Tag: smart design

Love Your Floor Plan AND Its Exterior

Custom home design

Building a new home is a big investment, and it’s understandable that you’d want it to look just as you envisioned. The opportunity to choose where it will be built, the floor plan, the exterior options, and the design finishes are all important decisions you get to make when building your dream home. And at Frank Betz Associates, we don’t take those decisions lightly.

We want you to love your floor plan inside just as much as you love it outside. Here we’ll take a look at an example floor plan that shows that you don’t have to sacrifice the floor plan you love for the exterior you want. With Frank Betz Associates, you can have both!

Huntington Ridge House Plan

When you first choose a house plan, you’ll look at a lot of different factors. You may consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate family members and potential guests. You’ll also take a look at the overall size of the house to make sure there’s room for other things you might do day-to-day, like an early morning routine in the breakfast area.

Now, imagine you’ve found Huntington Ridge, the house plan that fits your lifestyle and needs perfectly. But then you realize you don’t love the way it looks on the outside. Don’t worry! You can modify the outside to fit the exterior aesthetic you are looking for. You’ll still have the same number of rooms and floor layout, but now with an outside view, that feels right for your preferred style. The Huntington Ridge house plan offers 3 different elevations, each with their own unique touches, to choose from.

Elevation A

This elevation option caters to a gorgeous, classy look. Its brick construction adds a historic, timeless beauty to the exterior. Also, brick is an optimal choice for keeping the house highly soundproof and weather resistant. This is perfect for those light sleepers and late-night entertainers.

The house features gabled dormers to ensure enough natural light can beam throughout the top floor rooms. This feature is also a way to preserve the roof as it allows rainfall and snow to easily drain off, keeping it from collecting and building up. The colonial-style windows also allow an abundance of natural light to flow through the first floor and add to the classic, traditional appearance.

Elevation B

The elevation B option of this house plan beautifully blends brick and wood wall cladding to provide an elegant, classic look. Mixing these two natural materials adds a nice balance of different textures to the home. Not only does this exterior catch the eye with a mix of materials, but the flattened eaves across the top of the dormer windows give this exterior a different character. This elevation also uses an arching detail between the columns that perfectly frames the front door and windows beside it.

Hosting various sizes of windows, the board and batten shutters on each side of the house add symmetry and balance to the exterior. It lends itself to a more modern house design by connecting the different materials used for the exterior. This sophisticated element looks aesthetically pleasing and adds value to the home overall.

Elevation C

The third elevation option, C, has a unique set of features to make it stand out from the other two. It’s a delightful country cottage equipped with a mainly wood material exterior. The front elevation of this option is a bit more simplistic with the traditional triangular gables, giving it a refreshing, welcoming look. Like the other elevations, this one includes multiple windows in various sizes to enhance the highly sought-after natural light most people want within a new home.

There are a couple of particularly nice additions to this elevation that make it so special. But the ones that stand out the most are the decorative window accents and the window boxes. The window designs used in this house plan elevation add an elegant touch to the overall look. It’s a small detail that makes a huge impact on the house’s exterior, making it much more visually appealing. Another special feature is the window box option. They offer another level of texture and dimension to the home, creating an exciting, eye-catching element.

Endless Options

When you build a new home with Frank Betz Associates, you’ll be able to mix and match an array of exterior options to create the home you’ve been dreaming of inside and out. We offer an extensive selection of house plans and house plan elevations. Whether you want a dreamy cottage or a rustic farmhouse, we’ve got the resources to make it happen.

If you have additional questions about how we personalize and build our homes, don’t hesitate to connect with us online or call us at 888-717-3003. Don’t hesitate to reach

5 Things to Love About a Reverse Ranch

Custom home design

A reverse ranch is a type of floor plan that is opposite of your typical ranch home. In a reverse ranch floor plan, the outside looks just the same, but instead of having additional bedrooms and living space on a second floor, they’re located on a lower level, while the main living space and master suite are on the main floor. There are a few things that really help you fall in love with a reverse ranch.

