Planning for Your Home

In a world of slap-dash home construction, having a custom or semi-custom home built just for you isn't something most of the population has experience with. And while it's an exhilarating adventure that will (hopefully) result in the home of your dreams, if it's your first time, it can also be overwhelming. To make sure you get your dream home, there are some things you should consider before choosing your home design plan, so think about your wish list and try to determine the practicality of your desires. Once that's taken care of, work with a designer to find or create the custom home plan that's right for you. Some of the things you should consider - and work through with the other people who will be living in the home - include:

• Whether you want an open floor plan or a more traditional, divided plan
• How many children will - or potentially could - live in the home? Are in-laws quarters necessary? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want?
• How often do you entertain? What are the space requirements of the gatherings? In which rooms will the events usually be held?
• Number of stories and the ease with which you can travel the stairways and halls
• Exterior style - in general. Do you prefer modern or Cape Cod-style homes? Tudor or French Country?
• What construction materials do you prefer?
• Are there views you want to avoid or take advantage of?
• Will your landscape include a raised-bed garden? A swimming pool? Built-in barbecue grill?
• How important is the kitchen? Are you a gourmet who needs a large space for gadgets - or is your idea of cooking popping a frozen dinner into the microwave?
• Do your hobbies require special considerations?
• Do you need CAT 5 cable wiring to get the technology you crave? What about a central vacuum system?

As you go through the process, your custom home plan designer or consultant will ask you hundreds of questions (literally), so it's a good idea to consider these basics before jumping in. They will quickly narrow your field of options and give you - and your designer - solid ground on which to start. Of course, if you don't quite know where to start, it helps to study model homes. They will give you a feel for square footage, materials, amenities and ideas for the various ways you can lay out the space and the rooms, so you can at least start working with your designer on a home design plan armed with an inkling of what you want. In the end, practice patience. Deciding on a home - or working with a designer on a home plan - to suit your every need takes time. And patience, knowing what you like and the ability to compromise with your family and your budget are vital.

By Karen Crane