Tips from a Residential Designer on How to Create a Custom Home Design
Building your custom home in Georgia or South Carolina is an exciting endeavor that allows you to bring your dream living space to life. One crucial element in this process is learning about tools and resources that can help bring your vision to life. As a residential design expert, we’re ready to help you get creative so that when you’re ready to build your custom home, you’ll be prepared to work with a residential designer who can translate your vision into a tangible and functional design.
Research and Find Where You’d Like to Build
Do you know where you’d like to live? Is it within an already established neighborhood, a new development, or a beautiful piece of land in the country? If it’s in an area or new development, be sure to research what styles are available to you for your custom build. The HOA may have requirements and guidelines specific to homes in their neighborhood.
For example, should your home contain a certain percentage of brick and siding? Can you have an in-ground pool? Details like these will be essential to follow in the design process. If styles need to be outlined in the HOA materials or if you’re on private land, consider the style of home you’d like to have and start there. If you need ideas, Pinterest and Google are great resources for starting your research!
Define Your Vision and Needs
Before hiring a residential designer, take the time to define your vision clearly and the needs for your custom home and set a budget. We encourage you to consider the number of rooms you’d like to have and layout preferences for the flow of your home to narrow down which architectural style fits your vision best.
Next, list any specific features or amenities you want in your home. The questions below are a partial list of things you may want to consider. They could include:
- Would you like an attached or detached garage?
- Do you want fireplaces? If so, how many and where?
- What views would you like to see inside and outside your home?
- What layouts would you like for your kitchen and bathrooms, and what specific items would you like to include?
- How tall would you like your ceilings?
- What type of windows have you always wanted in your home?
We encourage our customers to drive through neighborhoods they love and take photos. Also, grab magazine clips or screenshots of anything you see online that inspires you or would help bring your vision to life. Answering questions like these will serve as an excellent foundation for your collaboration with the designer and help them determine what will be possible based on the lot you’ve chosen and the budget that you’ve set.
Research and Select a Qualified Residential Designer
Once you’ve completed your research and created your vision boards and lists, it’s time to conduct thorough research to find a qualified and experienced residential designer like Infinity Home Designs. We encourage you to look for professionals with a portfolio that aligns with your style and preferences. Be sure also to check reviews, ask for recommendations and references, and ensure that the residential design expert has a good track record in delivering successful projects.
Once you've narrowed your search, you'll schedule an initial consultation with the residential designer of your choice. This meeting allows you to discuss your vision, needs, budget, and timeline. Be open and transparent about your expectations, and ask the designer about their process, fees, and previous experiences with similar projects. It's important to note that there are a lot of factors that can play into executing the actual design of your custom home, including the layout of your land and budget, so it’s important to find a residential design expert who will be ready to collaborate to make your thoughts and ideas come to fruition.
Preparation and research are crucial in creating home plans and eventually building your custom home. Taking the time to create and lay out your vision early will give you the tools to communicate your hopes and desires for your home. If you’re looking for help with design questions, layout options, home styles, or general questions, Infinity Home Designs is ready to help. Contact us today!