Should I Choose an Existing Plan or Design My Home from Scratch?

Design and Architecture
12/02/2023

With so much design inspiration out there, it can be hard to know where to start when you’re building a new home. Should you take advantage of an existing house plan, or bring your unique vision to life with a custom design? Both options are certainly viable, but the right choice for you will depend on your personal circumstances.

Read on to find out which approach is best for you.

Choosing an existing plan

If you’re a first-time homeowner or simply want to take the stress out of building, an existing house plan may be the right option. Not only can this make the design and construction processes a breeze, it means you’ll know exactly what your home will cost from the very beginning.

Pre-designed house-plans are also perfect if you have a particular type of property – for example, a narrow lot, a waterfront block , or acreage. At Crown Constructions, we even offer a range of house plans for those building specifically on the Waldara and Silverwood’s Golf Estates!

When going down this route, make sure your builder is adaptable and there are options to tailor the existing house plan – you don’t want to end up with an inflexible design that isn’t going to suit your needs.

Designing your home from scratch

The best way to achieve a truly custom home is to design it yourself – with the help of an experienced custom builder. This is also the perfect option if you already have a firm idea of what your new home will be like.

Of course, designing your home from scratch doesn’t mean doing everything yourself – a good custom builder will have a tried and tested process to help guide you through the build.

When starting from scratch, one of the first things you’ll have to decide is whether to engage an architect or a building designer. Another option is to go with a Design & Construct builder, who will look after the entire project under the one roof. This is also one of the best ways to ensure you stick to your budget from the very start.

Best of both worlds

If neither of these options feel quite right, you can always mix and match your approach. Engaging a custom builder who offers both pre-designed house plans and a custom building service means you can start with an existing design and tailor it to your individual needs. Whether you need an additional bedroom, want to add a walk-in wardrobe, or have been dreaming of a spacious outdoor living area, a quality custom builder will allow you to tweak and change existing plans, so you achieve a truly unique home that’s perfect for you and your loved ones.

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Whether you’re looking to choose an existing house plan or design a custom home from scratch, browsing a selection of pre-existing house plans is a great way to find inspiration. You’ll get a good idea of what you can achieve within your budget, and you may even find something new to add to your dream home.

If you’re ready to kickstart the process, get in touch with the expert team at Crown Constructions today.

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