@MrPlumbob you could ask EA,_Cade to close this discussion and start a new one. Those who have already posted could simply copy their response to the new thread.
I can't build from scratch to save my life. I also have no desire to build as it takes away time from my live mode gameplay.
I also only play one family so I'm not too concerned about homes for their friends and relatives. For some those homes I usually download new lots after a pack release. That way I get to enjoy all the new stuff when my sim family visits.
I also download all of my community lots. Sometimes I tweak them but mostly use as is.