Whether you’re a miniature novice selecting a first project or an avid collector choosing your next endeavor, your choice of dollhouse kit involves several points of consideration: price, labor, scope, size and scale and style.

Price
The brand, size, quality, intricacy and comprehensiveness of a kit all figure into a kit’s cost.  Though kits for larger houses are often more expensive, a smaller kit of a more prestigious brand or more intricate and ornate design might be more costly.  Also, some kits use higher grade materials or include elements like roof shingles, while others do not. 

The expense of a project is, of course, extends beyond the price of the dollhouse kit itself.  Many collectors will happily confess that their love of furnishings, accessories and customized embellishment contribute much more to the cost of their project.  For many, the joy of miniature design lies not simply in the challenge of the house’s general construction but the personalization and beautification of their house.  Browse the selections for furnishings and accessories to develop a tentative budget for that part of your project’s cost.  This estimate will help you determine what price range you should consider for your kit. 

Labor
Some collectors revel in constructing every detail of their miniature project, whereas others prefer to purchase a partially or fully constructed structure in order to concentrate their efforts on furnishing their houses.  You can expect to pay more for the constructed kits and structures, but they may be the perfect choice for your interests.

Scope
Your options extend beyond the single dollhouse scene.  Are you interested in designing a house with gardens or a full village?  Or would you prefer to focus your attention and resources on a perfectly crafted room box or miniature outdoor setting? 

Size (and Scale)
In determining the right size for your kit, consider where you intend to display your project.  If space is limited, you might consider a smaller cottage or a room box instead of a large Victorian.  Also, the scale of your dollhouse will impact not only the display options but the availability of furniture and accessories.  One inch scale, also called the 1/12 scale, is the American collector’s standard, and you will find the most options for furnishing your project with this scale.  However, smaller scale houses (1/2 or 1/4) are becoming increasingly popular as are their decorative accompaniments.   

Style
You have a very extensive set of choices in terms of architectural styles available for your dollhouse project.  Some of the more common include; Victorian, Tudor, Georgian, Williamsburg, Bostonian, Adirondack, cottage, cabin, chalet, townhouse, farmhouse, and contemporary ranch.  Your best bet is to browse the selection of styles to get a sense of what appeals to you.  Read up on the styles and research what furnishings and accessories complement each particular style of house.  Whether you select a stately colonial, an ornate Victorian or a quaint cottage, enjoy working with the design of your house.