How to Design Your Home in 3D

Dreaming of a custom home built exactly to your specifications and budget? This course empowers you to take control of the home building process, starting with design and budgeting – saving you potentially thousands in architectural fees. This is Part I of a two-part series.

What you'll learn in Part I:

• Unlock Your Creative Potential: Discover a little-known technique architects use to spark innovative design ideas.
• Navigate Regulations: Learn to identify and assess how building codes, zoning ordinances, and neighborhood covenants will impact your home design.
• Room Planning & Budgeting: Master the process of deciding on room layouts and sizes, including a downloadable spreadsheet to list your needs by function and dimensions. We'll provide a guide with room size options to get you started.
• Construction Cost Breakdown: Identify the various costs associated with home construction and pinpoint areas where you have the most control over spending.
• Quality vs. Cost: Understand the different levels of construction quality and how material choices directly affect both cost and the final product.
• Finishes & Costs: Evaluate and make informed decisions about room-by-room finishes and their associated costs. We'll provide an Excel template to help you track these decisions.
• Balancing Quality & Space: Learn to strategically balance desired quality levels and room sizes to achieve an acceptable overall construction price point. Participate in a "war gaming" exercise with your partner to finalize room choices, finish levels, and the overall size and cost of your home.
• Final Space Program & Budget: Develop a comprehensive space program and construction budget ready to present to your architect or utilize in Part II of this course.

In Part II, you'll gain a crash course in 3D design software, transforming your space program into detailed floor plans and exterior views. Build the home you've always envisioned – start here!