If you are thinking of designing your own home, here are some tips to consider:

1) Showers should be made wider than in previous years. This is because more people weigh more than they used to be.

2) Radiant heat is healthier than the normal forced air heat found in all new homes today. Radiant heat will increase the value of your home and is best installed when the home is built.

3) Make sure to place the laundry room on the same floor as all the bedrooms. Many houses have the laundry room on the main floor and the bedrooms on the upper floor. Who wants to have to carry all their clothes up and down the stairs all the time?

4) If you must have the laundry room on the ground floor and the bedrooms on the top, you might consider installing a laundry chute.

5) This is your chance to have all of your integrated speakers installed exactly where you want them. You can also think about soundproofing some rooms or the whole house.

6) Do you like wine and want a winery? This is your chance to build one just the way you want it.

7) A large entryway is always pleasant and sets the tone for your new home. Make sure your entrance is large enough to have a good coat closet and space to receive visitors.

8) Designing your own home gives you the opportunity to place higher ceilings. Rooms look and feel larger with higher ceilings and this should always be done if possible.

9) Many new homes now have garages that are not wide enough for SUVs. When designing your own home, you can ensure that this does not happen. Also make sure your driveway is wide enough to accommodate any vehicles you may have.

10) By planning in advance where you want all your furniture and electrical appliances to go, you will be able to ensure the correct number and location of all electrical outlets. Many times when you move to a new home, you will find that the light switches and sockets are not in the places you would like.

11) Be sure to install new CAT5 cabling throughout your home for your computers. All new homes must come with the latest technology or you may have to lower the price when you go to sell the home.

12) Put two sinks in the kitchen instead of one. This is one of the benefits of doing your own home design – you can add a sink like this that would never come in a normal home built by a company builder.