You'll need a site with utilities. Where are you building. The location influences many of the features.

Prioritize your needs and wants. Select a local talem=nted architect that designs in a style you like and is good to work with. Know which hills to die on. Strive for being under budget and make sure everyone involved in your project is on the same page. Know that quality is better than quantity. Know that this is your opportunity to do something great and do not do mundane. Make the home speak volumes about you. Don't blow it.

What state are you building your new home? I would add, be patient as this process will take some time. To avoid any surprises, build your team (architects, contractor, engineers) early in the process. Ask lots of questions. Have fun.

If you search on the Building Forum (and other related forums) you will find plenty of advice and information to keep you busy for several days.

Search bar at top/middle of page. Type in your "search words" and then select "search words in Discussions".

Buy plenty of wine. It may help during those stressful times.

Be good to the workers. Buy them pizza for lunch 1 time and they will give you a better job. Bring a box of cold beers over for after work. Having a BBQ grill around, even hot dogs or some good sausages on the grill. Fo.Folks will have a good attitude and it will show.

Know what you want. You have 1 chance to build your home exactly like you want to have it. Hold strong to your conviction and don't get influenced. Or you may regret it the rest of the time. Learn how to have fun

Harvest bales of money from your money tree before you start. Building costs more than buying existing.

Start with a plan. As in, having kids or not, is it a farm or suburban lifestyle, do you want pets... do you like to entertain a lot or have large family gatherings, perhaps want a quiet retreat from the world. Is this your starter build, forever home, aging in place home? What do you want out of your build? From scratch you can do a lot.

What features are great for some might not be for others. Good kitchen, bath and probably more than one. Some people want many bedrooms, or having an open floor plan of lots of living spaces. Some want to incorporate the outdoors by having lots of glass or outdoor living areas that blend to the indoor ones. Some might want a greenhouse or mudroom or a five car garage- but others want other things. Even preferences on if they want one level, multi stories, a basement or not.

Then go on to your land. You need somewhere to build. Does it have utilities or need them, what are the building codes of the area. Are there difficulties to be had, clearing the land or leaving things, ect.

Then you get yourself a good crew. And treat them well. Architects, designers, construction, ect. Don't be afraid to shop around a bit. Get some different bids, get a feel for these pros. Not everyone is a good fit, just like your doctor or car mechanic. Make sure everyone is licensed, insured. Have things in clear writing before work is done- and allow yourself a wiggle room allowance for overages or delays.

You might want to try to find a design-build firm so everything is in-house. Saves dealing separately with architect and builders. We had a great experience with ours. The designer knew exactly the right questions to get us started.

A great home begins with a great design. A great design is one that balances your lifestyle needs, the physical (e.g., size, setbacks, topography, etc.) and regulatory (e.g. codes, architectural covenants, zoning, etc.) constraints of the particular site, and your budget. Achieving that balance is the product of the combined efforts of the client, architect, builder, and builder's trade contractors and suppliers. Assemble that team before you begin design and get everyone working to achieve a common set of objectives.