You may want to integrate these elements into your final design, side by side with the sketch plans you have already developed. The first step is analysis. Pick two or three of your sketches that come as close as possible to your ideal home. Next, make a list of positives, must keep features and why for each plan. Make a similar list of negatives, must change elements and the whys.

Now make tracings. Now you are going backwards to the sketch approach, using tracing paper sketch the plan which comes closest, leaving out the must change and non-issue elements (items which can move or change). Now try and insert those unique elements that you must have. Don’t worry about conflicts or overlaps, get it as close as you can. Remember, it is still a sketch.

Now, test the design.

The final step is to create your exterior elevations. Know that you can modify the look substantially by inserting two or three unique design elements. The most successful approach to modifying roof lines or the massing of the house is to change locations or configuration of the second floor layout.

Finally, analyze your plan for construction complexity, verify square footage, verify room sizes, match up against your checklist.