Entries from October 2008 ↓

If you would like to indulge a little in some ultra luxurious dream homes, I have the perfect site for you. Check out the link below just for fun or seriously consider choosing one of these dream home plans if you can afford it. I wish I could! You can at least take some of his ideas to create your own dream home on a smaller scale like I did. These homes are designed by one of the world’s renowned architects, John Henry. He is well known and his work speaks for itself. Enjoy!

http://www.dreamhomedesignusa.com

Can’t find a house plan or style that you like? Create your own. That’s what I did. There were so many house plans that I liked but I couldn’t decide on just one. I wanted to combine all of the best features of many plans into my own dream home design!

So what’s the next step? Well, you need to find a computer program that lets you design in 3D. Let me just tell you that there are tons of 3D software programs out there to choose from. I have tried them all. Some are free and some will cost you some money. The best free program to get started with is Google Sketchup. It is very user friendly and has many video tutorials that show you step-by-step how to create things. I have been using this program for a few months and there are still a few things that I am not sure how to do. It can be a little frustrating. It does help if you have some prior experience with 3D modeling.

Google Sketchup does have a Pro version for advanced users but it is quite expensive. I don’t recommend it unless you are pretty advanced.

Overall, the best and most user friendly software available is Punch! 3D Software. I was able to create a basic home design in literally 1 minute! It’s that easy. You won’t find an easier, more straightforward program to use. There are many different versions of Punch! but I have found the most recent version to be the best one and very affordable. Check out the website below and watch the video. You will see that it doesn’t get any easier than this to create your dream home! Have fun creating.

Punch! Home and Landscape Design Suite

Choosing a house style is one of the first things you must consider when thinking about your dream home. But which one do you choose? There are so many available. The best way I have found to go about this task, which may seem overwhelming, is to first relax and always keep an open mind.

I have searched all over the internet trying to find one place that had every style you could imagine. There are many websites scattered all over the internet that have SOME of the different styles but not all. I have found a reputable, comprehensive resource that has enough house styles to keep you busy for days! The other great thing about this resource is that it gives you the main distinguishing features of each style. If you spend some time going through the different styles, you will be able to focus and peak your interest. It’s well worth your time because then you will be that much closer to creating your perfect DREAM home!

http://www.dreamhomesource.com/browse/all-architectural-styles.hwx

I have a nice, quick reference guide for you to easily learn the basic terminology involving home building:

www.dreamhomesource.com/house-plans-design-resources/house-plans-glossary.hwx

During these tough economic times, finances are tight and everyone is trying to save money by figuring out ways to reduce their expenses. I have been researching ways to reduce costs at home. In addition to simple things like changing all regular light bulbs to energy saver light bulbs, improving insulation, and radiant floor heating, there are some even more exciting ways to make a significant impact.

Can you imagine reducing your electric bill by 80%? How could this be possible? Well, with advances in technology, now you can. I decided to go right to the source! Why not make your own energy at home instead of relying on the power company? There is actually a way to make your own electricity at home from solar and wind power. And you can do this inexpensively with materials from your local hardware store. It sounds too good to be true but I have found the best sources with easy step-by-step instructions and clear illustrations. I have read other manuals available online and I found them to be difficult to understand and disorganized. Using the information below, you can build a solar panel or windmill in just a few hours. The other benefit that you may not realize is that you will increase the value of your home tremendously and help the environment at the same time!

My top picks are below. Check them out soon as I don’t know how much longer you will be able to get them at such a low price like I did.

1) Earth4Energy

2) Home Made Energy

3) Home Made Power Plant

So who is going to build your dream home? Who can you trust and who will give you the best value in custom home building? Luckily, I have the answers for you. I have spent months researching the nation’s top builders. Below are my top picks:

1)  Schumacher Homes – by far the best value in custom home building

http://www.schumacherhomes.com/

2)  Toll Brothers – also an excellent choice

http://www.tollbrothers.com/homesearch/servlet/HomeSearch

Keep in mind that these are national builders and they may not build in your state. Don’t worry. If neither of the top builders works in your state, I have an excellent resource for you to find a local builder. Just click on the link below:

http://www.dreamhomesource.com/home-builder-directory.hwx

There is nothing more exciting to me than thinking about designing my DREAM home! After all, buying a home is the biggest investment you will make in your life. Do you want to buy an existing home and therefore buy someone else’s dream? I don’t. I want to be proud of my personal creation and have complete control over every detail of the design process. Whether you physically want to build your own dream home or just be the boss and tell everyone else exactly what you want, this is the website for you.

What do I mean by a DREAM home? I am not just talking about million dollar mansions that most of us can’t afford. A dream home is any size, any cost. It’s whatever you want it to be! That’s the beauty of it. I’m just an everyday person like you who has a vision and wants to get a great value in custom home building. I have thought about designing my own home since I was a little boy. I remember re-creating my parents’ house in an old computer program many years ago.

This website was born out of frustration with what is currently out there. I have done the research and reviewed hundreds of sites and I can tell you right now that there is no site that offers one-stop shopping for all your dream home resources. Until now. But don’t take my word for it, you can go searching the internet as long as you like but you will be wasting your time. I know because I have already done it. I guarantee you’ll be back. After so many disappointments, I got fed up and decided to create my own website.

My goal is simple: to help people make informed decisions for the biggest investment of their lives. Well, what are you waiting for? There is a lot to see and learn here. Have a look around and join our mailing list. Also, check out the forum where you can learn from others who have experienced first hand the custom home building process from beginning to end. I wish you the best in your dream home design endeavors!