Architectural Plans

Getting Unique Architectural Plans for Your New Custom Home

Even though many custom home builders say that they will provide the architectural plans for you, the reality is that these usually aren't unique enough to consider them truly custom. For example, they may present several pre-existing floor plans, and then give you "customization options" that amount to choosing from a pre-set array of variables. Even worse, there are some that only let you choose things like colors and counter materials.

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When you want truly unique architectural plans, you need to work with an architectural company rather than a builder. Architects are eager to have the chance to create plans that aren't like any others in existence. Not only that, if you have a specific design in mind, they do the needed architectural graphing so that your ideas can be brought to life.

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One of the reasons you should work with an independent architect is to avoid the constraints that builders often place on their in-house professionals. Builders, of course, try to keep their costs down while maximizing what they can charge. When you hire an independent company to do your architectural graphing or to design a house for you, it's your budget – not the builder's – that is taken into consideration.

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Once you have your plans, you will still need to find a custom builder to put up the house. This is when you'll find out which builders are truly custom. Fortunately, there are legitimate custom builders in every market, so unless your plans call for something structurally challenging, you should be able to find one without much trouble.

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When your house is built, you'll get the full experience of having a truly unique home that has no look-alikes anywhere. It will be yours in a way that no "menu option" build can be.