I Want to Build a Custom Home – Envision Your Dreams
So you’ve found yourself saying, “I want to build a custom home.” You’re not alone! Hi, my name is Megan and as the official spokesperson for My Plan Store, I’ve seen countless families take this exciting journey from dream to reality. Working alongside Jason Barnett, who has over 20 years of experience creating custom home […]
Greg HyattSo you’ve found yourself saying, “I want to build a custom home.” You’re not alone! Hi, my name is Megan and as the official spokesperson for My Plan Store, I’ve seen countless families take this exciting journey from dream to reality. Working alongside Jason Barnett, who has over 20 years of experience creating custom home blueprints, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the right planning and design process can transform your vision into the perfect living space.
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Building a custom home is one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. It’s your chance to create exactly what you want, where you want it, and how you want it. But I know it can also feel overwhelming at first. That’s why I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know when you say, “I want to build a custom home.”
When you declare “I want to build a custom home,” you’re embarking on a journey that’s completely different from buying an existing house. A custom home means starting from scratch with a blank canvas. You get to choose everything – from the number of bedrooms and bathrooms to the style of kitchen cabinets and the color of the front door.
Jason often tells our clients that saying “I want to build a custom home” is like saying “I want to paint a masterpiece.” You need the right tools, the right plan, and the right guidance to make it happen. That’s where custom blueprints come in. These detailed drawings become the roadmap for your entire project.
The beauty of custom home building is that your home will be uniquely yours. No cookie-cutter neighborhoods or settling for “close enough.” When you work with experienced designers like Jason at My Plan Store, your custom home becomes a reflection of your lifestyle, your family’s needs, and your personal taste.
In my years working with families who say “I want to build a custom home,” I’ve noticed some common reasons that drive this decision. First, there’s the desire for the perfect layout. Maybe you’re tired of cramped kitchens or you need a home office that actually works for your business. Custom homes let you design spaces that fit how you really live.
Another big reason people choose custom building is quality control. When you build custom, you can choose every material, every fixture, and every detail. You know exactly what’s going into your walls, what type of insulation you’re getting, and what brand of appliances will be in your kitchen.
Location flexibility is also huge. Instead of being limited to existing homes in certain neighborhoods, you can often find the perfect lot and build exactly what you want there. Whether you want acreage in the country or a specific school district, custom building opens up more possibilities.
Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important too. New custom homes can incorporate the latest in energy-saving technology, from advanced insulation systems to smart home features that weren’t available in older homes.
When someone comes to My Plan Store and says “I want to build a custom home,” Jason’s first step is always listening. He’s learned over his 20+ years in the business that every family has unique needs and dreams. Some want wide-open spaces for entertaining, while others prefer cozy, intimate rooms. Some need a workshop or craft room, while others want a luxurious master suite.
Jason’s process starts with what he calls the “lifestyle conversation.” He asks about your daily routines, your hobbies, your family dynamics, and your future plans. Do you love to cook? You’ll need a kitchen designed for serious food preparation. Work from home? Your office space needs to be both functional and separate from family areas.
One thing that sets Jason apart is his ability to translate your vision into practical blueprints. He’s seen it all – from families who want farmhouse charm to those dreaming of ultra-modern designs. His experience helps him guide you toward choices that will make you happy for years to come.
The journey from “I want to build a custom home” to moving in typically takes 8-12 months, though it can vary based on size and complexity. Here’s how the process usually unfolds:
Design and Planning Phase (2-3 months) This is where your dreams start taking shape on paper. Jason works with you to create detailed blueprints that capture everything you want in your new home. This phase includes multiple revisions as you refine your ideas and make sure every detail is perfect.
Permitting Phase (1-2 months) Once your blueprints are complete, they need to be submitted to local authorities for approval. This step ensures your home meets all building codes and zoning requirements. Jason’s experience with local regulations helps streamline this process.
Construction Phase (4-6 months) This is when the magic happens! Your custom home starts taking shape, from foundation to final finishes. Having detailed, professional blueprints makes this phase smoother and helps avoid costly changes during construction.
Final Phase (1 month) The last month involves final inspections, walk-throughs, and those exciting finishing touches that make your house truly feel like home.
Let’s be honest – building a custom home isn’t always smooth sailing. In Jason’s experience, most challenges come from inadequate planning or unrealistic expectations. That’s why proper blueprints and professional guidance are so important.
Budget management is probably the biggest challenge. It’s easy to get excited about upgrades and add-ons, but these can quickly push costs beyond your comfort zone. Jason helps clients prioritize their wish lists and find creative solutions that deliver the look they want within their budget.
Timeline expectations can also be tricky. Weather delays, permit issues, and change orders can all affect your schedule. The key is building some flexibility into your timeline from the start.
Decision fatigue is real too. When you’re choosing everything from flooring to light fixtures, it can become overwhelming. That’s why Jason recommends making major decisions early in the design process and sticking with them.
Before you break ground, there are several crucial steps to take. First, establish a realistic budget that includes a contingency fund for unexpected costs. Jason recommends budgeting at least 10-15% extra for surprises that might come up during construction.