1. Beautiful Views

Especially nice in vacation homes, the beautiful views you get from a reverse ranch can’t be beat. You’re sitting off the ground level so you can see past the trees or over the city skyline for a much longer distance. This is especially true on lots with rear views and sloped lots like you would find on a golf course or a lake.

2. Perfect for Empty Nesters

A reverse ranch, such as the Taunton Place floor plan, is great for empty nesters because there is plenty of space for everyone to stay and visit. However, when the family leaves, the lower levels can be closed off, still leaving you with plenty of space on the main floor for your day-to-day living. No worries about rattling around in a too big house here!

3. Lower Costs

You get more space for lower costs with a reverse ranch floor plan. Since you already have the main level foundation supporting the home, the extra space below is simple to frame in a finish out. Not only do you save on the costs per square foot in building, you also save on utility costs. When no one is occupying the lower level, go ahead and close it off. You won’t have to pay for heating or cooling and can greatly reduce monthly expenses.

4. Rental Opportunities

Particularly if you’re in a popular vacation spot, floor plans like the Lake Pointe offer an opportunity for renting. Live on the main floor and rent the lower level out using platforms like Airbnb. If this is your vacation home as well, you can rent it out for time periods when you aren’t around. The expanded floors make it perfect for families or multiple small families traveling together who want their own space.

5. Extra Storage Space

Along with the finished space on the lower level, there is usually extra unfinished room for mechanical areas and storage. All the extra room in the reverse ranch floor plan can be really helpful, and you’re not paying much extra for that space at all. Later, you may even decide to finish some of it and add more living space or bedrooms.

Choose a Reverse Ranch

When you’re getting ready to choose a floor plan for your new home, consider a reverse ranch. The dynamic floor plan is a great choice for retirees, families, and for those looking to get away from it all for a weekend. For a wide selection of beautiful floor plans, contact Frank Betz Associates, Inc.

Single-Use License House Plans Now Offered in Digital Format

Uncategorized

At Frank Betz Associates, we strive to provide the best service to our customers, and seek to save them time and resources by delivering trend-setting, award-winning house plans that meet or exceed end users’ expectations. To that end, we are making a change from printed to digital single-use license house plans that will create more efficiencies in our customers’ building processes.

What’s Changing?

For single-use license house plans, we currently offer customers 5 to 8 printed copies of the plan that cannot be reproduced. The customers can only build one house from that plan.

Going forward, we will offer single-use license house plans as PDF documents that come with a single-use license.

Why the Change?

Many counties now require house plans to be submitted digitally for building approval. Previously, customers could submit a paper copy, which they would not receive back.

With single-use license PDF documents, customers can submit a digital copy of the plan to the county, making that part of the building process easier and quicker. If a customer needs printed sets from the PDF, they can order them from Frank Betz Associates, or have copies made at their local print shop. Only one house can be built, no matter how many sets of copies are made.

What’s NOT changing?

Usage of multi-use PDF house plans and CADD files will remain the same. If a customer purchases a multi-use PDF or CADD file, they can build the house as many times as they like.

We believe this change to digital-only house plans will result in easier management of house plans for our customers, creating more efficiencies, saving them time and money.

If you have any questions about house plan formats, please contact us.

House Plan and Design Trends for 2022

Custom home design

In 2022, it’s all about peaceful, calming, well-edited interiors. With many people still spending more time indoors, and an overall emphasis on minimizing stress of any kind, interior designers are transforming homes into retreat-like havens that incorporate soothing color palettes, natural materials, and spaces that can be… well… whatever you need. Whether you are designing an entire home, or just want to refresh a few rooms, here are the top new home design trends of 2022.

2022 Home Design Trends

Natural, Neutral Tones

While neutral colors are a mainstay of interior design, this year they are leaning toward the warmer, more natural tones, like beige, white, ivory, taupe, and brownish-gray. These are colors you would likely find in nature (think of a day at the shore or hiking through an amazing forest) and by bringing them inside your home, you’ll find yourself more grounded, relaxed, and focused. Play with these colors in different fabrics, materials, paint, and decor to create an interesting and layered neutral aesthetic.

