Introduction

Though you’ll need to have final blueprints drawn up, designing your own home is the best way to ensure that you get exactly what you want.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

Step One

Make a listing of your family’s requirements: how many bedrooms you need, how large the rooms should be, what floor plan you want in your kitchen, if you want a formal living room and dining room, and so forth.

2

Step Two

Look around at houses you like in your neighborhood. Take note of details you like on houses you see; for example, you may not like your neighbor’s entire house, but you love the porch.

3

Step Three

Read home design magazines for ideas.

4

Step Four

Read books on home design as well as those with collections of plans.

5

Step Five

Draw your floor plan in pencil on blank paper or on graph paper. Draw to scale; make a block or an inch equal a specific distance. Common scales are 1 inch = 4 feet and 1 inch = 8 feet.

6

Step Six

Consider using some helpful home design software- you’ll probably find this easier than drawing. Most packages come with templates so you can easily insert appliances, fixtures and even furniture into your plan.

7

Step Seven

Bring your plans to a architect so he or she can draw up building plans. The architect can also catch any problems or suggest changes.

 

Tips & Warnings

  • Look at as many houses, plans and articles as you can. Nothing gives you more design ideas than seeing a lot of houses. Particularly useful are articles with color photos of the homes finished (and furnished).
  • Don’t let the architect overwhelm you and change your plan needlessly. Listen to suggestions, but make your own decisions.