Renting is a fine way to live, though it does have some major drawbacks. You can't control the changes the owner makes; you are stuck with the neighbors he picks; and if part of your job is having people over, it is never going to be as convenient as when you own the place. If it is too impractical for you to pay for your own home outright, at least try to put together a down payment.
That will give you a lot more leverage when negotiating with landlords and will also let you move within a month or two instead of within a year. If you are not even sure whether to try to buy a home, or whether it will ever be possible for you, go talk to real estate agents. They want your business.
Even if you decide not to buy from them, they may be able to tell you what the prospects are for your neighborhood for someone in your situation. If you say "can I afford a $500k house?" and they say "yes," then you know that if you save for a few more years, maybe working part-time or knocking yourself out at work so you can raise your income a bit, that within a few years it should be possible for you to buy one where you live now. Before you build your own house though, there are more things you have to consider.
How Big will it Be?
Your home's size must be proportional to your needs and budget. Your architect can assist you, but this is a good place to start.
What Is Your Preferred Number of Floors?
Do you know how much space there is? Some people have a hard time picturing how much space they have.
Prepare Your Budget
What will the cost of your home be? Nobody wants to think about how much it will all cost, but you will need to make a budget. Consult with contractors and your architect, but first and foremost, understand your budget. How much can you really afford to spend on your home?
Consider the Project's Budget
It is not just the construction costs, though that accounts for the majority of them. You have to keep in mind the materials including timber. Try timber cutting service for your timber needs.
Hire the Best Team
Not all architects and contractors are the same. Hire the people you believe you can rely on. Building a home is an important task. Do not cut corners and hire someone less qualified to save a few dollars. You will, without a doubt, get exactly what you pay for. There is always a reason why the lowest bidders are the lowest.
Research Design
Examine houses and interiors to get a sense of what you like and what you do not like. Send this to your architect. Drive around the area and look at the houses, particularly if there are any new ones. Make sure that your selected architect studies the zoning regulations before building your house.