Organic Materials

Playing right into the natural theme, this is the year to bring more organic materials into your interior design. Look for furniture and accessories in natural-finish wood, wicker, rattan, stone or ceramic, and natural fiber rugs like wool, cotton, or jute. Even mirrors and other wall art can take a million different natural forms. These organic materials create a calm and cozy feeling — a great way to combat the higher stress levels of the last few years. Designers fully expect this to be a long-term design trend as we all seek to lead simpler, less chaotic lives. A great side benefit is that these materials are sustainable and can easily be repurposed.

Biophilia

Minimalism is the way to go for furniture and decor, but in 2022, designers say bring in all the plants you can! Indoor plants have mood-boosting benefits like reducing stress, increasing focus, boosting productivity, and more. Not to mention, they help purify the air by converting carbon dioxide into fresh oxygen — perfect if you’re spending long periods of time indoors.

Flexible Spaces

Like plastic straws, single-use rooms are out. Multifunctional spaces are in — ones that can transform and change along with your life. A bonus room might be both a private study and a home gym, or a loft may start out as a child’s playroom then transform into a homework station. Even an open-concept living space can be flexible in that it allows you to place furniture whenever it makes the most sense during a particular period in your life.

Dedicated Home Offices

More people continue to work from home these days, and trying to focus in a highly trafficked room or clearing a space on the already-messy dining table just doesn’t cut it. In order to be “on” and professional, find a room or space in your home that can serve as a home office and nothing else (hello, flex room!). Bring in all the things that make you feel comfortable, inspired, and productive — like great lighting, a quality chair, bookshelves, photos, awards, and collectibles. Make this office “off limits” while you’re working, and your feeling of accomplishment will soar.

Laundry Room Off the Primary Suite

In keeping with the theme of minimizing stress, a laundry room just off the primary suite makes sense for a lot of people. More than likely, the owners of the home are the ones doing the laundry, so why not make it most convenient for them? Include another access point to the laundry room from the mudroom, kitchen, or hallway, and other members of the household can drop off and pick up their clothes without disturbing anyone.

Modern Farmhouse Style

A more sophisticated take on traditional country style, the modern farmhouse is the perfect blend of contemporary minimalism mixed with a warm and comforting, relaxed and rustic vibe. Distinguishing features of these popular homes include whitewashed walls, timber beams, a welcoming front porch, and an eye-catching gabled roof.

Single-Level Living

There’s nothing easier than breezing through a single-level, open-concept, light-filled home. With no stairs or unnecessary walls blocking your path or your view, everyday tasks are so much easier. It’s also an entertainer’s dream — all your guests can gather in one area without feeling cramped. And of course, one-story living is much safer if you have any physical challenges or even young children.

Outdoor Rooms

It’s no longer just the “patio” or “deck.” More designers are transforming these spaces into fully outdoor living spaces. It’s an easy way to enjoy more livable square footage in your home without actually adding any rooms. Bring in multiple seating arrangements, a cozy bistro table for coffee and breakfast, soft rugs for underfoot, and ambient lighting to make this one of the most used rooms in the home.

Minimalism

With many of us still spending so much time at home, we need our spaces to feel airy and open, no matter their size. Minimalism is both a way of life and a design aesthetic that can help accomplish that. Use only what’s necessary; keep only what’s meaningful and important. Decluttering your home goes a long way toward decluttering your mind so that you can rest more peacefully and focus when necessary.

Serene Green

In line with the overall trend of all things natural and soothing, green is making its way into every designer’s look book as a must-have accent color in 2022. Earthy, organic greens like sage, olive, and forest destress and revitalize, and are associated with nature and growth. Use green anywhere you need a pop of color or need to feel energized, like a wall, accent chair, or pillows. You could even try removing window coverings to highlight your green landscape outside — it’s like built-in wall art!

From all of us at Frank Betz Associates, we hope your new year — and your new home — is happy, peaceful, and rejuvenating. Happy Designing!