Next, secure your financing. Construction loans work differently than traditional mortgages, so it’s important to understand the process and get pre-approved early. Many lenders require detailed blueprints before approving construction loans, which is another reason why professional design work is so valuable.
Choosing the right lot is also critical. The size, slope, and orientation of your land will affect your home’s design and construction costs. Jason often helps clients evaluate potential lots to ensure they’ll work well with their dream home plans.
When you’re ready to move beyond “I want to build a custom home” to actually designing it, there are several key areas to focus on. Flow and functionality should be your top priorities. How will you move through your home on a daily basis? How will the spaces connect and work together?
Storage is something Jason always emphasizes. You can never have too much storage in a custom home. Think about built-in solutions that maximize space without cluttering your rooms.
Natural light can make or break a home’s feel. Jason designs homes with strategic window placement to maximize daylight while maintaining privacy and energy efficiency. The right windows in the right places can make even smaller spaces feel open and welcoming.
Future flexibility is also worth considering. Your needs might change over time, so designing spaces that can adapt is smart. A home office that could become a nursery, or a bonus room that could serve multiple purposes, adds long-term value.
While the DIY approach might seem tempting, building a custom home is definitely a job for professionals. Jason’s two decades of experience have taught him that good blueprints are the foundation of any successful custom home project. They prevent costly mistakes, ensure everything fits together properly, and help contractors understand exactly what you want.
Professional designers also understand building codes, structural requirements, and local regulations. They can help you avoid expensive mistakes and delays that often plague amateur projects.
At My Plan Store, we’ve seen what happens when people try to cut corners on design work. The money saved upfront often gets spent many times over fixing problems during construction. Professional blueprints are an investment that pays for itself through smoother construction and better results.
One of the first questions Jason gets from clients is about cost. Building a custom home involves several different expenses, and understanding them upfront helps avoid surprises later.
Land costs vary widely depending on location, but remember that raw land often needs utilities brought to it, which adds to your expenses. Site preparation, including clearing, grading, and utility connections, can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
The home itself typically costs between $100-200 per square foot for basic construction, though this varies significantly based on materials, finishes, and local labor costs. Custom features and high-end finishes can push this number much higher.
Don’t forget about “soft costs” like permits, inspections, and professional fees. These might seem small individually, but they add up quickly. Jason always recommends budgeting for these expenses from the beginning.
Finding the right builder is just as important as having great blueprints. Look for builders with experience in custom homes, not just production building. Custom work requires flexibility and attention to detail that not all builders possess.
Check references and visit previous projects if possible. A good builder should be proud to show off their work. Ask about their process for handling changes and how they communicate throughout the project.
Make sure your builder is properly licensed and insured. This protects you if something goes wrong during construction. Jason often works with builders throughout the region and can sometimes provide recommendations based on your specific needs and location.
From the moment you say “I want to build a custom home” to getting your keys, the process typically takes 8-12 months. However, this timeline can vary significantly based on several factors.
Complex designs take longer than simple ones. If you’re building a sprawling estate with custom millwork and unique features, expect a longer timeline than a straightforward ranch-style home.
Weather plays a big role too. Starting construction in late fall might mean dealing with winter weather delays. Spring starts often lead to smoother construction schedules.
Permit approval times vary by location. Some areas process permits quickly, while others might take months. Jason’s familiarity with local processes helps clients plan accordingly.
Modern custom homes offer incredible opportunities for energy efficiency. From the foundation up, you can incorporate features that will save money on utilities for decades to come.
Insulation is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make. Proper insulation in walls, attics, and basements keeps your home comfortable year-round while reducing energy costs.
Window selection makes a huge difference too. High-quality windows with proper installation can dramatically improve your home’s energy performance. Jason designs homes with strategic window placement to maximize natural light while minimizing heat loss.
HVAC systems should be sized properly for your specific home. Oversized systems waste energy and don’t maintain consistent temperatures. Right-sized systems with proper ductwork design keep your home comfortable efficiently.
At My Plan Store, Jason Barnett typically completes custom blueprints within 4-6 weeks, depending on the complexity of your design. We take time to ensure every detail is perfect because quality blueprints are the foundation of your successful custom home project. Visit www.myplanstore.com to discuss your timeline needs.
In Jason’s 20+ years of experience, the biggest mistake is rushing the design phase. At My Plan Store, we encourage clients to take time planning their custom home properly. Good blueprints prevent costly changes during construction and ensure your finished home meets all your needs and expectations.
Professional blueprints typically cost 1-3% of your total construction budget, but they save much more than they cost by preventing expensive mistakes and change orders. At My Plan Store, Jason provides detailed estimates upfront so you can budget accurately for your custom home project.
Absolutely! Jason Barnett specializes in both new custom home blueprints and major renovation designs. Whether you want to build a custom home from scratch or transform an existing space, My Plan Store has the experience to bring your vision to life through detailed, professional blueprints.
Jason Barnett’s 20+ years of hands-on experience sets My Plan Store apart. When you want to build a custom home, you need someone who understands both the design process and real-world construction challenges. We create blueprints that are not only beautiful but also practical and buildable. Contact us at www.myplanstore.com to experience the difference.
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