fibbi

A reliable contractor is a must! Otherwise lots of headache afterwards...

The contractor probably has connection with some drafting personnel, you may buy ready-made "drawing" or draw from scratch. Of course it costs more to draw from scratch la.
I think it takes about 7-10 months for building a house. Better to start the process in early spring (apply permit, get the drawing done) then start building in summer that would be the best.

Besides getting permit may delay the prccess, some building material (like tile, granite, wallpaper etc..) if you want special one it takes long time to order...

fibbi

My house was also custom built about 10 years ago. To be honest with you I wouldn't choose to do the same thing again (even if I have the $). You may think it's fun to customize the house but when it comes to the final decision, everything has to "match" (at least the colour scheme) and it's so much "headache". Just think of interior design from scratch. From the type of window, the molding, to small things like door knot! Yes the contractor will give you his recommendation but you are the one to make final decision. It's not an easy process.