Dream, wish, research, draw, visualize

First of all you need to find the perfect land. When you are looking at the properties on sale try to pay attention on how you feel on the land. Try to visit it in different seasons, different hours. Look at the sun path over it. Do you like it? Do you feel at home? Try to meet the neighbours. Are there all the municipal infrastructure? Take a lot of time to "feel" the place because when you’ll find the right one you’ll know it…. You know, I'm talking about that good old butterflies in the stomac feeling.... ;)

When you have the land, you can start working on the house.

If you want a house that really fits your needs and it’s not only a house but a home, you need to start working on it looong before contacting an architect.

We all dream of a perfect place, of all the features we want in our home, how many baths, bedrooms and floors need to be in it and so on. The easiest way is to write down our wishes. Start with the most simple thing: do you want a one floor home or with 2  or more floors? Do you want a in-house-garadge? A garden? How big? Do you need a celler? What style do you like? Modern? Country? Traditional? Minimal?

Than try to find out if there are any specific requirements for the buildings in your area or the area where you want to build. There are always specific requirements. And knowing them can help you plan everything in advance.

The web is a great tool that helps you a lot. When you know the basic wishes start to look at the floorplanes that you find online and then try the many free programms that allow you to draw your home in 3d.

Here is a list of my fav:  

• Google Sketchup
• Floorplanner
• Ikea
• Sweethome 3d

When you have a clear idea of what you want, what you don't want, what you need and what you don't need it's time to do a basic financial plan.

How much money do you already have?
Can you get a mortgage?
Will your parents help?
Will you do anything by yourself? (painting, cleaning, building....)

Building a house is neither easy nor cheap. Online you can find some basic guidelines on the costs for every phase. Look around and don't get scared.

Next thing to do - find a great architect and a great construction supervisor.