This is one of the major reasons people want to build their own home. You get to specify all sorts of aspects of your home, not least its external appearance.

There is one point that you ought to consider though, when looking for a plot of land. That is if you are intending to build a high-tech property you may have considerable difficulty if you purchase a plot between two thatched cottages, or a house between two bungalows!

Planners can sometimes be very difficult to work with if the site is sensitive. If this is the case then go and discuss with the planners their initial requirements for the plot and sometimes it can be particularly useful to use a Designer or Architect who is local and knows many of the planners and how best to meet local needs.

Other than that, you should be able to instruct any designer and have almost any design that you wish to have, within your budget!

Remember the house should always fulfill your needs. Do ensure that you are 100% happy with the design and layout. Otherwise you defeat the object of self building. Do not let other people force their ideas upon you. It will be your home not theirs.