Best-Selling Home Plans of 2021

Custom home design

As 2021 winds down, we are looking back at a few of our most popular home plans of the year. There was definitely a preference for large-scale, open-concept living and plans that included a dedicated space for everyone in the family, and every activity. Bonus rooms, flex space, full guest suites, and expansive outdoor living spaces topped the list for many of our customers. Aesthetically, the Modern Farmhouse was the big winner, along with exteriors loaded with nuance and visual interest.

Best-Selling House Plans of 2021

Chestnut Pointe

4 Bedrooms
3 Baths
2 Stories
3-Car Garage
2,823 Square Feet

With Modern Farmhouse-style still commanding the attention of designers and home buyers alike, Chestnut Pointe was one of our best-selling house plans of 2021, and demand for it continues into next year. With open, light-filled interior spaces, a wide front porch, and expansive dormers, this house feels like home from the moment you step in. Delightful design touches like beamed ceilings in the great room and boxed bay windows in the owner’s suite make living here feel like an act of indulgence.

Shaker Heights

4 Bedrooms
4 Baths
2 Stories
2-Car Garage
3,009 Square Feet

This classic farmhouse-style home has everything the modern family needs to live, entertain, work, and thrive. With smart, flexible rooms throughout, open spaces that invite gathering, a deluxe owner’s suite, and outdoor living that rivals the indoors, this beautiful home has style that will last a lifetime.

Haddington

4 bedrooms
2.5 Baths
2 Stories
2-Car Garage
2,300 Square Feet

Bright, airy, and open, the Haddington has a classic, open-concept layout that encourages gathering in multiple places — be it the welcoming front porch, the large living/dining room combination, or around the kitchen island. The first-floor owner’s suite is tucked away and easy to navigate, while each of the upstairs bedrooms offers quiet and privacy. This home design features an optional upstairs bonus room — perfect for multi-functional use.

Bristol Walk

4 Bedrooms
4.5 Baths
2 Stories
3-Car Garage
3,045 Square Feet

Visually stunning both inside and out, Bristol Walk is a show-stopper. With complex roof lines and a mix of exterior materials including painted brick, fieldstone, and vertical siding, you will love pulling up to your home every day. Inside, a wall of sliding glass doors across the grand room and dining room give access to a vaulted covered porch and a covered outdoor dining room, with space for a grill. The master suite occupies a private wing of the first floor, with a guest suite occupying the other. Upstairs, along with the secondary bedrooms, there’s an open loft area as well as an optional bonus room above the garage. With this house plan, there’s room for everything — and everyone — special in your life.

These home plans were some of our best sellers of 2021, and we fully expect their classic styling to buoy their popularity into the new year and beyond. Please contact us to learn more about any of these beautiful home plans.

The FAQs of Choosing a New House Plan

Custom home design

You’ve heard there’s no place like home, but the truth is, there’s no place like YOUR home, and you want to learn as much as possible before you begin building one. If you’re thinking of purchasing a house plan, or are about to start the process, you’ve probably got questions. Because we want to provide you with as much information as possible, we compiled the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

We see a plan we love but want to make changes. Can we modify a plan?

Yes, it is common for customers to choose a stock house plan and modify it to suit their needs. Purchasing a pre-designed stock house plan saves you money while still getting the design expertise and knowledge you would from a custom plan. The choice of a stock house plan saves time and money because most of the work is already complete. To modify a plan, come up with a “wish list” of changes and email it to us at modify@frankbetz.com and we’ll send a quote to you.

What if I need the plan flipped and the garage on the opposite side?

With modern CADD (computer-aided design) systems, producing drawings and documents either right-reading or reversed is a very simple task and is readily available.

Do you design custom homes, too?

The design process is what we do best! Our vast knowledge and experience makes Frank Betz Associates the best choice for conceptual design whether it’s a one-of-a-kind custom design or a speculative design. Even if you have drafting or CADD capabilities, we would really like to produce the design concepts. Floor plan design, elevation design — we do it all.

