Many homes today are built with spacious designs and layouts that homeowners have dreamed of since they were little. Many times these are luxury home plans with large open floor plans, while others are smaller ranch house plans perfect for couples or single individuals as a starter home. However, one struggle remains the same when building a new home – the building process can often be frustrating. By simply following a few steps in the beginning stages of the building process, you can eliminate stress and be confident when the construction of your dream home begins.

Budget
The very first step in building is examining your budget. Set the limit in the very beginning and be determined to stick to it. It is recommended that you have approximately 10% of your total budget set aside to use for unexpected expenses, contractor payment, and the occasional upgraded feature. Remember to be flexible when it comes to spending your money – the more limited the budget the greater the compromises made on what features can be incorporated in the building.

Choosing a Lot
Sifting through floor plans is certainly an exciting task that can help you pinpoint every design and feature you desire to incorporate into your dream home design. However, you may find that the luxury home plan you once dreamed of may not fit the size of the lot you have chosen. Many times home plans can be modified to fit your lot, however your budget can increase quite a bit and there are limits to the modifications that can be made.

If you do not already have a lot, begin looking in areas that interest you.
• Are the lots within your budget?
• Are they close in proximity to family and friends – or not far enough away?
• Is this a place you are willing to invest in and live long-term?

You want your dream home to reflect your family, yet you also want it to fit the personality of the neighborhood. Be sure to check local building codes and homeowner associations as some local codes limit house style, design, and even the location of the home within the lot itself. In addition to reviewing these regulations, talk to other homeowners in the area and see what they say. Their personal experiences may lead you to purchase or look elsewhere.

Choosing a Plan
There are numerous options available when choosing the floor plans for your dream home. Custom building your dream home may be the best option if you are truly looking to incorporate unique features into the design of your home. However, this will require a greater time commitment, extensive knowledge and higher investment. Another option to consider is choosing luxury house plans or even cottage house plans in a subdivision that is being constructed. With this option, the contractor or builder may have you choose from a determined set of plans. This option is most popular, when you build on a lot with a stock plan of your choosing.

This last alternative allows you to choose your dream home without struggling to work on the design yourself. There are numerous plans available online, allowing you to browse leisurely until the perfect fit is found for your family. Houseplansandmore.com has more than 17,000 home plans in every style and size ranging from luxury home plans estates to small cottage home plans perfect for a vacation getaway.

When sifting through the available plans, be sure to keep in mind square footage, building codes, storage necessities, and the furniture you already own. So often homeowners build the home with an attractive layout only to find later that furniture they own does not work with the home they built. Save yourself this headache by listing what furniture you will be retaining and what furniture will be purchased. Then plot the placement before purchasing plans to ensure what you have will work with what you want.

Choosing a Builder
A good builder is the most important piece in the homebuilding puzzle. It is absolutely critical that you and your contractor have open lines of communication. You want to give them your ideas, talk to them frequently and clearly, and be certain they fully understand your dream home vision. It is also pertinent that your contractor understands and respects any budget limitations you have. Be prepared for delays, but do not hesitate to ask questions and require explanations. Very good and very bad things can happen in the shortest amount of time, so make frequent visits to the building site and be available by phone the rest of the time.

This important relationship between you and your contractor will require you to research builders carefully. Ask around for opinions from friends or family members who have recently built. Call various builders and ask for references and available open houses. You want to know they will do great work while being easy to interact with.

Once you have chosen your dream home plan, a builder and reviewed your budget, you will be ready to build your home. Many other tasks will arise during the home building process. But after all is said and done, the luxury home plan you had dreamed for since you were little will become a reality.