You could begin your task of designing your home by identifying the areas that are important to you. Maybe you desire a loft, a big open living space, a recreation room and 3 bedrooms. While this may be a logical start, there are still questions that you should first ask yourself. I have created the following list to aid someone in this purpose.

 

1. Do you already have specific furniture that you intend to use in your new home? 

2. Do you like a lot of natural light and how do you plan to control it?

3. How much time do you spend at home and what are your activities?

4. Do you cook often? Will your kitchen be an entertaining focal point?

5. Who will live there? Will you be accommodating children, seniors or pets? What special needs will be associated?

6. Do you have hobbies that require space such as a library, shop or sewing room?

7. Do you work at home? Will you need an office?

8. Will you be utilizing the outdoors? Maybe a large porch with a view?

9. Do you enjoy gardening and landscaping?

10. How well do you want your home to blend in with its surroundings?

11. Do you love trees, rugged terrain or wide open spaces? How important are land characteristics?

12. What type of climate are you in - is a fireplace a must?

13. Just how much of your wealth do you want to invest in your home?

14. How do you feel about energy efficiency?

 

Once you are able to answer these questions you can begin the process of sketching plans, working with a designer or choosing a set of plans that match closely with your desires.

 

Having pinpointed your needs by answering the above questions make many of the decisions to come seem obvious. Someone who values privacy both inside and outside the home and enjoys wildlife with views of nature can forget about purchasing lots in most subdivisions.

 

Other decisions fall into place more easily - as this person would want porches and decks and lots of windows to make the transition from out to in and vice versa.

 

Even questions about materials will be answered or narrowed down by covering the above listed questions. Cedar may be a natural choice on a wooded lot. Maybe a log home has been your dream. Natural stone could be what you desire- inside or outside. Visit www.naturalelementhomes.com