I have made a few mistakes and seen plenty with better than 40 years combined experience in working my way up through the ranks of a variety of disciplines to reaching the position of jobsite superintendent. I have spent over the later third of those 40 years wearing a tie around my neck managing design drawings and technical specifications development from A&E firms, the activities and change orders of General and sub contractors, conducted job site inspections for conformity to the approved plans and specs, and OSHA compliance and reviewed a number of claims of various construction and developments of residential, commercial and industrial projects along the west coast, throughout the vast state of Alaska to a few Islands of the South Pacific. Given my credentials, I believe the first thing you should do in preparing to construct a home that is safe and healthy for all those who inhabit for years to come is Diligent Planning!
The information you are requesting requires you providing more of what you envision placing atop the foundation that is to be constructed on what kind of ground, first and foremost. Otherwise you might end up with situations i.e. house becomes unlevel due to poor sub surface conditions or the foundation is showing some rather large cracks due to having to much house on to little foundation. Never underestimate the value of professional direction. And lets not forget about the liability of latent defects, which if injures to people occur, OMG! … Google search and read the stories…
First put together a package of sketches, drawings, pictures and any other information that will present a clearer idea of what you are looking to build and the location/address of where you want it built. Remember to look at the set back requirements from the property line and for any home owner association regulations that may apply too. Then check with your local city, municipality, county or state building safety / authority having jurisdiction in your area. They probably have some reading materials that will provide you some insight of the details and terminology of home building from the ground up. After some reading, you will have a better insight to communicating your plan to respected Builders and / or structural engineers in the area of what you want to accomplish. Your results should save you a lot of time, trouble and money not only in construction costs, but the maintenance cost over the life of the structure.
Thank you for posting your question on Buildzoom, I hope I answered your question and Good luck with your project!