[Jason]

Do you have a dream home? What would it be like?

[rustybones49801]

We will be building in 2 years... I'll let you know then... lol

[Jason]

Originally Posted by rustybones49801

We will be building in 2 years... I'll let you know then... lol

Will you be staying in MI? You start getting any ideas yet?

[rustybones49801]

Got a few. Colonial or Victorian, 2400 sq ft or slightly larger. Porch, etc..

[BG_TRBL]

I was lucky enough to build in '01, even got to design the entire house. Since then, I found that even though my wife and I thought we "thought" of everything, there are still things we want to change now. And the current economy makes it difficult to get everything you want in a dream home. However, I wouldn't have changed it for the world, it's great being able to design and build your own dream.

PS: It's actually what I do for a living, I'm a Architectural Design Draftsman.

If you are interested in modular design, check out the company I work for Welcome to Haven Custom Homes Think you will find something you like, even if you don't build a modular house, it may give you a few ideas for your own design.

[Ashlar521]

The wife and I bought a cape cod style house that was built in 1920's .We've been remodeling room by room for the last few years . It's not my dream house but it is home . My yard is how I want it though . I study in landscape design , never put it to use as a profession though .

[Jason]

BG_TRBL; I've often wondered what the process is when someone wants to design their house. Do they just tell you what features they want and you do a design?

[BG_TRBL]

Pretty much that is exactly the course, If you had pictures of things you would like incorporated into the design that is always helpful. A "napkin sketch" is also a start to something as well, just a rough sketch of something you have in your head that you would like to see. The best way to go about getting a design done though, is to sit down with the designer, they should lead you through the process of figuring things out. e.g. 2-story, cape cod or ranch, how much roof do you like to see, how many bedrooms, bathrooms, big or small kitchen... etc. A good designer should be able to lead you through these things and help you make some decisions about what he/she thinks would work well and not work so well.
I had wanted to be an Registered Architect when I was growing up, and even thought I would while in college, then I decided to test the work place out, I must say, as much as I respect Architects, a "working man's" knowledge of home design normally outways that of an Architect. This is just a general view from myself of course. IMO, the Architect makes a building look pretty, while a draftsman makes the house work.
Budget also is a major factor in the design process. I have heard that new home projects vary greatly in price, however if you figure the variance of $80-$110 a square foot, you begin to realize how quickly a house can get too pricey to build (2400 sq. ft. x $100 = $240,000.... not including lot, tap fees, landscaping..etc. ) That's a heck of a bite to swallow nowadays.

[rustybones49801]

I am building this myself, and some help from a friend or 2. Should keep my cost/sq ft ration down quite a bit. I may e-mail you a "napkin" one day!! LOL