How do I build my house, or start the planning?

Question

I want to build my own house. I don't know how to go about starting the process.

Answer 1

Talk with people who have been through the process and get their advice before hiring anyone. Educate yourself, like you are by asking your question here, to find out what the steps are going to be that will get you there. Read and ask questions first. There may be a housing department in your town that can provide you with information. If you have a community college nearby, they may have a class that you can take to learn about building a home. The reference librarian at your local library branch can probably give you some ideas. Network...network...network.

Answer 2

The best thing to do is hire a general contractor. They can sit down with you, help draw up a blueprint of what you want, help you obtain building permits, soil tests, etc., and hire the different work crews. In today's construction business you usually find that it takes a ton of different crews to build a house. It's difficult to find one person that can do the digging, concrete, electrical, plumbing, framing, siding, flooring, roofing, drywalling, etc. A contractor will schedule who does what and when.
Very important to get estimated prices with your general contractor first. He can get written estimates from several people and you go with lowest bids.

Answer 3

Hire an architect. You'll be able to work with the architect to achieve the design you have in mind.