  here are thousands of pre-designed floor plans readily available in the marketplace, but these plans, by their nature, are not site specific. In most cases these homes are plunked down on a lot, oriented only to the street.
DESIGNING WITH THE SUN
When a home is designed to utilize the sun's path, things get more complex because daytime rooms need to be oriented to the sun. Add to that designing outdoor spaces that get the right amount of sun, shade and privacy along with having the correct street orientation and the chance of finding an existing plan that also has the right size, style, number of bedrooms, baths and room relationships creates a staggering number of variables. Good luck finding the perfect plan! You will most certainly have to compromise.
DESIGNING FOR YOUR TOPOGRAPHY + LOCAL CODES
 If your land isn't flat, your foundation will need to be designed to fit the contours of your lot. When you buy an existing plan the foundation will need to be modified to fit your topography as well as any local building codes. Bottom line—there is a discernable difference between a home that is modified to fit and one that has been designed from the beginning to fit your piece of land.
THE BEAUTY OF CADD
 Architecture went through a transformation with the advent of computer aided design and drafting (CADD). Plans can now be drafted in a fraction of the time and detail drawings can easily be used again and again. CADD made it possible to custom design plans more economically. Finally, you don't have to settle for a plan that is "pretty close." You can get only what you want and not pay for anything you don't.
SEEING WHAT YOU'RE GETTING
In our surveys, many people have said they want to see the plan before they choose it for their new home. Their idea of a custom design seems to be that the designer goes behind a curtain and sketches away then POOF a plan is presented that they must like... or they don't. Sounds a little scary, doesn't it!
Fortunately, the reality is quite different. From the first design meeting you are able to see your own plan ideas sketched on paper and then watch as it evolves and takes on detail in response to your input. You are intimately involved from the very beginning and the plan develops in response to your own needs, wants and building budget. Instead of beginning with a completed plan that you must then fit to your building site and lifestyle, you see a fledgling plan designed from the start to fit your land that reflects your own ideas, then watch as it develops and grows. At any time if there is something that doesn't work for you, it can be modified. The end result is quite different from choosing an existing plan.
 It is our solid belief that those who choose to build a home should get a home that really fits them. CADD has changed the game and allows many more people this opportunity. Buying an existing plan appears cheaper initially, but many people will then pay for space they don't really need and end up with a home that only partially fits them. If you're going to go through all of the energy to build, why not get it right from the beginning?
EXCEPTION TO THE RULE
One exception might be with small homes since there aren't as many design variables with a smaller space. We are considering offering a selection of small home plans with simple, workable layouts sometime in the future, if there is ample interest. If this becomes available, would you be interested? Your feedback would be appreciated!
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