How much does it cost to build a house plan?

The price of building a plan varies greatly based on the location and materials used. We recommend consulting with a local builder or real estate professional about the cost-per-square-foot in your area.

How much does it cost to buy a house plan?

Pricing for stock plans is at the discretion of the plan owner; however, within the industry, pricing for similar products from one designer source to another is fairly consistent.

How is the square footage calculated on a house plan?

Designers and architects all calculate square footage differently. Some include exterior materials and volume space; others do not. Different architects may have differing square footage totals for the same plan. Also, certain tradesmen and sub-contractors will have their own method of calculating square footage related to their individual trade and scope of work. Our square footage calculations are made from outside the exterior frame wall and only include heated spaces.

I love the floor plan but do not like the front of the home. Is there anything we can do?

It is relatively easy to change the exterior style of a particular design, within reason. Not all styles are architecturally correct for every plan, but that is typically left up to the discretion of the designer or architect to decide. We encourage our customers to find a floor plan that suits their needs, and if the exterior is not to their liking we will work with them to create a pleasing exterior.

Do you post pictures of your finished house plans?

Photography legitimizes our house plans. It is comforting to prospective buyers to know that someone else has experienced using the plans and has built a house based upon them. Graphically, it is so important to see pictures because some people cannot easily visualize the final structure. It is a huge benefit to work with someone who can see/think in “three dimensions” and visualize what the outcome will be. It is a must for someone wanting a career in this business!

We depend on our customers to send in pictures of our finished house plans. If we have pictures available for any house plan, they will be on our website! Make sure you check our Gallery for extra pictures as well!

Do your plans meet local building codes?

Building codes change from one area to another. It is of utmost importance to check with the permitting department or code enforcement officers in your area before starting a project. When a customer is purchasing a stock house plan, it may need to be modified to meet your local building code.

How expensive is it to modify a plan?

Modifications are strictly a “time spent” issue — the more involved the request for changes are, the more they will cost. When you begin to make a change to the plans — no matter how involved — you introduce the need for human assessment, which adds to the expense.

Still have questions? Contact us — we’d love to help!

Small House Plans that Pack a Punch

Features

For many of us, our dream home is a grand house with more than enough space for everyone in our lives to spread out. There are rooms to accommodate every person, guest, hobby, and pet, and a large outdoor space where our kids can run free. It’s a beautiful dream that can easily become a reality with the right house plan.

And then, there are those of us who relish in the small and cozy, in spaces that bring family members together, and places we can clean in under an hour on a Saturday morning. That’s the beauty of living small.

In this article, we’ll share some of the top reasons people choose to build small (under 2,000 square feet), and a few of our coziest house plans from our extensive design collection.

1) More Affordable

Not only are smaller homes more affordable to build, they are much more economical in terms of energy usage. The smaller footprint combined with modern, energy-saving systems and appliances can lower your utility bills significantly. That means more money in your pocket to save, travel, or upgrade your home (more on that in a moment).

A smaller home is also less expensive to maintain. There is less square footage inside, and not as much surface space (like roof and siding) outside, so when it comes to repairing or replacing worn out materials, it will cost much less.

2) Faster Build Time

The smaller the home, the faster the build. The build time for an average-sized new home (about 2,657 square feet, according to U.S. Census Bureau data), is about one year. In that case, homes under 2,000 square feet could take as little as 6-9 months to build, all depending on your builder partner. No matter the exact number of days, the smaller, the faster, which is perfect if you have time constraints that cannot be changed.

3) Build in More Places

When you’re small, you can be nimble. The same is true for homes. When you build small, your home can fit in more places, including the most desirable neighborhoods with the most amenities. If there’s an area that you’ve fallen in love with, but it’s densely populated and existing homes or even condos are priced too high, consider grabbing a small plot of land and building new.

4) More Money for Upgrades

When you have a smaller space, you can deck it out with top-of-the-line finishes and materials. Tap into the money you saved building a smaller home and use it for upgrades such as marble countertops, solid hardwood floors, trendy wallpaper for accent walls, and anything else you wish.

