Designing and building your perfect custom home is an exciting journey, but also a major undertaking requiring careful planning and decision-making. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the complete process, from crafting your vision to finding the perfect property to assembling your team and shepherding the project from start to finish.
Follow these main steps to design your ideal custom home:
- Develop your wish list and determine budget and timeframe
- Research architectural styles and create an inspiration board
- Find and evaluate potential properties
- Assemble your team – architect, builder, contractors
- Design within your budget constraints
- Finalize the floor plan and room layout
- Select all fixtures, finishes, and features
- Oversee construction and track timeline
- Add personal touches to make it your own
With the right preparation and guidance, you can build your perfect home from the ground up. This guide will equip you with the key information you need to successfully tackle every stage of the custom home design process. Let’s get started!
If you aren’t ready to dive deep into the home building industry, just reach out! We can help.
Developing Your Vision
So you’re ready to design your perfect custom home? Awesome! This is the fun part where you get to dream big and imagine every little detail. Trust me, you’ll want to invest time upfront figuring out exactly what you want.
Make a Wish List For Your Dream Home
In the beginning, start a running wish list of everything you’d love to see in your ideal home. Brainstorm all your wildest ideas, and don’t hold back! Think about:
- Spaces that fit your family’s lifestyle
- Items to display your hobbies and passions
- Special features like a media room or wine cellar
- Smart home tech you’ve always wanted
- A three car garage to house your toys
- Anything that excites you
Get super nitty gritty here – write down things like your ideal kitchen countertops or awesome barn doors.
Find Your Style
Now comes the research. Spend time looking at architectural styles to find ones that appeal to you. I’m talking Spanish revival, farmhouse, contemporary, you name it.
- Browse sites like Pinterest and Houzz
- Look at floor plans of other custom homes for inspiration
- Tour spec homes or open houses
- Ask your architect for advice
Make an inspiration board with your favorite images, materials, and details. This will guide your custom design.
Prioritize Must-Haves
Ok, back to reality. Consider your budget and make a prioritized list of absolute must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. Give each item a cost estimate. This will come in handy later when making tough decisions.
Think Lifestyle
How do you want to live in this home? Map out rooms and features that fit your family’s lifestyle.
- A chef’s kitchen?
- Backyard retreat with pool?
- Home office or dedicated workspace?
- A large master bathroom?
The right layout and many features and amenities can accommodate how you’ll use the home.
Get excited! With this prep work done, you’re ready to find the perfect property and start designing.
Selecting the Perfect Property
You’ve got your vision. Now it’s time to find the perfect property to build your home. I know, easier said than done! But with some strategic searching, you can find the ideal land for your custom design.
Location, Location
Think hard about where you want to live. School district? Commute time? Proximity to amenities? Whatever is important to you, keep it top of mind in your search. Tour neighborhoods at different times of day to get a feel for the vibe and noise levels.
Lot Specifics
As you evaluate potential lots, consider:
- Size – Do you need sprawling acres or simply room for the house?
- Topography – How flat or steep is the terrain?
- Trees – Will you need to clear land or can you build around existing trees?
- Views – Is there a vista you want to showcase?
- Privacy – How close are the neighbors?
- Access – Is the lot on a quiet street or busy road?
Drive the land and envision your home fitting on the site. A little creativity goes a long way!
Due Diligence
Once you’ve identified promising lots, do your homework:
- Research zoning laws, permits, utility access and other local requirements
- Are there any environmental factors like flood zones or wetlands?
- Does the neighborhood have a homeowner’s association with rules?
- Talk to neighbors to learn more about the area
With the right property secured, you can break ground on your customized oasis!
Assembling Your Team of Custom Builders
Now it’s time to build your team! Having the right professionals in your corner is critical for bringing home plans for your dream home to life.
Don’t worry, we can help!
Finding an Architect
A talented architect will turn your idea into buildable plans. Look for someone who is:
- Experienced with your desired architectural style
- Responsive and attentive during consultations
- Willing to work within your budget
- Great at explaining complex design concepts
Ask fellow custom home owners for referrals. Search sites like Houzz and LinkedIn. And don’t be afraid to interview a few firms before deciding.
