Online House Hunting

Does anyone know where you can build your dream house online?

I'm 25 and just got a huge inheritance from my Grandma. My husband and I want to use the money to buy a house, but we don't want to pay an architect to build it. we want to build it online. And we would prefer it if anyone had any ideas. well, we just want to design it. we don't care if an architect builds it.

Public Comments

1. If you're going to build a custom house, an architect's fee is one of the least expensive parts of the total cost. And he will probably save you money in the long run. He will know the building codes, he will know what you need for foundations, for material strengths, how big a distance beams can span without sagging or needing support, and more. If you're going custom, you REALLY should consider using an architect. If you screw something up, you could spend several times his fees trying to fix it, and have a house that feels or looks cobbled together. If you still want to design yourself, buy a book of home plans and floorplans from Lowe's or Menard's or Home Depot, and see what suits you. Then go buy some house designer software, and play with it to your heart's content. Customize and play and rearrange until you have something to show to the architect. Save your intermediate designs also, and bring them, to show what you liked and disliked. The architect can take your work and turn out a design that a builder and a building inspector will be able to use. Both of those are important, as without the inspector's OK at the beginning, you may never be able to legally break ground. And if you do it without the permits required, you may be required to tear it down. How much will THAT cost you?
2. You won't find it online. The programs necessary are expensive and experience with them is needed. I suggest you draw up a floor plan with the sizes and rooms where you want them located, and then talk to a Pro.