With your lot size, slope, setbacks/standards and site optimization in mind, you now should be able to determine the "footprint" (maximum length and maximum width) of plans that will "fit" on your lot. As you start to look through plan books or view plans on-line, the "footprint" is one of the most important search criteria to help eliminate plans outside your parameters.

The next step is to list and discuss the most important features you want to include in your home. We have developed a "Striving For The Perfect Plan" sheet to help facilitate your family discussion. You can download a copy here.

Not everyone can "visualize" plans on paper. We often take customers who are struggling with decisions regarding square footage and design issues to several of our Jim Beard-built homeowners with similar dimensions or style features. With upsizing and downsizing issues, it's helpful to actually walk through different sizes to target an appropriately-sized living space.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if money was not important in building your dream home? But, for most of us, it is. You've worked hard all your life, you've saved and provided for your family, and now its time to be able to build and enjoy your dream home.

Your home is one of your best investments, if built properly. We do everything we can to help you design a home that will maximize your investment dollar. Based on your estimated investment and your "wish list" we work with your stock plan or your custom design firm to incorporate as many of the size and feature requirements as possible.

Finally, let me emphasize the importance of making sure your home stays on budget during the planning stage. Twice in the past year, I've met with folks that had plans drawn that came in over 25% more than they had anticipated. Both had paid several thousands of dollars for the plans to be developed. One has become so discouraged that they have decided not to build - bursting the bubble of building their dream home.

Make sure the process starts out properly and you are well on your way to having a joyful building experience.