4Try to limit the depth or width of ancillary rooms in your home to no greater than 16'. This will minimize costs as it becomes increasingly expensive for framing spans of greater length.

4If you weren't planning on a second floor, consider one. It is significantly less expensive to build up than it is to build out.

4Design your home with any improvements you wish to make later in mind. For example, if you are planning on finishing attic space or basement space at a later time, go ahead and plan for the plumbing, mechanical, and electrical - it is very difficult to modify a structure after it has been built.

4Try to consolidate your plumbing needs by putting rooms that need water next to each other. For example, try to have the master bathroom share a wall with the hall bathroom - this will cut your plumbing costs by a third because the two rooms can share one access pipe. You might also consider 'stacking' rooms that need water access buy placing rooms that need water access on the second floor directly above the kitchen or downstairs bathroom.

4Install an ample number of electrical outlets in the home - while it might be a little more costly to begin with, it is drastically less expensive to do it during the construction than it is to install them after the fact.

4It is important to plan for ample storage space in your new home - particularly if you are forgoing a traditional foundation and won't have a basement.

4Window placement can dramatically effect your home - southern and western exposure windows will warm the house during the winter and will overall let more light into your home, but will make it more difficult to cool in the summer. Also, you may want to consider the addition of skylights to brighten room areas.

4It is important to consider traffic flow between rooms - hallways and open entrances should be wide enough that two people can comfortably pass one another. Be careful of cramming things too close together.

4If you are planning on using a central forced air heating/cooling unit, consider the ductwork in your final design. Your heating contractor can help guide you through this process.

4Nooks and crannies are nice, but they can significantly add to the cost of a home. If you must have a breakfast nook, or an out-of-the-way place for your plants, try to limit yourself to one - for each external corner over four you are adding to the cost of your home. Consider bay windows for the same effect.

4Attic space can be used for many things. Bonus rooms, walk-in closets, Storage, Mechanical, etc… Again, try and use all the space from under the roof to below the floor.

4Don’t forget Ceiling fans. Even if you have to create a vaulted or tray ceiling to get the necessary clearance height, the comfort level gained by the benefit of a ceiling fan will out weigh the cost of installation provisions.

4Plan your rooms around your furniture. Locate windows, add windows, nudge walls,  

4Try to create a “dumping” space near your path as you come in from work, or the grocery store. Open cabinets and shelving work wonders to organization of every day items.

4Talk to a home security and automation company. Even if you don’t have it in your budget now, the wiring is less expensive when the walls are framed but not covered.

4Your home will look smaller on paper than it will actually be. To help you conceptualize this space, try using your existing residence as a guide in designing rooms that will fit your needs.