Creating a home is a journey that should be enjoyable. It’s a time where you figure out what you want in a home, how you want to live as well as where. Your home is more than just the sum of its parts (i.e. 3 bed, 2.5 bath), it’s a place where you will gather with family and friends, work, eat and live. It can be one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime.
Here are our tips to make your journey smooth, exciting and memorable.
1. Establish a Budget
Setting a budget is very important and it should be one of the first things you do before designing begins. Your budget should include everything that will go into the project: land costs, local taxes and fees, architect and engineering fees, construction costs as well as landscaping and home furnishings. We also suggest having a contingency fund, because with any large project things can happen and you want to be sure it doesn’t halt your project on the spot.
2. Plan Ahead
As with any journey, planning ahead is always a good idea. Prior to designing your home, a site survey is required of the property. This ensures we are placing the home correctly and in the most ideal position on the lot. Building near the water? Knowing if you are in a flood zone is important because it requires a different kind of construction in order to keep your home safe from rising flood waters. Understanding your site prior to building a home is key.
3. Assemble a Team
An architect and a contractor are going to be the most important team members you have. As the architect we work with you to create the home of your dreams while advocating for your best interests all the way through to the end of construction. The contractor you choose makes our plans come to life and will be a very integral member of your life for 9 months to a year building your new home.
Designing and building a new home should be an enjoyable, exciting journey. It’s a journey that requires the right team to help you create the home of your dreams.
Ready to design your new home? Let’s get started!
(401) 560-0850
www.LisaCarlisleArchitect.com