My words of wisdom: Remember your ABCs = Architect Before Contractor. There are many "cookie cutter" homes out there that can be customized to suite your needs/wants. The outlline/shape of the product is already up and ready to go...the inside needs finishing. This is a great way to save money on the basics while customizing (read: spending money) where it counts - on the inside.

Interview architects to find one who has a large amount of pre-designed homes that you like. S/he can then offer up a basic "cost" for that home's structure. That will be your starting point. That's when you move on to the middle phase - interior spaces and concepts. Things that you "want" may turn into the stuff that will add $100,000 of extras that you may decide is a deal breaker.

The Architect will take into account things like 3 full baths or master bath (shower) + full main bath + half bath/powder room. S/he will know their numbers and be able to give a ball park figure between the 3 full baths and 1 full and 2 "modified" baths. These are the things that make a space customized. These are the types of finishings that an architect can work with. The "up front" price will seem a bit steep...but the cost savings come once the project is complete.

Remember: Stick with the Plan! Do NOT change out tub #1 for tub #3! Orders have to be modified, penalties have to be paid on changed orders, walls added/taken down and PERMITS have to be reissued for every structural change.

A word to the wise: Everytime you, the "owner", change your mind the price will go UP! Imagine a $1000 penalty for every "mid stream" change you make. This will keep things in perspective. So many home owners who choose to build their own home (vs. purchase a home already built) complain that "the costs keep going up! We are SOOO over budget!". We in the industry would LOVE to be able to ask the owner, "How many times did you change your mind?" We can't, of course...we would never get any clients if we went with that tact.

It isn't "custom" that costs extra...it is the "changes" that owners often make in midstream that make the difference between on-budget or OVER BOARD!

Totally agree that it's important to stick with your decisions and not making too many changes as they cost delays and increase construction budget. By going 'custom', you get exactly what you want for the money you spent.

All of the above. Remodeling will probably also bring extra costs.
It's courage to create versus consessions to adjust, which both require creativity and skills, so if you think you lack one of these, find the right person to translate your ideas into plans.

Hello! I am interested in this thread. My question is related. I am pretty sure of the type of layout I want for my home. Many builders have computer programs that design homes. Can't I skip the architect? I don't think my plan is complicated.

Hi,

Irrespective of how simple or complicated your home design may be, the value added by residential design professionals can't be overstated. They play a key role in ensuring your home meets your lifestyle needs, meets all the applicable requirements in your community and hopefully, respects your budget, too.

Some home builders have design professionals on staff and others may work with you and a third-party to design your home. If you choose to go that route, make sure the designer/architect you'll be working with is truly a professional residential designer--not just someone who can put lines on paper.

Best wishes for a successful project.

Maybe do a small custom remodel to an existing home to gain experience with hiring architects, designers and trades people. You will learn if you have the emotional and mental strength before starting on your "dream home". Sure anyone, almost, can design a house but an Architect will assist you in building a home.