DESIGNING A HOME? 6 THINGS EVERY HOMEOWNER SHOULD CONSIDER
Designing a new house is an exciting yet complex process that requires careful planning and thoughtful decision-making. Whether you are building from the ground up or renovating an existing place, the choices you make early on will shape your home’s functionality, comfort, and aesthetic for years to come.
From layout and natural light to sustainability, several key factors can make the difference between a well designed home and one that falls short of your needs. In this post, we will explore six essential considerations that every homeowner should keep in mind when designing a home. Following these six key considerations will ensure a home that is not only beautiful but also efficient, adaptable, and suited to your lifestyle.
#1 - understand YOUR site
Every successful home design starts with a deep understanding of the site. If you already have a lot, whether empty or with an existing building, the first step is to get a survey done by a licensed Surveyor. Conducting a professional survey helps identify key factors such as property boundaries, elevation changes, drainage patterns, and any potential restrictions. This information not only ensures compliance with zoning regulations but also allows for a design that maximizes its surroundings.
Here are two key reasons why conducting a site survey is essential:
Ensures Compliance and Avoids Legal Issues – A survey helps confirm property boundaries, setbacks, and easements, ensuring your design complies with zoning regulations and local building codes. This prevents costly disputes or redesigns later in the process.
Informs Design and Construction Decisions – Understanding elevation changes, drainage patterns, and existing site conditions allows architects to create a home that fits seamlessly into the landscape, optimizing layout, access, and structural planning.
By thoroughly analyzing the site before designing, you can create a home that maximizes its natural advantages while avoiding costly issues down the road. Plus, most permitting agencies require a survey before you can begin the design and approval process.
#2 - ESTABLISH the right budget
Establishing a clear budget is one the most crucial steps in the home design process. From location and site constraints to design style and finish materials, every aspect of the design process impacts the overall expense. Therefore, a well-planned budget ensures that your vision aligns with financial realities, helping you prioritize must haves while avoiding costly surprises down the line.
Here are some strategies to establish a solid budget:
Define Your Priorities - Identify your “must-haves” versus the “nice to haves.” This will allow you to focus your spending on what matters most.
Plan for Hidden Costs - Always plan for the unexpected! Reserve at least 10-15% of your budget for unexpected expenses. This will help you avoid going above your budget.
Get Professional Help - Working with a licensed Architect and enlisting a contractor early on in the process will help you make decisions that will keep the cost inline with your budget. Both professionals can work together, reviewing your design and helping you allocate funds efficiently.
By planning ahead and making informed financial decisions, you can ensure your home design stays on track without unnecessary financial strain.
#3 - DEFine your design style and needs
Your home should reflect both your aesthetic preferences and how you live day to day. Before diving into floor plans and finishes, take time to define your design style and functional needs. Whether you prefer modern minimalism, classic charm, or somewhere in between, having a clear vision will help guide architectural decisions and materials selections.
Here are key factors to consider when defining your home’s design and functionality:
Clarify Your Aesthetic Vision - This is something personal and you might have already a preference in mind. There are several architectural styles you can explore from. Some of the most popular are:
Neoclassical - symmetry, large columns, decorative
Craftsman - natural materials (stone, brick, wood), built-in furniture, decorative, exposed beams and wide front porches
Mid-century Modern - simple design and connection to nature, open floor plans
Contemporary - clean lines and simple materials, indoor - outdoor connection, glass
Modern - clean lines, open floor plan, minimalist
Create a Mood Board - Browse through architectural magazines, design websites, Pinterest, and Instagram to gather inspiration. This will help solidify your vision and serve as a great visual guide throughout the design process. For some inspiration, check out our work.
Consider Your Daily Life and Future Needs - Think about your routines and how your home can support them. For example, do you need a dedicated home office? Open concept living for entertaining? A flexible space that can adapt as your family grows? Remember… Your lifestyle will greatly influence what type of design style you decide to go for.
Think Long-Term - Trends come and go, but timeless design choices will keep your home relevant and enjoyable for years. Focus on classic elements that can evolve with your lifestyle.
By defining your style and functional needs early in the process, you can ensure your home is not only visually stunning but also perfectly suited to your lifestyle. For more architecture styles, check out this link.
#4 - UNDERSTAND permitting PROCESS
The permitting process can often feel overwhelming, but for homeowners, understanding the necessary approvals is essential to keeping your project on track. Permits ensure that your home is designed and built safely, legally, and in compliance with local regulations. Delays or unexpected requirements can lead to added costs, redesigns, or even halted construction. By being informed and prepared, you can avoid setbacks and make more confident decisions throughout the design and building process.
Here are key permitting considerations to be aware of:
Planning and Zoning – If your project requires a variance, zoning change, or design review, you’ll need approval from the local planning department. Knowing the zoning laws that apply to your property can prevent major design revisions later.
Architectural Review & HOA Requirements – If your home is in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association (HOA) or an architectural review board, they may have strict guidelines regarding materials, colors, and overall design. Checking these requirements early can prevent costly design conflicts.
