Do you really and truly want a small home? Over the years of helping people with their small home designs I've noticed one thing. Small house plans grow. "Oh, but I want this, too!" Yep, I've heard it over and over. It can takes real discipline to keep that evolving house plan small. And working with an architect is not necessarily a solution! Architects are often eager to design in that pantry, laundry, extra room or whatever else you suddenly feel you just have to have! What Do You Really Want in a Home? You love the advantages of a small home design, right? The idea of saving money while building, saving energy year after year, and the convenience of keeping that small home neat and tidy are appealing benefits. But, what are you willing to give up? You simply can't have the same number of rooms or the same size rooms, or all the same features you're accustomed to in that larger home. Something has to give. What do you really want in your home and what are your priorities? It comes down to, what's a must, and what can go? That Small House Plan Can Still Work Once you figure your priorities and settle on what's important and what isn't, a good designer can work wonders. But, you have to guard against getting "big eyes" and stick to your guns. And, don't give the architect free reign. If you know what you want, with clever design and a combination of functions in the home, you don't have to do without. But, it may not be easy.
The Home Building Coach to the Rescue I recommend getting yourself a home building coach. Industry professionals often hire themselves out as a go between ... between you and your other building professionals like contractors, architects, lenders, engineers, etc. This person can be especially valuable in helping you devise your strategy concerning the design of your home. No, the coach won't likely design your home, unless he or she happens to be your architect, but they'll definitely be able to help you refine your goals and translate them into practical approaches to help design your perfect small house design. Get Those Benefits You're After With the home building coach by your side, you'll have the support to stick to your guns and create something that stays small, offers all the advantages of the home you want, and provides style and beauty at the same time.