Are you considering having a house designed and built just for you? Have you found the perfect old building and want to renovate it for a living? Or perhaps you have a gorgeous, unused property just crying for a vacation house? If any of these applies to you, here are some things to think about before you start.

Your Needs

A custom architectural design is truly unique and based on your needs. It’s a good idea to make a list of features you need in your house versus the features you want, and make your needs first priority. For instance, are you single, but have a large art studio or car collection? Do you have a big family? Does your mother-in-law live with you and your spouse and need a separate space? Or maybe you’re interested in a completely sustainable house that generates no energy waste. Any of these things can be incorporated into the design of your home or its adjacent structures, no matter how many of them you need.

Your Space

How much space do you need? Will this home be your main residence or a vacation home? How much land does is available for use, and how much of a footprint do you want your house to occupy? Or perhaps, as mentioned above, you want to re-purpose an old building. What kind of space does it have – long and low, or lean and tall? How do you envision using that space? A good architect can take all of your ideas and refine them into a workable solution for you and any family you have. Be sure to communicate well with them, to avoid any disappointments in the design.

Your Budget

Perhaps the only limiting factor to a custom design is your budget. Architects do charge for custom home plans, even more if they are involved in building the house. If you have a tight budget, they will work with you to design the best home for your money, although you may have to be choosy about the features you want and sacrifice certain wants to satisfy actual needs. If the budget is not much of a concern, you can have the architectural firm design whatever suits your fancy, with all the flourishes and embellishments you can imagine.

It’s always fun to dream, but even more fun to see your dream turned into reality. Plan for your design, find a great architect, and then let them work some magic for you. You’ll be glad you did.