How to Build Your Own Home - Lesson 3 - Your Plans - House Styles and Finding House Plans

While you're searching for a lot you should be thinking about your house plans. Look in magazines and start a file of those things you like in a home. However, I recommend that you wait until your lot is under contract before making a final decision on your house plans.

1. House Styles

What someone in Atlanta, Georgia would call a "cape cod," somebody in Connecticut would probably laugh at. To avoid any miscommunication between you and your architect/house plan designer you may want to purchase one of the many books available which will properly categorize the various styles of homes.

Some types are more popular in some areas than in others. As the baby boomers age, the ranch is gaining in popularity. In areas where split foyers and split-levels are common, a builder of a new split foyer or split-level may find it hard to sell. You'll know if you've ever lived in one, that you're always half a flight of steps away from where you always want to be.

2. Finding House Plans and Design Information

You will find popular house plans from all over the country in magazines like Building Ideas published by Better Homes & Garden. Of course you can find these magazines at any magazine stand, but you can also find a large variety of "home building" plans via the Internet.

The government book store has publications on affordable housing, housing for the elderly, housing for the handicapped, energy efficient homes, developing land, etc.

In most major cities you will find a number of companies that draw house plans. These firms will have catalogs showing different sizes and styles. You can find them listed in the Yellow Pages under Home Planning Services. Call these companies and they will send you their catalogs. If you can find something in a catalog you are happy with, this is the cheapest way to go. If you can't find plans in a magazine or catalog that you like, the next cheapest route is to hire a good qualified draftsman/designer.

Thomas Harrison is the Founder of The National Institute of Home Building [NIHB] in Atlanta, Georga. He is a native of Atlanta and a graduate of Georgia Tech.

For FREE you can now learn his complete course on "How To Build Your Own Home" and much more at http://www.nihb.com.

Pool House Floor Plan - Raise Your Real Estate Appraisal Value

If you're thinking about installing a pool in your back yard, chances are you will also want to design a pool house to go with it. A cabana or changing pavilion can provide the finishing touch to your landscaping plans as well as form the centerpiece of summer entertainment. There are several factors you'll need to consider before implementing your pool house floor plan.

The first consideration is cost. Construction of a pool house begins at approximately $30,000. The average home owner wants more than just a tented shield from the sun and the primary features of most pool house floor plans, bathrooms and kitchens, don't come cheap. Required plumbing, tile work and fixtures are pricey to install. The initial cost of construction isn't the end of allowances to be made. Installing a pool house could also cost you a pretty penny at tax time as well since the addition of a pool house will raise the appraised value of the property.

The second factor to consider is function. What features do you want in and around your pool house? The most basic pool house floor plan offers shade from the sun and changing rooms. However, most home owners think of a pool house in terms of convenience and entertainment value for the summer months.

Separate bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities are just a few of the amenities that can be added. Other practical additions can be a small or full kitchen, grilling area, outdoor fireplace with extra lounging space, or full wetbar with refrigerator to eliminate wet feet trodding back and forth into the house for cool drinks and snacks. A properly equipped pool house can provide a full day or evening of entertainment without having to step back into the main house.

What about luxuries? Saunas and Jacuzzis are wonderful additions, but will quickly add to the construction cost. Depending on the size, your pool house can also double as space for a home gym, home theatre, or even separate guest quarters. If you are implementing a pool house floor plan on a large scale, don't forget to double check zoning laws concerning construction, size and use of outbuildings. Make sure your ideas and plans conform to local requirements and restrictions. Non-compliance with local regulations can be costly!

Design scheme is next in line. How do you want your pool house to look when it's completed? Do you have a certain overall look you are trying to achieve? Most home owners want a pool house floor plan that is reflective of, but not necessarily exactly like the main home. Generally speaking, the best designed pool house exteriors will pick up on the architectural motifs and design details of the main house without mimicking it exactly. A pool house floor plan should complete the residence and tie the swimming pool, main house and landscaped yard into one cohesive and coherent unit. The decision to add a pool house relies on a number of factors. This list of considerations is by no means complete, but should be viewed as a starting point only.

