site featuring recommendations and resources for those seeking information about house plans and home designs. He can be reached at info@house-plans-central.com
For some people, a fireplace might as well be a... Read More
Creating a Designer Home With LightingTraditionally, spring is the time... Read More
Bathroom remodeling is often a popular home improvement project for... Read More
Imagine leaving a window open all winter long -- the... Read More
Before talking to any contractors the first thing to do... Read More
1. The site of the proposed conservatory.2. Construction work begins.... Read More
So you've decided to build a new home. Like many... Read More
On my blog, I once wrote about life on the... Read More
Thinking about installing a home theater system? You're not alone.... Read More
If your clothes are getting moist and musty, and stretched... Read More
Planning kitchen remodeling If you are planning to remodel your... Read More
In years past a patio was sort of a throw... Read More
Even if you've never been involved in the sale of... Read More
A drill press, also known as a pillar drill, is... Read More
This article is intended for the DIY (Do It Yourself)... Read More
Light fixtures are something not many of us think about.... Read More
There are many styles of picnic tables on the market,... Read More
Learning interior design can be a simple or complicated task... Read More
There is never a structure you will find that lacks... Read More
Interior remodeling can have an amazing impact on the look... Read More
Buying a home is usually a stressful experience. So much... Read More
From a riot of color in bold chintzes to the... Read More
Been shopping for antique clocks lately?It's strange that when something... Read More
What are the Benefits of Radiant Heating and how do... Read More
Imagine leaving a window open all winter long ? the... Read More
Choosing a color scheme can be a nerve-wracking business. For... Read More
Colors play an important part in your Home Decor process.... Read More
Is your home décor lacking that extra something that spells... Read More
One of the best solvents you can use to remove... Read More
If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter,... Read More
Wholesale vinyl flooring is the perfect solution for people who... Read More
With so many homeowners in the market for more energy... Read More
Window coverings serve an important role in your home, giving... Read More
Pre-drawn house plans are those that are drawn by architects... Read More
There are many things in life that are worth protecting.... Read More
Purchasing an air purifier can be confusing, and you do... Read More
The Home InspectorWhen you think about it, it is a... Read More
Last week I told you how to measure for your... Read More
I broke my promise to myself and stripped wallpaper again.... Read More
The following list offers some inexpensive ways to make your... Read More
With a little bit of creativity and some imagination you... Read More
Since it's one of the places people spend the most... Read More
If you are an aging baby boomer like I am,... Read More
Small cabin plans - how do you find that special... Read More
Gas stoves are those preferred by professionals. The heat distribution... Read More
Give your home a luxurious feel with a beautiful laundry... Read More
Trying to decide which home improvement project to tackle next?... Read More
Locking mailboxes made from durable, weatherproof materials are highly desirable... Read More
Many Florida residents that have come from the North are... Read More
Many of us watch TV shows and see the miraculous... Read More
It can be difficult to choose from among the countless... Read More
Interior Design today is all about customizing your built environment... Read More
Buying a carport to protect your investment can be a... Read More
As a former home automation installer and a former manufactures... Read More
In recent years there has been many stories about dryers... Read More
When remodeling a room, choosing the correct lighting is one... Read More
When you are choosing a color scheme for any room... Read More
If you are dedicated to improving the indoor air quality... Read More
Quick: What comes to mind when you think of soy... Read More
It's hard to damage and easy to care for laminate... Read More
"Steam" and "Steam Bath" Health Benefits:"Steam" and "Steam baths" in... Read More
Wouldn't it be nice to have your home take care... Read More
Ceramic Tile brings a texture, richness and color to a... Read More
What can you do to "clear the air" indoors, at... Read More
Light fixtures are something not many of us think about.... Read More
Preparing a deck design for your backyard is all the... Read More
Home Improvement |