Have Your Space Just As You Dreamed

Examine the innermost parts of your imagination for a moment, and place yourself standing within the walls of your newly built home. You stand there, seeing it exactly as you had pictured it before the blueprints were even made; every single thing is right. The windows, flooring, cabinets, color-schemes, etc., all of it is exactly as it should be.

Now, let me snap you back into harsh reality. This is not the likely scenario for most people. The truth of the matter is you will likely find little things like missing trim or a crooked window pane, to bigger things like wondering why that change you made cost so much more than expected. You will most likely find yourself pondering why you didn’t hire another contractor to finish your desired outcome.

Obviously, there are things that are impossible to plan. That being said, there are many things that are in your control. Expensive changes can be curbed if you comprehend exactly what you’re building before the construction begins. By adequately grasping construction procedures, inserting yourself directly into the “team,” and keeping an unrelenting grasp on the budget you set, you can absolutely acquire the exact dream-home you’ve been picturing your entire life

Below are some steps you can take to ensure things go smoothly:


1. Don’t Cut Corners

Most of us are entirely too caught up in our hectic lives to find time to investigate every bit of material planned for a construction project. Be sure to use a competent professional who already knows the details. This will be sure to save you much time and frustration.

Architects are trained for much more than merely a beautiful outcome. They are trained to scientifically think up and measure out thermal envelopes and building systems, and then expertly mesh all materials and processes together. They are experts, and can meticulously bring together all details, small and large, to fit the client’s needs and desires.

2. Be a Part of YOUR Team

Doing all the planning yourself, or simply leaving it all to a professional to do, are both bad ideas. It simply must be a team effort to be successful. A licensed architect will help you understand what your role is in the process and where you stand. You will never go wrong by actively participating in the process and staying in the loop of decision-making throughout the duration of the construction project.

3. Stay Clear about Your Goals and Revisit Them Often

It is important for you and your construction team to keep a list of your goals so that when challenges come, everyone has a point of reference to the end-result desired. This will save you a tremendous amount of aggravation in the long-run.


4. Decide on Your Budget and Add a Safety Cushion

It is wise to add at least 10% to your ideal budget for those odds and inns that inevitably will happen on any project. Without doing this, you will be caught off guard and find yourself short of the money needed to cover the unexpected. Along these same lines, be sure to have contingency plans should you not be able to move into a site on the date expected. Have some money set aside to cover those expenses as well.


5. Be Flexible and Patient

Your team will be putting tremendous thought and time into your construction plans, and figuring out how to suit it just right to meet your goals. Be aware that it takes time to work out all the details to have a job done right and having an outcome “quick” will more than likely give you a result that, although fits your time line, will likely not be done correctly.


6. Think of Implications Ahead of Time

Make sure the space you want changed is worth spending more money by using a professional. Although it is more expensive than doing it yourself, you will be happy spending many years in a new space built with a sturdiness obtained only by professionals.



7. Keep the Lines of Communication Open

There should be communication at least weekly to address concerns, whether they are on your part or that of other members of your construction team. This should start from day one until the last day. Be sure to get any changes discussed and agreed upon in writing to keep everyone accountable and like-minded.