5) Bring Family Together

In a cozier home, you can feel more connected to those you live with. See and hear your kids playing in the great room while you make dinner, gather round the fireplace for game nights or cups of cocoa, and never be too far that you can’t hear a baby crying. Keep in mind though, that in a home under 2,000 square feet, you don’t have to sacrifice space or style. The plan just has to be well-designed enough to make great use of every square foot.

Here are a few of our smaller house plans that hit the mark:

Around 2,000 Square Feet

Huntington Ridge (b)

3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 1,982 Sq Ft
Plan Features:

Front Porch
Formal Dining Room
Large Fireplace
Bonus Room
Mud Room

Blantons Trace

4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths | 2,073 Sq Ft
Plan Features:

Front Porch
Rear Porch
Split Bedrooms
Bonus Room
Mud Room

Around 1,500 Square Feet

Abbotts Pond

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,406 Sq Ft
Plan Features:

Front Porch
Rear Porch
Vaulted Ceilings
Breakfast Area

Quebec

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,342 Sq Ft
Plan Features:

Bonus Room
14′ Ceiling in Great Room
Tray Ceiling in Owner’s Suite
Additional Space Available to Build 4th Bedroom

If you’re interested in building a smaller home for any of the reasons mentioned above, we’d be happy to help you find the perfect plan. Contact us to get started.

Trend Spotlight: Laundry Access From Master Bathroom

Have you ever browsed a house plan that seemed contemporary and stylish… but not quite the right fit for you? At Frank Betz Associates, we don’t just hold our new home design plans to the highest standards of construction and design — we hold our knowledge of what you want to the highest standards as well.

No matter how small, a desirable home trend can make all the difference in the look and feel of a living space. This week, we want to highlight a home feature that we’re proud to incorporate into our plans: laundry access from the master bathroom. Take a look at how this unique shift in design enhances the way you live every day:

In a house plan like Lavista Park, you and your partner don’t have to lug laundry up the stairs to get it done. With a laundry room conveniently placed off of your gorgeous master bathroom, you can simply throw your clothes into the wash in the morning after getting ready or in the evenings while unwinding. Imagine: after soaking in that luxurious tub, you would only have to walk a few steps to get your laundry… not up the stairs.

Having your laundry close to your bedroom, as opposed to on a separate floor or near the kitchen, makes a lot of sense. Easy access means less hassle — and who wouldn’t want to take the hassle out of doing laundry? After a load is finished, all you have to do is fold is up and take it right into your bedroom. And if you’re not a fan of laundry baskets, no problem; taking “trips” to and from your laundry room is as easy as can be.

If you have a growing family or are planning to start one, laundry days become more frequent than ever before. With your laundry room an entire floor away from your children’s rooms upstairs, you never have to worry about a late-night load of laundry waking anyone up. Especially when you have a newborn, you’ll want as much sleep as possible, which means keeping them far from your washer and dryer will work wonders for everyone.

At Frank Betz Associates, we pride ourselves on creating house plans that live the way that you do. If you’re ready to move into a home that caters to your modern design preferences and personal needs, we’re right behind you. For more information about our house plans, please call 888-717-3003. We can’t wait to meet you!

MATCHING OUTBUILDINGS TO YOUR NEW HOME

Curb appeal

If you’re thinking about adding an outbuilding to your property, there’s a few guidelines to follow to make sure this new building fits in. Whether your outbuilding is a garage, pool house, garden shed or storage shed, the same forethought and planning should be applied to achieve a positive result. When incorporating a new outbuilding to your current property, you will want to create a visual harmony between the two. The two buildings will be in close proximity, so creating similarity is a must. Not doing so will make your outbuilding design look like an afterthought.

