Due to modern design software, designing your own house plans has never been easier, and you also have a great deal of creative freedom for this type of project. Designing your own house plans can be a great journey of creative expression, and it only takes some time and dedication to understand the needed steps of the design process. The keys to success include plenty of detailed planning ahead as well as consulting with design professionals.

<strong>Step One: Get Some Inspiration</strong>

Before you consult with any design professionals or purchase and home design software, take some time to read some architectural design books for ideas. Visit your favorite neighborhoods and make plenty of notes about the houses you like the most. Also tour available open houses for properties for sale in those neighborhoods. This step will give you the chance to note the interior designs you like the most and to get even more ideas for your original home design.

<strong>Step Two: Organize Your Design Supplies</strong>

The first recommended step here is to sketch out your preliminary design ideas in a notebook that includes graph paper, which will allow you to note dimensions and help you draw elements to the correct scale. Set aside at least three to four pages to sketch interior design components you must have in the main rooms. Then designate a few more pages for interior designs that are more flexible for your overall vision. Also include a wish list in this same notebook, which should detail everything you want to design on both the home interior and exterior.

<strong>Step Three: List and Describe the Specifics</strong>

Now that you have your preliminary sketches and your wish list, now it’s time to flesh out the specifics of your dream home. Consider whether you want an urban, suburban or rural setting. Think about how much green technology and building methods you want to incorporate into the home construction project, and also start planning your budget. The more detailed the information you’re able to give the consulting architect, the better he or she will be able to help you bring your vision to reality. A knowledgeable consulting architect will also be able to recommend good house plan software and help you become familiar with it.