Don't hire a contractor! (Hire an architect instead.)
You want to design a house for your new property. It seems like the most logical route to take would be to start talking to contractors, right? You do all the research, see what local builders you like, who has a similar style to yours, who seems the most easy to work with, all the things you would do before hiring any professional.
Finally, you sign a contract with Builder Bob. Your builder hires an architect, let's say, Affordable Architects LLC, a firm that Builder Bob works with on a regular basis, because they have low fees and don't ask a lot of questions. Your house design is complete, and you've approved your layout, but are left wondering if there may have been a better option. You don't feel like you had as much say as you wanted since Affordable Architects are working for Builder Bob, and not you. Builder Bob gives you a price for your house, and you are left wondering if someone else could build the same house for less. Is he using the best materials for this job? Are you getting what your paid for? Or does he know you are locked in, since you signed a contract?
Lets look at this scenario if you had hired an architect from the beginning: You go through the same process, do your research, find an architect with similar taste in style. You interview them to find out how the process goes, and before signing a contract, you get a sample of what your project would be like. You learn about the process, and you know exactly what to expect. You will be charged on a % of the total construction budget, not some fixed number with no real basis on reality. You get to work hand in hand with us to determine what you want, because after all, we work for you, and have no one else's interest in mind.
Fast Forward a few months, it's time to move into construction. An architect will help you find builders to consider and work with you to find the best match for your design, your home. We can sort through the bids with you, and determine which are fair, and which are unreasonable. And it turns out that Builder Bob is just not the right fit after all!