| Shopping for a house plan is not as simple as it may | | | | Local architects may customize a plan for you that |
| seem. When confronted by tens of thousands of | | | | you could have found for thousands less online if you |
| different house plans available, it is easy to get | | | | had been diligent about the search process. Make |
| overwhelmed. It is important to narrow your choices | | | | sure to store your plans if the website you are using |
| down as much as possible before you begin your | | | | offers that feature. Make lists of pros and cons |
| search. Get specific on details such as the number of | | | | about each house plan. Ask for feedback from |
| bedrooms and baths, the square footage you are | | | | friends and family. |
| looking for, the house style you desire, how many | | | | When you have found your dream plan, don't |
| floors the house should have. Most decent house plan | | | | hesitate to call the house plan website you found it |
| websites will have plenty of options with the criteria | | | | on if you have any questions or you want to verify |
| that you have specified. You can start your search | | | | their credentials. I don't want to scare you, but |
| on House Plan Central. | | | | remember that taking someone else's plan to a local |
| After the initial search, be systematic about tracking | | | | architect to have them customize it is theft. Usually |
| the house plans that you like. If you have definitely | | | | the same online designer will customize that plan for |
| decided to build your own house, you should also set | | | | a fraction of the cost of taking the plan to a local |
| a date for when you will have selected a plan by. | | | | designer. |