Hey everyone, TJ here from Sanctified Construction. Today, we’re tackling a crucial question for anyone looking to build a custom home: when should you start drafting the plans? The short answer is simple—after you’ve secured your lot. Let’s dive into why this is the best approach and how it can save you time, money, and potential headaches down the road.

Secure Your Lot First

Why the Lot Comes First

We often meet clients who are eager to start designing their dream home, sometimes even before they have a piece of land to build on. While it’s great to be enthusiastic and proactive, starting with the lot first is essential. Here’s why:

• Fit and Functionality: The dimensions, topography, and orientation of your lot will significantly impact the design of your home. A plan that looks perfect on paper might not work as well on a specific piece of land.

• Regulations and Restrictions: Each lot comes with its own set of zoning laws, building codes, and potential HOA restrictions that can influence your home’s design.

Avoid Costly Adjustments

Imagine spending thousands of dollars on detailed plans only to find out that your dream design doesn’t fit the lot you purchased. By securing your lot first, you can draft plans that are tailored to the land’s unique characteristics, avoiding costly adjustments and redesigns.

Gather Ideas and Inspiration

Start Collecting Ideas Early

While you should hold off on formal plans until you have your lot, that doesn’t mean you can’t start gathering ideas. Use tools like Google Drive or Pinterest to save and organize photos, sketches, and ideas that inspire you. This preliminary step is both fun and practical, helping you to:

• Define Your Style: Determine the architectural styles and features you love.

• Understand Your Needs: Think about how your family lives and what you need in a home to support your lifestyle.

Share with Your Drafter

When you’re ready to draft your plans, having a collection of ideas will be incredibly helpful. You can show your drafter exactly what you’re envisioning, making it easier for them to create a design that fits both your style and your lot.

The Drafting Process

Work with Professionals

Once you’ve secured your lot and gathered your ideas, it’s time to start the drafting process. Working with a professional drafter or architect ensures that your plans are not only beautiful but also functional and compliant with local regulations.

Customizing to Fit Your Lot

A professional will help you tailor your plans to fit the specific characteristics of your lot. This might involve adjusting the layout to take advantage of natural light, optimizing views, or working with the land’s natural slope.

Conclusion

In summary, while it’s tempting to jump straight into designing your dream home, securing your lot first is the smartest move. This approach ensures that your home will be a perfect fit for your land, saving you time, money, and potential headaches.

For those of you ready to start planning your custom home, check out our resources on lot selection and preparation and custom home design tips. These guides will help you make informed decisions every step of the way.

As always, we encourage you to like, subscribe, and share our content. We’re here to provide valuable insights and help you raise your standard in home building. Got questions? Reach out to us anytime. Until next time, don’t forget to raise your standard!