The Federal government is toying with a new Federal mandate that could dramatically affect the cost of a new home. Mandating energy efficiency standards within Model Energy codes across the country does not account for regional conditions and could have a deleterious affect on the economies of local communities.

See the article:

Coming Changes To the Model Energy Codes

As you begin to design your home, you need to think about it abstractly. How many people will live there in the time you own the home, how many baths, how many bedrooms will you need? These are all questions that you need to think long term about. If you do not, you may design a home you may grow out of before you intended.

See the article "Floorplan Programming":

Start planning your floorplan by using a bubble diagram to relate the importance and location of the spaces your family needs in your new home.

See the Article "Bubble Diagrams":

What are the the factors to consider when you are selecting a building site. Understant those factors that make Location, Location, Location, not the only thing you must consider.

See the Article Selecting a Lot.