Where to start with building a house

I am starting the planning of my next house to be built and I can't find any plans that are close to what I want. I think I will need an architect if they are no too expensive. My house will be a 2000 sq. ft. ranch. I have started drawing it on graph paper. I was thinking about getting a simple house plan software package. Is that the right approach? Which package would be cheap and easy to use? What should be my roadmap? At what point do I contact a builder or architect? What should I have prepared as input?

hi i read your post....first you might want to think of what activaties you mostly do when your at home? the trend today in my area San Francisco-CA swing towards open air large room homes but you'll have to configure a format to your liking. anyway your on the right track.

New Web Site: userwww.sfsu.edu/~psaconst/psahome.html

Get an Architect or Designer. They will not only save you a lot of time from making big mistakes but they are trained professionals.

It always amazes me that the same people who would never be their own Lawyer, Drill their own teeth, or build their own car are always the same one that think they can 'do it yourself' when it comes to building and designing a house.

Only in America do we have the least respect for the Arts yet everyone thinks their an Artist. I am not saying you are or are not creative. I don't know you. However, if you never had some kind of real training in this field why do you assume you are almost as qualified as the ones who are? If you had a cavity right now would you actually try to fill it yourself? It could be done, maybe even done to a satisfactory level, but the cards are stacked against you. Chances are someone will have to fix your mistakes. The same goes for Architecture.

Architecture is by far one of the lowest paying professions these days so I would not worry about the cost. If you can afford to build a house, you can afford to get some help. Spend a couple dollars, you will be much happier with the results.

Very well stated...

Hi, Thought you might want to know that there are many builders who will help you draw up your plans at n charge if ou opt to build with them..if you find architects too expensive you might try this route...don't know where you live but try United Bilt Homes..They offer a lot of floorplans, but will work with you if you have your own..they also build to whatever completion level you want..usually with no money down..but you have to own your property..no I don't work for them..I'm a competitor..but we don't build to suit....

Good luck

I am an architect and I prefer that my clients start dealing with me right away - even years before they begin the design process. It doesn't cost them anything extra and I can keep them from making some decisions that will adversely affect their design later. If you house isn't 'off the shelf' I would suggest you contact an architect right away.

The way I like to work is to sit down with the client with all of their design ideas - pictures, magazine clippings, sketches, product literature, etc. and put them into a 'wish list' for the design. I would suggest you collect your information and approach an architect. You will be surprised how little they cost compared to the financial and esthetic benefits they bring to the project.

Chris Turley AIA, NCARB