Continuity

Continuity is not a word normally associated with building a free standing garage or other adjacent outbuilding, but it’s actually quite important. Start by identifying some of your home’s exterior details. The roof line and exterior style are of greatest importance. Matching these characteristics with your existing home structure will help create a cohesive look across your property. If you have a brick home, it is recommended to use the exact same brick for the exterior of your new outbuilding. Two different kinds of brick on the same property will stick out like a sore thumb. The same goes for paint colors, other exterior materials, window styles and roofing materials. Additionally, you will want to use the same landscape aesthetic to help establish even more of a visual flow.

Neighborhood Standards

Beyond creating visual harmony, using like design elements for your outbuilding will fall in-line with any architectural review board or HOA requirements. Specifically, in newer neighborhoods there are strict guidelines put forth by homeowner associations in respect to outbuildings as an effort to uphold property value. This can be true of older communities, as well. Many have requirements to meet the historical standards of residential buildings. It is uncommon to drive through an older neighborhood with traditional architecture to see a modern outbuilding adjacent to one of the homes. Making changes to the existing structure in historical zones is carefully watched. So adding a new building in these neighborhoods is usually followed even more closely and will require design approval before any additions can be made.

Overall Visual Harmony

In addition to continuity and neighborhood standard compliance, coordinating your new outbuilding with your home will just look better. Mismatching these buildings has the possible effect of creating a visual dissonance between the two and will probably effect resale value. Any increase you may have seen by adding this feature to your property could be erased when you go to sell. So do your homework and plan your build accordingly. Designing similarities into your new outbuilding are guaranteed to complement your existing home.

So in review, you should consider a number of factors when planning to build an outbuilding on your property. Assess your home’s exterior design features like materials, shape and color. Make an effort to use the same elements in your new building. Be sure your design is in-line with any neighborhood standards. And finally, from a broad perspective, verify that the new building looks like it belongs. After the project is complete, someone new to your property shouldn’t notice any differences between the two.

WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER CHOOSING AN ARCHITECT/DESIGNER

Custom home design

You’ve made the decision to build a new home. That was the easy part. Now’s the time to find and choose an architectural firm. If you have a home design style in mind, and you should, you will want to look for a firm that has experience designing that same kind of home. You can compile a list of firm options by asking the owners of local homes you admire or searching architecture firm websites in your area. Once you have identified a number of candidates, you will want to set up in-person meetings. By meeting first hand with the perspective firms, you will be able to get more information and gauge the working chemistry. You’re about to begin an intensive working relationship that will last months, so feeling comfortable with your architect or architects is highly suggested.

Design Phase
Once you have chosen your architect, you are ready for the initial design meeting. It’s a good idea to bring a house design wish list of wants and needs including photos and/or material samples. This will help your architect or designer get a feeling for your style vision. After this first meeting, the architect will compile the information and use it to create a preliminary home design with floor plans and elevations. A follow up meeting or meetings is advised to allow for your feedback and enable the architect to make the needed design updates.

Documentation Phase

With your custom home design nailed down, the architect can move on to develop the working drawings. These are the drawings needed to obtain a development permit. Once approved, a structural design is then created to include your selections for exterior materials and finishes. Solidifying the floor plan, materials and finishes will also help the architect calculate a more accurate, overall project budget.

Permitting Phase

After completing the documentation phase, your architect can now get a development permit. That permit allows them to create site plans and drawings needed for a building permit. These new drawings include more detailed floor plans, exterior elevations, exterior and interior details, sections, roof and electrical plans. After acquiring a building permit, the builder now has a green light to proceed with the construction process.

Construction Phase

During this final and increasingly active phase, your architect/designer should still be available to oversee various aspects of your home’s construction. Being there throughout the construction process to make sure the home design is built according to the plans, can be very advantageous. A competent architect should also serve as a consultant on interior details like lighting, plumbing, hardware, glass and finishes.

If you are new to the home building process, choosing the right architect can make everything go more smoothly. An experienced architect will help you through every phase of the home building process. From taking your ideas and creating a design concept, to properly documenting the house design for the needed permits and finally getting through construction to the finish line, an architect will be one of the most important members of your home building team. Take the time to vet the right person or firm. Your new home and your sanity will be better off.