Well said! I have to add this too: Architects don't just design pretty houses or draft plans. We are professional consultants who offer a variety of consultation services in many forms ranging from occasional hourly consults to regular on-site observation and management of construction contracts. Just because you have a stock plan and are on a budget does not mean you don't need an Architect. In fact, the cost over-runs that can occur due to the *lack* of an Architect consultant on your stock plan building project can cost you significantly more than what was "saved" on the Architect's consulting fee or even the costs "savings" for having foregone an Architect's custom design on the plans. And if you are contracting it yourself, the value of an experienced consulting Architect is immeasurable. Architects are not expensive designers. We are primarily thinkers, planners and puzzle solvers, and when it comes to building we are experienced ones!

Pictures might be useful. You also might take a look at these guys (haven't used them, but looked at their website when I was considering some of the same issues - so, this isn't a recommendation, just a suggestion of what you might want to investigate) http://homeofficemadeeasy.com.au

Hi Deanne, When you say you are doing the kitchen, does that mean you have to do the planning (design) and specifying of it also? I would have thought Storybook supplied a home with the (kitchen) plans included? If not, your builder will be able to guide you, however here are a couple of tips... 1. Choose your appliances early AND STICK WITH THEM. Often individual appliances have specific needs outside of standard eg power requirement (over 10amps), rangehood ducting direction and type, clearances to overhead cupboards, water to fridge etc. 2. Using the appliances, work out the layout (design) of the kitchen and where you want the cooking, cleaning, fridge etc. From there you need to work out power point locations for all appliances (many people forget the microwave) plus the everyday items like phone chargers, toaster, kettle etc. 3. Go to kitchen display showrooms such as Laminex. They have completed kitchens on display where you can understand the difference between a waterfall end (benchtop style), a shaker profile door (Hampton's style cabinet front) and play around with colours and finishes. 4. Put it all together in detail and you have created a specification! Re finding a builder, I agree with the above. Get a couple of names from Storybook as you don't need beginner mistakes, and go with the builder you guys are COMFORTABLE with. Price is only part of the journey. Good luck with the build.

A custom design and build will generally be more expensive than a project home of a similar speciifcation. If you are happy to make a few compromises the cheapest approach would be to find a project builder with a standard plan that matches your requirements as close as possible. Remember that most project builders can flip an entire plan from left hand to right hand, but most will not want to make significant alterations and redesign of their standard plans. It all comes down to your budget and what compromises you are prepared to make (or not make). Also you should be aware about the copyright that exists in all project and custom design house plans. It is illegal to take a plan from one builder, make a few changes, and ask another builder to construct it. https://undercoverarchitect.com/can-you-use-a-floorplan-you-find-online/ When you engage a professional to design your home from scratch (without reference to builder's copyrighted plans) you can get exactly what you want, and arrange competitive quotes between builders. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls