We've also just starting the process as well, they started construction about a month ago! I will say that that what I've found helpful was to really think about how you live and what your style is. We had to make lots of design choices immediately after we signed the contract and for some decisions, I had already done a lot of research and knew exactly what I wanted so they were easy to make. But for others I really needed to spent a lot of time thinking about what we wanted and this kind of held up the process a bit. (For instance when we went to the design center to finalize flooring, they asked us to pick a kitchen sink on the spot. I wasn't prepared to do that as the kitchen is so important to me and I didn't want to pick a sink that didn't work for us! So I spent 3 days investigating whether a single or double basin sink would best fit our lifestyle and this held up the process because our cabinetry couldn't be ordered until we decided!) What would have been helpful for us would have been to have a list of all the decisions and options available at the beginning of the process, so that I could do my research and be prepared to make all decisions that come up. You might ask your builder if they can provide you a checklist of sorts up front! (If you are anything like me and have trouble making decisions on the fly!)

Thank you maven19! We have not selected a builder as of yet. We want the first get the house drawn up and place bids with a few builders and then pick from there.

I will DEFINITELY take note of your advise though! Both my husband and I are NOT good at making decisions on the fly (we have never owned a new home and we want to make everything work for our life style).

Our architect is tweaking the design and finishing the sun study (we're build a small solar tempered home), and we are just starting to talk to builders. I call the house a soft modern/farmhouse trying to fit into the landscape of a working farm. Since I know the style and have really narrowed down what we like I have a spreadsheet with all of my interior material choices, quantity, and price already picked out. I also have a backup for everything and a reason why I chose everything so hopefully it will make things easier when we get into actually buying things. However it will be different if you're going the way of a tract house and have limited choices although you can ask to see that stuff really early to try to coordinate better. If you are going with a tract builder I would suggest asking what materials or choices you have to make using 'their' products because that is a huge gripe from others on here.

Good luck.

I like the way you think Iowacommute! We will not be building a tract house so your suggestions will come in handy for us. I love how you have already created a spreadsheet of you internal material favorites.

cpartist- thank you!

Family make up: My husband is 46 and I am 35. We have no children, and there will be none in the future... this will be out forever home.

We we both really simple and laid back, the house we want to build is relatively small compared to others on this forum (~1500 sq ft). 3 Bedrooms and 2 baths. Our current house was built in 1920 and it has a LOT of addons, because of that there is no "flow" or "openness" which we really HATE. So that is something that is really important.

Additionally, we both enjoy cooking and entertaining (casual entertaining) so we have no need for a formal dining room.My husband is also and avid home brewer...so having a small "brew room" for him is also a must (nothing big - enough to store some beer while it ferments and a sink big enough for his large brew kettle and a hook up for a gas stove.

We plan on defiantly taking our time and enjoying the process, we own our land and current home out right so there is no rush (if anything the more time we have the more money we are able to save up).

Good comments for consideration above. Some other suggestions:

1. Identify and separate your needs from your wants, with agreement from both parties

2. Think about the most important functional/living relationships, and which really need to be close or adjacent to others (and which ones really don't need to be close)

3. All strong home designs begin with a thorough site analysis, which, in turn informs the home design. Think about things such as views to and from the site, natural light particularly from the south, desired outdoor activities and areas related to interiors, any private outdoor areas/indoor areas, passive energy design strategies, etc. It's almost always a mistake to start exploring floor plans until one first understands the site and its advantages and constraints, even in subdivisions with small lots.

4. Remember that interiors and exteriors are inseparable, i.e., whatever happens inside in the plan of the house dictates what is possible on the exterior of the house, and vice versa. A "fat" floor plan means a "fat" exterior with a domineering roof to keep out the rain. The strongest designs are always those which study interiors and exteriors simultaneously. Thus, avoid the common consumer trap of spending eons of time (and money) studying what shape granite island to have in the kitchen and how many wall hooks to have in the mud room. Save all the detail stuff until the concept of the house is established and agreed upon by all parties.

5. Take as much time as needed to specify and detail everything which is important and eliminate allowances before bidding. Allowances ALWAYS are underbid by contractors for favorable bid-budget purposes and too often wind up costing the owners a surprising amount of unplanned expense.

6. Take as much time as needed to be sure you are comfortable and committed to the design and specifications for the house before bidding. Do not change your mind during construction and wind up with costly change orders because you were in a hurry to get through design and start construction. Changes orders and allowances are probably the two primary reasons for exceeding one's construction budget.

7. Get sound advice from your architect and attorney on the common types of owner-contractor construction contract before discussing with builders. These range from a fixed cost, lump sum contract all the way to an open-ended time and materials contract. Be sure you understand how each type of contract allocates risk and to whom. Find and use the type of contract most appropriate for you and for your budget. Keep in mind that standard builder contracts often tend to favor them and not the owner. Among the most important elements of any construction contract may be: 1) Cost of construction; 2) Cost of allowances; 3) Cost of changes; 4) Payment method and schedule; 5) Standards for quality of work; 6) Dispute resolution, among others. If you are inexperienced, uncomfortable or simply do not have time to manage your own contract administration and monitor the quality/schedule of the work, retain your architect to provide these services through substantial completion and occupancy.

Good luck on your project!

Gosh! Virgil Carter, thank you so much for taking to time to give just great advise!

Very much appreciated!

As usual, Virgil always has great advice.

And not only for you Anne but for the lurkers out there, a couple of recent great threads pertinent to those starting design:

I always recommend some design books to my clients. Some are "into" design more than others so I don't look at this as required reading. It also depends on how collaborative your process is with your architect. http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3281434/book-suggestions?n=10

A couple of great threads started by cpartist. Either skimmed or read in detail, you might find them helpful: http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3285825/what-makes-a-house-have-good-design?n=39 and http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3542783/i-just-read-this-on-sarah-susankas-fb-page?n=22

But enjoy the trip and the best of luck with your project. Mrs. Architectrunnerguy and I have built three house over the past 25 years (and against all odds we're still happily married!!!) and looking to do another soon.

Thank you Architectrunnerguy! Will defiantly be setting time aside to review the thread you have linked!

This isn't my first rodeo, so I have the shopping aspects down pretty well. What I have trouble with is perfectionism. Even though I know the house will not be perfect, I still lose sleep trying to achieve the impossible, and anticipate every possible contingency. I need to get over myself, and get out of my own way.

Building is a mental and emotional game-- rewarding, but it can be extremely stressful and draining. You need to make a plan for handling all the *stuff* that will hit you. And so do I. This time around, I'm going to work on my mental and physical fitness. I really neglected that aspect the last time, and there was damage. So don't be like me! ;)