Selecting a Builder
Custom builders will manage your project and oversee all construction. Look for:
- A Builder who specializes in custom homes (not just cookie-cutter subdivisions)
- Experience building in your area
- Rave reviews from past clients
- Excellent communication skills
- A reputation for high-quality work
Again, referrals from satisfied customers go a long way. Vet them thoroughly.
Hiring Contractors
For electrical, plumbing, landscaping, and beyond, hire only licensed, insured contractors recommended by your architect or builder. Ask:
- How many years have you been in business?
- How will you communicate during the project?
- Who will be the point of contact?
- What are your policies if issues arise?
Invest time finding the optimal team. It will pay off big time during your custom build!
Designing a Custom Home Within Your Budget
You’ve got grand plans for your custom palace. But let’s get real – you can’t bankrupt yourself building it. With some savvy planning upfront, you can create your custom homes while sticking to your budget.
Know Your Numbers
Early on, determine your total budget for the project. Get financing lined up through a lender so you know your working number. Be sure to factor in:
- Land purchase
- Construction costs
- Architect and contractor fees
- Landscaping
- Furnishings
- Contingencies for overages
Knowing your max will inform every design decision. If you don’t have the time and budget to fully customize it, a semi-custom home might be a better fit. Or, if you change your mind, there is nothing wrong with move-in ready homes!
Work With Your Architect
Give your architect an honest budget range before they draft plans. A talented architect will get creative to maximize features within your limitations. As preliminary plans evolve, keep costs top of mind:
- Request estimates for different materials and finishes
- Weigh splurges vs. cost-cutting decisions
- Scale back overly complex features if needed
Don’t be shy bringing up budget – adjusting the plans now is much easier than later!
Buyer vs. Build
For items like lighting, appliances and hardware, analyze whether you should buy outright vs. customize. Often you can get a better deal buying off the shelf while splurging on built-ins and custom woodwork.
Make Tradeoffs
If your ideal design exceeds the budget, make tradeoffs:
- Prioritize must-haves first
- Scale back room sizes
- Find less expensive flooring or cabinet options
With some creative thinking, you can build the home of your dreams on a realistic budget.
Finalizing the Floor Plan
You’ve got your team on board. Now it’s time to focus on the floor plan and layout – arguably the most exciting part of designing a custom home!
Size Matters
First decide how many square feet you need. Consider:
- Number of bedrooms/bathrooms
- Size of your family/household
- How you’ll use the spaces
Account for potential future needs too. You’ll have to live with the footprint, so plan wisely!
Function Meets Form
Think through how you want the spaces to interact. A good architect will help ensure your layout is:
- Functional – Smart traffic flow and room connections
- Flexible – Adaptive to evolving needs
- Efficient – Making use of every inch
- Cohesive – Consistent flow and aesthetics
Share your lifestyle needs to optimize the plan.
Special Spaces
Think of any special spaces that reflect your personality. For us, it was:
- Sprawling outdoor patio for entertaining
- Craft room for my DIY projects
- Reading nook with huge windows
Don’t be shy about your “extra” spaces – this is your custom home!
Maximize Natural Light
Strategically place windows to draw in ample sunlight. Consider:
- Skylights and clerestory windows
- Corner windows
- French doors that open to patio
- Transom windows above doors
Sunlight and views reduce the feel of closed-in walls.
With a smart floor plan and layout, your home will live just how you imagined. Now the fun part – picking the finishes!
Selecting Materials and Finishes
You’ve nailed down the blueprint. Now for the fun part – picking the materials and finishes that will bring your custom home to life!
Exterior Finishes
For curb appeal, choose exterior details that reflect your style:
- Siding – Brick, wood, stucco, stone?
- Roof – Asphalt, metal, slate, cedar shakes?
- Windows and doors – Double hung, casement, transom? Color?
- Shutters, trim, railings – Colors that pop or blend?
- Landscaping – Plants, trees, hardscaping, lawn?
Samples will help visualize options.
Interior Finishes
For the inside, consider the full sensory experience of living in the home.
- Flooring – Hardwood, tile, stone, carpet?
- Cabinets and countertops – Materials, styles, colors?
- Fixtures and hardware – Black, bronze, nickel?
