If you are a self-builder it can be difficult knowing where to start when looking at how to design a house. Read through the steps below to help familiarise yourself with the key questions you should be asking yourself at the beginning stages of your project.

How to plan a home (step 1)

Draft a document that lays out the overall aspects of your project. This will continuously change as the project moves forward. But it is vital to be organised and to follow a structure. This brief will cover all of the key elements in your project such as the number of bedrooms, how you would like to live either being an open plan or individual rooms etc…It must follow your aspirations, for example having the desire to wake up in the morning with a view from your window with automatic blind control. There may be an object, ornament or piece of furniture that you will build a room around as a focal feature etc. These ideas and plans may change due to costs, planning permission requirements and standards, however you should go in with an open mind, be positive and dream without limits. Now that’s how to design a house from the beginning with this mindset!

Exterior factors (Step 2)

Once you have this document roughly outlined, you should now evaluate the site or plot. Begin this phase by addressing the following points:

Consider the south elevation for solar panel placement.

How will the house be positioned according to the noise of traffic by the road.

Think about the views. How will you arrange specific rooms?

Privacy, ensure neither you or your neighbour will be overlooking each other’s property. Be careful how you place your transparent windows.

Parking capability. A 3 bedroom house usually requires 2 spaces for your vehicles.

House style planning (Step 3)

Now look at the amount of accommodation needed and the building style.

How will each room flow from one another? From formal to informal living spaces.

Will your house cater for older people and children in the future?

Would you be able to live in your house without needing to go upstairs? Maybe later in life you will be less able.

Sustainability is key for self builders. To avoid future running costs. Ensure the house is airtight and filled with insulation.

Study your neighbourhood and choose materials accordingly.

How to design a house using 2D and 3D home design software? Quickly and easily draw out your floor plans, side elevations and cross sections. This will save a lot of time and save you a lot of money on architect fees. Most importantly you have the freedom to be creative, experiment design ideas and visualise them in an interactive photo realistic 3D model.

To get the best out of your renewables, this technology should be built in at the design stage rather than later on or after everything has been built.

House plan restrictions (Step 4)

Once you have the first draft of your design planned out, you’ll have a good idea of what your building will eventually look like. Now it’s time to assess whether there will be any restrictions so take a look at your local planning requirements.

Ask a design professional to carry out a budget estimate against your design brief. There is no point obtaining planning permission for a build you can’t afford to put together.

How to design a house? Well these steps if followed should provide you will a better overview of what to think about when first starting off your house design project. It’s an enriching experience which may encounter many challenges along the way but you’ll become a stronger person by the end of it.