How to build a new home?

We started the process by engaging a designer (Mike Kloti) to help us with the plans. The first order of business was communicating what we desired in a new home. Mike put together a document with questions about what we want in a new home and important elements to be included in the spaces. We purposely decided to de-emphasize total size (square feet) and think in terms of function. We did express a few things we wanted to include; a big front porch, two story living, and an “open” first floor plan including a full bath and guest bed. We also included a few things we did not want in a new home; no two story spaces (great rooms), and no giant master bath. Finally we expressed to Mike this “mission statement”…

We would like someone who drives up Cottage Lane to look up at our home and say to themselves “I would like to bring my 5 year old inside that house and read her a book”.