Historic Review – If your home is a registered historic property or in a designated historic district, renovations and new construction must comply with preservation guidelines. This can affect materials, design choices, and even the scope of your project.
Coastal Commission Approval – If your property is along the coastline, additional environmental and land use restrictions may apply. Some projects may qualify for exemptions, so early research is key.
Building and Safety – This department ensures your home meets structural, energy efficiency, and safety standards based on local building codes. Missing this step can result in costly changes or failed inspections down the road.
Fire Department Review – If your home is in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), fire-resistant materials, emergency access routes, and vegetation management plans may be required.
Environmental Health Services (EHS) – If your project includes a septic system, pool, or other environmental factors, these elements must meet health and safety standards before approval.
Grading & Drainage – If your property requires grading or changes to drainage patterns, engineering approvals may be necessary to prevent erosion or flooding issues.
Demolition Permits – If an existing structure needs to be removed, a separate permit is often required, sometimes with environmental impact considerations.
Understanding these requirements early can save you time, money, and frustration. Permitting delays or unexpected roadblocks can impact your timeline and budget. By working with the right architect and professionals, you can navigate these approvals more efficiently, ensuring your project moves forward smoothly.
#5 - prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability
Designing an energy efficient and sustainable home not only reduces environmental impact but also lowers long-term utility costs and improves comfort. By incorporating smart design strategies and sustainable technologies, you can create a home that maximizes natural resources while minimizing energy consumption.
Here are some key considerations when planning for an energy-efficient and sustainable home:
Smart Landscaping for Efficiency & Comfort
Use drought-tolerant plants to reduce water consumption.
Plant deciduous trees on the south side for summer shade and winter sunlight.
Use coniferous trees as windbreaks in colder climates.
Incorporate fire-resistant landscaping in wildfire-prone areas.
Renewable Energy & Backup Systems
Install solar panels to harness clean energy and lower electricity costs.
Add a battery backup system to store energy for outages and peak-hour use.
Consider geothermal heating and cooling, especially if your site has a nearby body of water.
High-Performance Insulation & Windows
Invest in high-rated insulation to minimize heat loss in winter and keep your home cool in summer.
Use double-pane or triple-pane insulated windows for better energy efficiency and noise reduction.
Passive Design Strategies (Reduce energy use naturally)
Optimize home orientation to take advantage of natural light and heat.
Design for cross-ventilation to improve airflow and reduce cooling needs.
Use roof overhangs to block summer sun while allowing winter sunlight in.
Plan window placement (fenestration locations) based on your climate to maximize efficiency.
Prioritizing these strategies from the start ensures a home that is not only environmentally responsible but also more comfortable, resilient, and cost-effective in the long run. Want to explore more sustainable solutions for your project? Let’s discuss how we can integrate energy-efficient strategies into your home design.
#6 - Find the right architect and team
An architect does more than create drawings — they bring your vision to life, ensure your home functions efficiently, and helps you navigate technical and regulatory challenges. A skilled architect helps you stay within budget, streamlines the permitting process, and coordinates with engineers and contractors to prevent costly mistakes. Most importantly, the right architect should be someone you trust and get along with, as they will be your partner throughout the entire journey, from concept to construction.
Here are key considerations when choosing the right architect:
Find Someone You Trust and Connect With – Designing a home is a collaborative process, so choose an architect whose communication style and approach align with yours. A strong working relationship ensures a smoother experience.
Review Portfolios and Testimonials – Past projects and client feedback provide insight into the architect’s design style, problem-solving ability, and overall client satisfaction.
Assess Their Understanding of Budget and Cost Management – A good architect will help you make design decisions that align with your financial plan and prevent unnecessary expenses.
Ensure They Coordinate Well with Other Professionals – Your architect should collaborate seamlessly with engineers, contractors, and permitting agencies to keep the project on track.
Check Their Knowledge of Local Regulations – Architects should be well-versed in zoning laws, building codes, and permitting processes to avoid delays and compliance issues.
Choosing the right architect means finding someone who not only has the technical expertise but also understands your vision, works within your budget, and makes the process enjoyable. That’s why having the right team behind you makes all the difference.
Conclusion:
Designing a home is an exciting journey, but it requires thoughtful planning to ensure a successful outcome. By understanding your site, establishing a realistic budget, and defining your design style, you lay a strong foundation for your project. Navigating permitting and approvals ensures compliance, while prioritizing energy efficiency and sustainability creates a home that is both cost-effective and environmentally responsible. Finally, choosing the right architect and team makes all the difference in bringing your vision to life smoothly and efficiently.
Book recommendations:
“A Field Guide to American Houses” by Virginia Savage is a great source that describes, clearly, design styles and their characteristics.
Taschen’s “Case Study Houses” a great inspirational resource for Mid-century Modern residential architecture.
Green building illustrated by Francis D.K. Ching, Ian M. Shapiro
Sun, Wind & Light - architectural design strategies by Mark DeKay and G.Z. Brown