Rebecca Welch is a successful webmaster and publisher of BuyHousePlansOnline.com. She provides researched information on house floor plan styles.

House Boat Floor Plans

Many people choose to use house boat floor plans to build their own boat instead of purchasing a new or used boat because you can customize it to your specific needs and taste. You can also save money by doing it yourself. You will need a large area in which to build it, the proper tools, the materials, and lots of time. So before you even begin, you need to make a few decisions to ensure you are building the right houseboat for you.

First, you need to determine how you will be using the boat so you know which house boat floor plans to follow. It can either be permanently docked somewhere, semi-permanently docked, or stored out of the water and transported to the boating location. If you will be transporting it, then you will need a vehicle to tow it, as well as a storage facility. You will also need to determine if it will be a full-time residence, or used part-time on the weekends and holidays. Whether it will be used in a lake, river or the ocean will also play a part in your decision of house boat floor plans.

Next you need to decide what style of house boat you want. For a permanently docked boat, you will need house boat floor plans for a stationary floating hull. Otherwise, you will need to choose from the other types of trailerable boats. For stability, practicality, and storage space, you can choose from a pontoon, planning, barge or full hull. These are the most popular styles. The barge hull is well-suited for shallow water. A catamaran hull is the most fuel efficient style because it does not create much drag in the water. A displacement hull is not only fuel efficient, but is good in foul weather because it will give a more smooth and comfortable ride.

You can choose to build your boat from fiberglass, aluminum, steel or wood. Fiberglass and aluminum are the most popular and common because they are lightweight, strong, easy to repair and require minimal maintenance. Steel is also strong, easily repaired, as well as inexpensive, however, it is a less popular choice. Wood can be very beautiful with quality materials, but it involves a lot of time and money with yearly maintenance, and tools for the upkeep. There are house boat plans for all of these types of boats.

Once you decide on the type and size of boat, then you can choose the plans. The right floor plans will allow you to maximize your space, while providing everything you want and need in your boat. There is an infinite variety of very inexpensive house boat floor plans available, so there is no need to hire someone to design them for you.

If you're interested in learning about living on house boats. Pop over to my site house boat plans where I have lots of tips and advice on building, remodeling and living full time or part time on a boat.

Build A New House Or Buy An Existing One? Use Your Head And Your Heart

I am living in living in the fourth house I have purchased during my 23 years of home ownership. To some that may seem like a lot of houses, to others it may seem like I've just started. The simple fact is we Americans move a lot... 11 or 12 times in a lifetime depending on whom you consult. Chances are you are going to purchase a house during quite a few of those moves and somewhere along the line you may have the opportunity to build a new home.

Should you?

Everyone has fantasized at some point about his or her dream house. You may want closets big enough to live in; a bathroom that doubles as a spa; a kitchen in which you could produce programs for the Food Network But, as in most fantasies, there is usually some epic journey required to achieve the goal. And building your dream house follows that plot line all too closely.

But isn't it the dream that makes the quest worthwhile? Yes, if you can weather the storms and battles along the way. And the determination to keep moving forward is usually a function of a strong will and a big heart. But it helps to use your head before you set off on your personal version of "The Lord of the Rings."

It is likely that you have options when you begin the process of buying a home. There may be existing homes in the area that are affordable and that meet your needs. But there are always things about any property or house that don't exactly meet with your approval. The basement may not be finished or the yard may be too small or the interior décor may have to be entirely redone. It is virtually impossible to buy an existing home without making compromises.

Building new allows you to imagine, design and build the home that accommodates needs and amenities that are important to you... within a budget of course. And that is one thing that must be considered. A new home will be more expensive, on a cost per foot basis, than an existing one. That is due to the cost of land, the price of building materials and labor expense. You might also find that taxes are high as a new area is developed and the municipal authorities factor in the required infrastructure for a growing population and the need for services like education, law enforcement and recreation. You may find yourself subsidizing some of these costs as an area develops.

The ongoing costs associated with an existing house are more predictable. However, there will likely be more maintenance expense than for a new house and energy costs tend to be higher with older properties because newer homes are more energy efficient.

