And if you're wondering, I am starting from scratch so ANY starting point at all is valuable :) Thanks!

Unless you are a professional, I can't see why you might be doing this. Your house is probably the largest investment you will ever make in your life. It needs to meet building codes (standards) and there are lots of systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, data) that need to be incorporated. You'll need professional drawings in order to get a building permit too.

If you don't feel you can afford an architect, do some research into purchased plans that your builder will be able to follow. It's possible some alterations could be made to the purchased plan to customize it for you.

I know someone who designed her house on her home computer and her husband co-ordinated the building of it. When I went in, I couldn't believe what a disaster it was. I think she came to agree, and they moved out after a couple of years.

Cynthia

First of all are you designing a house to build or just designing the interior? if you are designing to build from scratch if would go to websites pick plans that you like print them out and alter them with a pencil and eraser. I am working with a drafter to design my house and it is costing me about $500 it is not worth the hassle.
If you are in the second scenario you are on your own.

It is a drafting project that I am doing. Haha I know it probably sounds like more trouble than it is worth, but that's part of the point. It is meant to take a long time, years even (so that I can try to anticipate as many needs and wants as possible), as I am doing it for entertainment though I hope to one day build it

However I am grateful for the advice, sorry I didn't clear that up from the start

drop the walls...there is a thread here somewhere that is title "must haves for a new home build". There were hundreds of responses and invaluable for someone looking to build a perfect home. Hope you find the thread.

I have to agree with Cynthia. I have a little story from a cabinet maker (from England...blunt but to the point he was...). When I suggested that he, as a cabinet maker, had all the skills and patience necessary to install his cork glue-down floor, this is what he said to me, "I don't want to interrupt, but here is how I see it. I always ask myself, 'Is it worth my time and effort to learn a new skill for a job I will only do the once?' - No. I'll part with my money and have it done professionally."

I think this might just be some of the best advice I have ever heard in the industry of "DIY".

The time it takes to learn all the skills, codes (both national, State/Province and/or local by-laws) is worth 3 years at a technical institute.

I love the idea of getting what you want, exactly the way you want but you may want to think about hiring someone - even as a sounding board - to make sure you are going about this the right way.

As a starting point, if this is your goal, I suggest going to city hall and getting the full documentation on your land. You will want a full definition of what is and is not allowed regarding size, family unit(s), square footage, size of garage, how many stories allowed, etc. Then you will visit your real estate lawyer - yes, you will need a lawyer if you are acting on your own behalf as your own architect. S/he will try desperately to convince you otherwise. You may have to sign a caveat stating that you are fully aware that you may be responsible, legally and financially, for all problems - now and in the future - of the building/property.

If you are in a neighborhood with "design restrictions", you will want to know about these things. You may have to have (read: pay for) a full survey done to prove where your property lines begin/end. This document will become the "paper shell" of what can and can not be done. If it doesn't fit with your idea (eg. you are looking to build 5 stories on swampy land...), you can then apply for rezoning. Once you have the documents, send them to the lawyer to find out if there are any caveats that you need to know about.

Then you will want to go to all the utility companies and find out what, if anything is on, under or through your property line. You will also need to find out about the delineation of the utility company's responsibilities vs. your responsibility. How much does it cost to "service" the lot, etc. Are there any buried power lines/water lines/drainage ditches in or around your area.

Start with the legal stuff, continue with the legal stuff or else you will end with the "Legal Stuff'.

This is the VERY beginning of every project. We, as lay people, just don't see it!

Haha I see I didn't clear up my story well enough ;) Hello I am a student drafter currently working (in a school) to learn multiple kinds of drafting with the eventual goal of a career in landscaping and design. This home is meant to be the start of a dream so basically I'm gonna start with what I want and will adapt the design to later become what I need. I am aware of legal issues. I want it to be appear simple, while being subtly complex.

@Darzy: Do you know how old the thread is?

I'm not Darzy...but here's a thread I found in a quick search

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/building-a-custom-home-any-must-ha-dsvw-vd~84124

I'm sure there are others. The search/filter tool is fairly easy to work with.

@onthefence..that's the one! Tons of ideas for "must haves". We are sooo spoiled. : )

Haha I already had that bookmarked :) I was looking for a different one for some silly reason, that thread I actually found on Google and it's how I found this site. Thanks for the help! Haha totally agree about the list