This is the first step in panning your design. There are different house styles that can offer you with different ideas. When you find a home that is appealing to you, determine which features and characteristics are attractive to you. Take note of these features, or you can also take photos. You don't need to decide how to implement those yet, but you will eventually decide on how to best fit them into your design plan.It is best to start with the basics when creating a list of criteria for your custom home design. Firstly, determine the number of bedrooms you need, as well as the number of bathrooms and family areas. You must also decide whether you want an open floor plan, or you want to have a more formal dining and living room area. You must also decide if you want a porch or a deck.