Commuting costs may be an issue. Developers must go further and further out to find enough land to accommodate a new subdivision. That may mean higher costs for commuting to work and to access other businesses and venues that may be closer to the nearest major population center. You should consider this from both a monetary perspective and to determine if you are comfortable with an additional investment of time.

If your new house is built in a subdivision there may be ongoing fees required. In addition, there may be covenants that are designed to protect property values that may apply serious restrictions on your ability to enhance your home and/or your property down the road.

A new home needs new landscaping. This may be included in the price of the home but there will likely be a limit to what is covered under the agreement. To landscape the property in a way that is truly satisfying may require an additional outlay.

Beware of construction delays! Building contractors are notorious for setting deadlines they miss and making promises they can't keep. Make sure you do some thorough research about the builder and his track record before you commit. Weather is always unpredictable and may have an effect but that should be factored in from the start.

A new subdivision can be a hornet's nest of building activity. If you move into your home early in the process be prepared for hammering, sawing, trucks, mud and general chaos for quite a while as the subdivision progresses. This is a lifestyle issue and is a temporary inconvenience. But some have found this level of activity disconcerting and disruptive especially when they are settling into their "dream home" and trying to savor the experience.

If you build new be prepared to stay for a while. With new construction all around you it would be difficult to compete with the rest of the properties available for others who want to build a house from the ground up. You would have to make it worth their while and that usually means a compromise in price.

All this being said (and trust me there is more that could be said) there is nothing quite as satisfying as showcasing the house to family and friends that you designed and built and that reflects your unique vision and personality. If you survive the journey, you will likely have turned your fantasy into reality.

House plans, home plans, house design, new house, home design, architecture, buy a home, real estate

About the author: J. Terrence McDermott is administrator and webmaster for House Plans Central at http://www.house-plans-central.com, a site featuring recommendations and resources for those seeking information about house plans and home designs.

Free House Building Plans

Free house building plans is a great way to see the many floor plan layouts available for a given square foot home. You can quickly see how many variations there really are. Choosing a floor plan that is customized to your family size and daily functions is the perfect way to get the most from your new house.

House plans as well as garage plans can be under rated and over hyped, if sold based on square footage alone. Many home builders focus entirely on getting the most overall size in a building, when the real bargain is to get the most functionality in a given space. By choosing to go with layout rather than total square foot, you can actually get more house for the money.

House plans are designed to be a planning tool, not the finished and unchangeable layout. You want to choose house plans or garage plans that first fit your lot or better yet the contour to your building lot. You have seen houses that were designed for a full size basement and yet it was built on a level lot. This takes away from the curb appeal and those house plans just were not right for that lot.

The architectural detail in your house plans is key to getting the final look of your new home. It's the details that actually can get the visual look, equal to the appeal and the price you paid to achieve the look. House plans should have building lot recommendations for each set of plans to ensure the best final results you are hoping for.

Floor plans layout in your house plans should give alternate choices depending on how versatile the set of plans are that you have selected. You may want to consider moving a door or even adding a door where the house plans have them positioned. This arranging or rearranging of the house plans is the best way to get the most house for your money.

To learn more about choosing the best layout for your new home, see the free house plans you can choose, arrange, and customize for your building lot. The better you plan, the better the outcome. http://wealthsmith.com/house-building-plans.htm

Custom House Plans - Finding a Good Designer

The field of drawing custom house plans is a crowded and competitive one. There are many architectural and design firms out there vying for a "piece of the pie." However, if you look closely at examples of their finished product, you will find huge differences among them. The better ones offer quality designs and highly detailed plans.

Drawing a good set of custom home plans involves integrating many different concepts and ideas into a solid and usable working plan. Many designers are able to come up with a unique or interesting preliminary design, but fail to deliver when its time to detail the house structure. They draw a pretty picture but have little or no understanding of how to translate that nice design into a working plan which the builder can understand.

