When you want to design your own home, who do you need to speak with first? A contractor? An architect? etc?

Answer 1

Usually the contractor has several plans already made up which would then save you on hiring an architect and paying again for services. If your home is truly going to be a custom home, then I would say go with an architect who has done similiar type of homes. Otherwise, just stick with the builder and save some money.

Edna
AIA Architect

Answer 2

When we built our house, we found a contractor that we liked and started working with him. He sketched the drafts and than had an architect that he works with regularly finalize the plans within code and develop the list of material needed. I think this is the cheaper route, but in our case we were lucky enough to find a reputable builder with good design ideas and skills. some builders will also have plans that you can start with and make changes.

Answer 3

Sometimes an architect - it depends on exactly how customized you want to be. You may need to work with them to design the home.

However, a custom home builder can design a home for you as well. But make sure they are truely a custom home builder and not a production home builder.

Check out the National Association of Home Builders website: http://www.nahb.org/

If you area has a "Parade of Homes" event, you can tour custom built homes to help you find a builder. In the Minneapolis / St. Paul area: http://www.paradeofhomes.org/

Other areas have Parades as well. Go view some of the new model homes in your area and ask quesitons. Ask if they are a custom home builder.

There are also custom builders that specialize in Accessible Homes: http://www.nahb.org/form.aspx?formID=2587
and Green Homes: http://www.mngreenstar.org/

Answer 4

Find a builder. Make sure they get all the proper permits.

Also, talk to an attorney. The builder may be the general contractor that hires subs to finish the project. You want to make sure your contract with the builder is solid and that you are not liable for paying the builder and all the subs. Also, people are flaky. You might pay someone to put on the roof, but it damages the electrical. Who bears the liability on that? Or sometimes materials are bought, but not the labor.

Answer 5

You may speak to either, but a contractor would be a good place to start as most have an architect on their staff, or have one that is available for their company.

Now your smaller construction companies might not have one, but your larger construction companies normally have one.

You might inquire if there is a charge for preliminary drawings and ans sketches. Sometimes these are a free service.

I hope this is of some use to you, good luck.

"FIGHT ON"

Answer 6

An architect

Answer 7

unless you want a cookie cutter home meaning there are several other homes in the area with your same floor plan it is best to use an architect....he will be able to design you something truly unique to your personality

Answer 8

We worked with a builder and he drew our plans up and built our house.