- Paint colors – Neutrals, bold accents, trims?
- Lighting – Recessed, pendant, sconce, chandelier?
Choose finishes that flow from room to room.
Plumbing and Appliances
Research brands and features for:
- High tech shower systems
- Jetted tubs
- Gourmet kitchen appliances
- Washer/dryer
- Smart home tech
Bring Your Vision to Life
Pour over design magazines and Pinterest. Collect samples. Ask your architect for guidance. Curating the perfect palette for your home is the best kind of fun.
The finishing touches will make your custom home distinctly YOU. Have fun and get creative with it!
Permitting and Construction
The fun design stuff is done and now it’s time to build! I won’t lie to you, this stage requires patience and persistence. But staying organized and letting the pros handle the rest of the details will keep your stress minimal.
Permitting
Before breaking ground, your builder will:
- Obtain local building permits and inspections
- Ensure proper zoning and regulations
- Arrange for utility and infrastructure needs
The permitting process can take 30-90 days. Use this time to wrap up any loose ends in the plans.
Tracking the Timeline
During construction, your builder will provide a full schedule showing:
- Start and end dates for each phase
- Order of major milestones
- Contingencies for weather delays
Keep this handy to track progress and make selections on time.
Overseeing Construction
While your builder quarterback’s the project, you should:
- Clearly convey any changes ASAP
- Document decisions and selections
- Complete walkthroughs at milestones
- Resolve problems calmly as they arise
Trust in your builder, but don’t fully check out here.
Completing the Build
Near the end, get ready for:
- Punch list walkthrough of any fixes
- Final inspections
- Paperwork for occupancy permit
- Closing and ownership transfer
Soon this “construction site” will officially be your new home!
With attentive project management, you’ll get through this stage without major hiccups.
Designing Custom Homes Conclusion
If you’ve made it here – congratulations, your home is move in ready! You’ve successfully navigated every step of designing and building a fully custom new home. From crafting your vision, to assembling your team, to overseeing construction, you now have a unique home tailored to your family and lifestyle. Enjoy this special place that you’ve poured so much time and care into. And don’t forget to show it off with a memorable housewarming party!
Ready to start your custom home project? We can help! True-Blue is a design-build contractor that specializes in creating unique spaces in the Treasure Valley. Just reach out with the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about designing custom homes? Here are answers to some commonly asked ones:
How long does it take to build a custom home?
From start to finish, expect 12-18 months for a custom home build. The design and permitting alone can take 4-6 months. Once construction starts, you’ll likely wait another 8-12 months before moving in.
What should I look for when hiring an architect?
Find an architect with great communication skills, extensive custom home experience, expertise in your preferred architectural styles, and the ability to work within your budget. Ask for examples of past projects.
What questions should I ask when interviewing custom home builders?
Key questions include: How many years have you worked on custom homes? How will you communicate during the build? Who will be my main point of contact? May I have referrals from past clients?
How much does it cost to build a custom home?
Custom home costs range widely, but a good rule of thumb is $200 – $500 per square foot. The size, features, materials, and location all impact the total budget.
What factors increase the cost of building a custom home?
More square footage, high end finishes, complex rooflines and architectural details, extensive landscaping, and smart home tech can all raise the budget. Also factor in permitting, utility connections, and other fees.
How can I design an eco-friendly custom home?
Incorporate green design elements like energy efficient windows, LED lighting, tankless water heaters, non-toxic materials, drought tolerant landscaping, and renewable energy sources.
What technology can I incorporate into a smart custom home?
Some popular options are integrated home automation, lighting control, multi-zone audio, video surveillance, automated shades, and keyless entry. Consult with your builder on wiring the home for your specific needs and preferred systems.
How do I get financing to build a custom home?
Work with a lender experienced in construction loans. They can provide a single loan for purchasing the land and building costs and convert it to a traditional mortgage upon completion.
Should I buy land first or find a builder first?
Most experts recommend finding land that fits your vision, then choosing a qualified local builder with experience in the area and on similar projects.
How detailed should my plans be before starting construction?
Ideally, all selections for finishes, fixtures, and materials should be finalized upfront before you break ground. Changes during framing or finishing work can incur big costs. Lock in designs before signing off on the build!
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