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You can draw your own house plans using three-dimensional modeling software, but in most cases, you’ll need an architect to draw up the final plans. Architects understand local building regulations and requirements, so their plans will be necessary for getting permits approved, and they’ll also ensure your home is structurally sound. DIY house plans can be a good place to start to help visualize your project, but you should always defer to a professional before trying to proceed with the project.

It is technically possible to draw your own blueprints, but the process is extremely involved and really demands help from an expert. A professional architect has an understanding of design elements, interior design, the functionality of different rooms in a home, and how everything from furniture, outlets, and light switches should be laid out to serve you and your family best. Hiring an architect for blueprints can get expensive, but it’s the most responsible way to begin a new construction project. If you’re keen on DIYing, you could consider starting the process and then having a professional take over.

British architect John Nash is credited with creating the Italianate style of architecture. The style was further popularized in the U.S. by landscape architect Andrew Jackson Downing and architect Calvert Vaux. The style spread across the U.S. due to Downing’s popular book on the style and the availability of plans and materials due to the mass production of the Industrial Revolution.

The average build timeline for a home is between six and 12 months, with timelines pushing toward the upper end of that range if you’re creating a custom design or need a lot of land preparation before getting started. Hiring a general contractor or a custom homebuilder will help speed up the process, as you’ll see fewer delays between different parts of the build process getting done.