by Cherise James

Created on: December 23, 2008   Last Updated: October 13, 2009

Preparing to build your dream home is a wonderful experience, full of hopes, visions and expectations. Maybe you've been shopping through plan books, but are having a hard time figuring out what floor plan would work for you. It's a complicated process, so here are some tips to help you choose the plan that will make your dreams come true.

Start by looking for styles you love. Magazines are usually your best source for this step. Begin stopping by the magazine section of the grocery store or book store on a regular basis and looking through the many magazines about homes. A few sessions will probably have you recognizing a style or two that really appeals to you. This will allow you to focus on floor plan sources that specialize in the style or styles you prefer. If you will be building in a subdivision, make sure you check with any controlling organizations for restrictions of style, color, height, etc. Even when there are no rules you have to follow, be kind to your neighbors by choosing something compatible to the area. In a neighborhood of graceful trees and elegant older homes, few people appreciate a modern box with bold colors and shiny surfaces. You will also want to take a careful look at your intended site and know where there are views to take advantage of, any restrictions you have on what direction the house will face (such as placement of the street and any neighboring houses), and any site elements that will affect the structure (such as a steep slope, or an unmovable boulder on the property).

Next, start putting keywords from the articles you like into search engines, and start exploring the home designers that come up. Beware of sites that come up too often, they are the discount stores of home design, and their quality is often quite low. Soon you should have a pretty good idea of which home designers carry your style of floor plans, and you will be able to shop through their selection using the tips that follow to help you narrow it down to just the right one. Lowest price is not the goal here, remember the old adage, "You get what you pay for." It is entirely true here, and you do not want to build a mistake and have to live in it for years to come.

You want your habitat to nurture those activities you find fulfilling, that give you peace and hope, that encourage you to meet life. Begin thinking about spaces you need for each family member, storage of household goods, showcasing collections, enjoying family activities, and facilitating hobbies

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