Building your own home can be wonderfully rewarding or it can be one of the most stressful times of your life. For most people, it's a combination of both extremes. The stress can be mitigated, if not entirely eliminated, however, by educating yourself before you begin.

Once you have made the leap from looking at existing homes to building on of your own, the next step is finding the perfect house plan. While hundreds of plans exist on the Internet, and thousands more reside in the imaginations of architects and designers, in order to choose the one that is best for you, there are some simple things you must consider. They are:

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Will you be hiring a builder, or doing the work yourself? If you're hiring a builder, do so before you even look at prospective property, as he or she will be able to guide you toward a lot that suits your needs. While cost may be an issue over all, when it comes to choosing your builder you should focus on whether or not they're knowledgeable about the area where you want to build, whether they have demonstrable experience in building the type of house you want, for the money you can spend, whether they will warrant their work, and whether their work style is compatible with yours.

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You should choose the property where your home will be built before you settle on specific plans. After all, some designs aren't suited for especially hilly or muddy ground, while some lots require special permits if you wish to build higher than two stories.

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If you're working with a builder, they'll help you navigate the rules and regulations of your state, county, and city, but if you're working alone, this job is entirely yours. Your county courthouse should have a records department that can provide information on current building codes. Some things to watch for include fire requirements - you may be required to eliminate a fireplace, use tile roofing, or build firewalls - and water restrictions - some cities and counties in California, for example, will not allow any additional bathrooms to be added, because of water use.

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Your house plans should reflect the kind of home you prefer. While you can purchase plans for everything from a Craftsman cottage to a Tudor mansion, you should carefully consider the location and size of your lot before committing to any one of them. If you're working with a builder, make them part of this process.

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There are very few of us who are not constrained by budget in some way. Be certain that you take your own budget into account. Most websites where home plans are sold offer estimates of the cost of construction, but, again, you should ask your builder for their input. As well, be aware that green construction practices may be more costly up front, but could save you money in the long run.

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Once you've settled on a budget and a style, you can start finding house plans that meet specific needs. Perhaps you need space for an office because you work at home, or perhaps you need a guest room with its own bath. You can narrow down your selection by specifying your needs.

Until recently, Lawrence Thomas worked for one of the largest builders in the country. Lawrence shares knowledge he gained the hard way: Dealing with hundreds of angry homeowners while managing the warranty department for one of the country's largest home builders. This book exposes the inside secrets and tactics employed by builders, and is a must read for anyone planning on buying or building a new home. It's a critical component of your education that will save time, money, and countless headaches. Order by phone, mail or online, 100% money back policy. Available as a printed book or an electronic document that can be download and you can begin working with immediately! Check it out now.

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Intimidated by the idea of being your own builder? You're not alone. Most people don't have the time, expertise, or contacts to perform this task. The good news is that you don't have to. You can use hire a builder and still save thousands. Get the House Building Guide and learn how. The Guide contains step-by-step instructions, sample specifications, an example building-contract, and dozens of money saving, convenience and healthy house building tips. This is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in building a new home. Newly released, 137 page binder, with pre-printed checklists, forms and templates!

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Wise Home Building is the newest our line of new home construction books for consumers. This book was written by a builder of 35 plus years. Wise Home Building was written for first time, new home builders. It lays the groundwork for someone entirely new to the process by providing a step-by-step approach to the process and includes a 50 plus page glossary of terms. Beyond that, it contains a host of useful tools and information for first-timers including a Construction Progress Chart, Product and Material Selection Schedules, Example Building Contract, Sample Specifications, Building Timeline, Change Orders, Inspections, Selecting a Builder, Draw Schedule and Payment Advice, Mechanic Liens, Final Walkthrough Inspection, and much much more. A copy of the 50+ page glossary is available free from the site

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The Successful Home Building Training Program is normally provided in a seminar format at a cost of $395.  These training seminars are attended by both consumers planning on building a new home, as well as builders that want continuing education.  The Home Study version of this seminar is now available to you for a cost of  $97 (plus shipping). The Home Study Course was assembled by a licensed building contractor who has built more than 500 custom homes, and has a Masters degree in Adult Education from Florida State University. Click here to see the Table of Contents and find our more about this valuable resource. 

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House Plan of the Month by Architectural Designs

A partial stone exterior, wraparound porch and multiple roof pitches add rustic charm to this hill country farmhouse. High ceilings, abundant windows and open planning make the home feel much larger than its 1,619 sq. ft. Details such as a window seat in the master bedroom, breakfast bar in the kitchen, a 3-sided fireplace set this home plan apart from others of similar size. An unfinished basement offers expansion and storage opportunities.

Featured House Plan: HBF26329SD

For more great house plans, visit ArchitecturalDesigns.com

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Once you have your plans, your lot, and know your building restrictions, you have one more thing to consider before construction can commence: insurance.

While conventional homeowners insurance is not needed during the construction process, there are three types of insurance you do need. They are:

1. Builders Risk Insurance: This may be carried by you, or by your builder, if you're using one. It covers the home itself and any materials stored in it or on-site while the home is being built. If someone walks away with your pile of lumber, this is what covers the loss.
2. Contractors Insurance: If you've hired a builder, they should already have this coverage on themselves and their crew, and you should ask to be made an "additional insured". If you are working on your own, you may still need this, as it covers you and anyone helping you if you are injured on the job.
3. Liability Insurance: This covers you, in the event that you are sued because a third party - a teenager cutting across your lot, for example - is injured on your property.

After your home is completely built you can talk to your insurance agent about cancelling the builders and contractors insurance, and converting the liability coverage into a regular homeowners policy.

As you can see, choosing the plans is just one of many steps to building a home, but from those sketches and blueprints come the dream house you've always wanted. Educate yourself, and your dream will survive for many years.

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You probably need a specific number of bedrooms and bathrooms in a home. You can search for house plans by specifying the number of bedrooms and bathrooms as well as square footage of the home. You can also search for house plans that have the master bedroom downstairs or upstairs, a detached garage, a bonus room, or a deck. Pretty much whatever you want is available in house plans.

One site we have worked with over the years is Architectural House Plans. They are a family run business and do an excellent job of servicing their customers.

After you have your lot and know the local building restrictions, make a list of what you want in a house plan. This can help you as you search through house plans online to find the one to become your dream home.

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