Architectural Designs

Could I get some details about designing my own custom home?

Please note, designing my own house, everything I want, this is all theoretical. Alright, listen. First, don't tell me "YOU are NUTS, that is WAY expensive." I already know that. I'm pretty young right now, but I've always wanted to grow up to be an architect and interior designer, and I've already proven to be good at it, but 15 - 20 years in the future I hope I can have my own custom house, which has been my dream. I know it will cost a LOT of money, but remember, this is all theoretical. I want a 3600 sq ft house, and it'll maybe cost around $150 - $200 per square foot. Doing the math, it can range from $540,000 to $720,000. Then I need to take into consideration the costs of things like appliances, furniture, all the good stuff I'd want in my backyard, yeah yeah. I want it to be in a location not in a neighborhood or anything, but on an open land that is not too far from a town in Metro Detroit. Dunno how much location would cost, or the land, or the furniture (There's gonna be tons of that) or getting electricity, water, sewer system etc. in, and I need to know the total cost, so I can make a good estimate of how much money I'll want in the long run - my plan is to work for X amount of years until I can afford to have my own dream house, then continue working until retirement. So, I need to make an accurate guestimation of how much I'll need to save up before making that dream come true, and I know it'll take years and over a million dollars and all, but remember, theory, not realistic, so go nuts. Any ideas? I want to know costs for specific things, too, mainly things I wouldn't know about. Adding in, it doesn't matter, I wanted to know about what I asked, not about that. And if you think 3600 sq ft is small then you are snobby and rich.

Public Comments

1. I just got done with a 3 year project much like your goal. It is a TON of work and a ton of money. We did a 6200 sqft house and to save money we did our own painting and wiring. It took me 10 months alone to do the wiring: electric/intercom/central stereo/CCTV/LAN/TEL/CATV. Some of the questions you have about the cost of electric, water, sewer, etc., can be gotten from calls to the local utility and contractors that do that kind of work. Because you are so far ahead of when you are going to actually do your project, you will only get rough estimates from these organizations and that is the best you are going to get. You are good to plan ahead like you are, but it is going to be hard to drill down too tight on costs if you don't have house plans when you go for estimates.
2. Thats not expensive at all and 3600sqft? Thats tiny! Well anyways idk what kind of materials furniture and appliences you are gonna buy! Are you buying a sub zero or some crappy wallmart refrg. Be more specific. Oh and a custom home is acctually a lot more expensive then 1m, my nabor just got his custom made (with top end materials appliances and furniture) it was 8mill in the long run and he says he regrets doing it cause he could have gotten a nicer house at the same price
3. At today's prices for new, custom homes. $200.00 per square foot is way too low. For right now, get your architectural education. A million bucks for ANY new home now is a fair price. (depending on location.)