Having been in the business for more than 30 years, we have seen a large number of house plans which looked good at first glance. However, upon closer examination, many of these plans were found to be lacking large amounts of needed information. If a house plan is not easy to navigate or is not thoroughly detailed, then the builder is left to guess at the designer's intentions. This often means that he will "pad" his bid to make sure that he covers any unknown construction costs that may arise.

One item to look for when evaluating a house plans' quality level is the number of structural sections which are shown on the plan. Highly detailed sets of plans will always cut lots of sectional views through the house to show every different roof framing situation. This might mean that 10 or 12 (or even more) sections need to be drawn for a large house plan. And even a small house plan should include 3 or 4 sections minimum. However, many home plans available today (especially plans purchased through inexpensive plan directories) cut corners in this department and only show one or two house section views. This means that the builder will have to guess at the rest of the house framing.

Another item which is often missing or lacking in a set of house plans is comprehensive and accurate dimensions. We have always strived to provide more than the minimum amount of house dimensions so that it is easy for the owner and builder to layout a home on its building site. We will even calculate point to point dimensions (using trigonometry) for homes which have lots of odd angles to them (as opposed to a simple rectangle layout). Not all architects or designers will go this "extra mile," so it pays to check these things out beforehand.

Every set of custom house plans includes several items which need to be blown up and detailed for further clarification. If a set of plans does not provide additional close-up drawings (for things such as beam connections, deck railings, stairway construction, etc.), then it is not a complete set. It is very easy to cut corners during the planning process. But the end result will be higher costs for the home owner - and lots of frustration for the building contractor.

There are some architects and designers who seem to think that its the responsibility of the building department to check and catch any omissions. But the best of the breed takes it as a matter of pride to produce the very best plan and design they can. It is the only way to build up a loyal clientele and to get referrals for future work. And that vote of confidence from former clients makes all the difference in the world.

Steve Minkler
http://Minkler-House-Plans.com

6 Helpful Sites Where You Can Find Downloadable House Floor Plans

To help you out in planning for your dream house, get some downloadable samples for your reference at the following design sites: Brother soft, Cool house plans, House mouse, Floor planner, Design shoot, and ePlans.

Planning your home needs to be carried out cautiously since having your own dwelling place is something that happens once in a lifetime. Picture yourself living in a house that is comfortable and conducive. Choose a design that is based on your taste; something that you have always wanted. To help you come up with an incomparable model, here are some of the best online sites that feature numerous sketches for your construction needs namely:

Brother soft

When looking for a downloadable floor plan for your home, try their 3D versions at Brother soft. Fully animated shots will transform your outline into a realistic home depiction. With so much design to choose from, you will never run out of ideas for your dream house.

Cool house plans

You can find a large collection of house plans available online from bungalow, to duplex, to townhouse designs. Everything you envision about your ideal home is just within your reach. Explore through their search form and you will get your floor plan at an instant. Simply order your preferred design by following the instructions and clicking on the order form. Although the layout is sold for a certain fee, it is something that you will never regret. So presentable and well-thought-out, the designs are extremely satisfying because of their uniqueness.

House mouse

Get your vintage construction plans only here at House mouse. All patterns are based from Europe and North America's houses, which paint a picture of class and refinement. These are ideal for mansions and villas that are ideally located in the countryside.

Floor planner

If you are an aspiring designer, take advantage of floor planner and create your own 2D and 3D designs for free. This offers a simple way of decorating and rearranging your home the way you want it to. All you need to do is to create an account with them to enjoy this interactive software.

Design shoot

This site has lots of ready-to-download floor plans in 3D models. You can play around with your interiors by basically adding colorful add-ons to enhance its beauty. You can also submit your own works and have a chance to share it to the public.

ePlans

Housing plans designed by top architects can now be downloaded for your convenience. Sample floor plans of about 24,000 designs are available for free only at ePlans. Brilliant ideas coming from various designers are pooled together for an impressive concept. All are unique designs personally made by the architects for public usage.

Since there is no other place like home, make certain that every detail inside is well-chosen. Seek help from the experts when it comes to home consultation.

For more samples of house floor plans, you may check out House Plans Advisor. They have various designs such as cottage house, beach house, and small house with their corresponding areas.