How to Make the Most of the Custom Home Process
Using your time wisely will create less stress, yield better results and most importantly make the design process more fun
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Time can be your ally or your enemy during a construction project. If you’ve got time, use it wisely to study the important design issues and make good decisions. If time is short, it can force bad decisions, which may impact the final product and possibly sour your experience. Give yourself the time to enjoy the journey! Here are some tips if you are considering custom home design.
Understand the process
Design and construction of a custom home can be a long and complex process. It starts with the big picture–location, home size, budget and schedule–which then must navigate multiple levels of public and private regulations to create a unique home that reflects your tastes and personality. Ask your design professional for a roadmap of design phases, required submissions and approvals.
Make decisions and stick to them
The design process evolves from the big picture to successive levels of detail. A linear path is the most efficient. Tackle the tough design decisions up front so you can confidently build on those as the process moves into the details. Second-guessing may be human nature, but your first impulse is usually correct. A trusted process will yield the best results.
Timeliness can save you money
Material availability and lead times continue to be an issue in our industry. Knowing what you want and locking in on items such as finishes and appliances can give you peace of mind, a lower price point, and a more satisfying final product. Procrastinating or flip-flopping on decisions can mean compromises that you may regret later.
Find a team that’s a good fit
Take the time to find the right project team–architect, designers, builder–and determine a realistic project schedule at the outset of the project. This will make the design process more fun (as it should be!), create less stress along the way, and yield better results.
Matt Stais is Principal Architect of Stais Architecture & Interiors in Frisco, Colorado, which specializes in thoughtful, sustainable design for mountain and resort communities. View their profile or contact them at 970.453.0444.
Content for this article provided by Stais Architecture & Interiors
