Creating your dream house, or diving into that home remodel, can be a bumpy process at times. We all know planning can help keep things on track, but how do you plan for something you’ve never done before?
1. Find the Right Professionals
Since a home is one of the biggest investments many of us make, it can pay to bring in expert help, up front. You may have done your homework, gathered photos, know what you like. That isn’t the same as being able to create a design that will get your current space looking as good as the pictures you hold in your hand, or the one you’ve composed in your mind. Finding the right professionals can start with asking friends and even neighbors what their experiences have been with architects, builders, electricians, painters; the list goes on.
If someone in your neighborhood has embarked on a significant remodel, which is happening more often than you might imagine, you can always ask if they were happy with the companies or individuals they worked with. You might be surprised by how eager they are to show off the work that was done, too. Of course, if their experience was not good, you may learn how to avoid some of the pitfalls that can apply.
Very often, an architect can introduce you to other trusted professionals in the building trades.
2. Define Your Goals and Be Specific
In order to partner effectively with your architect, be specific when you discuss your project goals. Don’t be shy. This is the time to provide details about what you want to see at the conclusion of your project. What results are you really looking for? What do want your new space to do for you? The more information your team has, the better equipped they will be to create your vision.
This is where reality often bumps up against dreams. You have specific goals in mind, and your architect faces the restrictions inherent in your particular build site. If you are remodeling, the age and condition of your current structure will come into play, as will the surrounding landscape your house is situated within. If you are focusing on building your dream home, the site, slope of the land, surrounding vegetation, general geography and climate may come into play, coupled with any state or local building codes. If you are building on a steeply sloping lot, is the road above or below your property? If it is below, getting materials up to the site could be more complicated. If you want to remodel an Eichler home in specific neighborhoods in Terra Linda, there are a number of restrictions, including height limits. If what you envision is possible based on those factors, the next thing to consider is how much you want or are capable of spending on this project.
3. Budget Based on Reality and Factor in a Percentage Increase
This is another area where specificity is key. You’ve defined your dreams and desires for this project. Now, your architect will assist you in developing a preliminary budget. Naturally, it is always a good idea to keep your spending abilities in mind during any phase of a design/build project, including the structural design discussions. However, this is the time to face reality and decide what is possible now and what is not, based on sound financial planning.
The pandemic has imposed unexpected costs and shortages of building materials due to supply chain disruptions. The price of lumber skyrocketed in 2021, then went back down, only to go up again when environmental occurrences like fires and flooding affected Canadian suppliers. All this to say that during these extraordinary times, nothing can be taken for granted when a budget is sketched out.
At AplosGroup, once the construction drawings and the preliminary budget are complete, we participate in the bidding process to secure a general contractor. This process does not have to feel daunting when working with professionals who are experienced and familiar with the regulations of various localities.
4. Communicate Often, Ask Questions
Most homeowners are not involved in the day-to-day workings of a design/build project, given the busy lives most are experiencing now. Others may take a more hands-on interest in a project. No matter your level of involvement, staying in close communication with the architect is essential. This is also where AplosGroup can act as your advocate, ensuring that when problems arise, a skilled facilitator can assist with bringing everyone together to problem solve.
Review the plans your architect provides. This is a vital part of the communication process. If you don’t see a design aspect that you asked your architect to include, don’t hesitate to point it out. Part of your responsibility is to review and okay the plans before moving forward.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something or are having trouble visualizing a problem or concept. Also, keep in mind as the project develops, members of your team will probably be very adept at thinking in spatial 3-D solutions and will want to support your efforts to do the same, so you have a shared vision of how the finished project will actually look. Questions help to make that possible.
5. Be Prepared for the Unexpected
This advice is based on the unwavering belief that most projects will face unforeseen issues. Whether it has to do with conditions revealed once a wall is opened, or structural damage that shows up when the foundation is uncovered and additional assistance is required from an engineer, be prepared. Setting aside contingency funds for such unexpected problems will save you from having to delay your project or to cut corners somewhere else.
In working with experienced professionals, an initial inspection of the proposed project property will give your team insights into what issues you may encounter along the way. That is one of the benefits of working with a team familiar with the often unforeseen pitfalls and benefits of any particular project site. However, even a well-oiled team can’t consult a crystal ball to see shoddy structural work done decades earlier that will ultimately impact your teams’ ability to move forward with a project until that shoddy work is corrected.
Careful planning can help create a smoother new build or remodeling project, lessening the stress experienced by you and your team. Follow these five tips and stay flexible. For insights on what to avoid, read this.
This post first ran in 2022.