Whether you've always dreamed of building your own home, or can't find the right house from among the dozens you've toured, this collection of ultimate plans can help you achieve the home of your dreams. You could have an architect create a one-of-a-kind home for you, but the design services alone could end up costing up to 15 percent of the cost of construction - a hefty premium for any building project. The Ultimate Book of Home Plans allows you to select from 730 of the most popular designs from the country's top architects and designers, for a fraction of the cost. More than 550 gorgeous, full-color photographs and 1,600 illustrations allow you to experience homes actually built from the designs, plus some interiors. Virtually every home style is offered, including farmhouses, country cottages, contemporaries, luxury estates, vacation retreats, and regional specialties. Get practical tips and advice on everything from selecting a site and hiring a contractor to adding finishing touches like trimwork and landscaping. Once you've selected your dream home, you can obtain easily customizable construction blueprints, cost estimates, materials lists, and CAD files.