How to Kick Start your New Construction Project
Building a home is a huge undertaking not to be taken lightly. The new build process can often be stressful, costly, and overwhelming….but what if I told you it doesn’t have to be! We have a few steps that we find critical for starting your new construction process off on the right foot. Following the four steps below will set you up for a successful, enjoyable build process, resulting in your thoughtfully designed and expertly executed dream home!
#1 HIRE YOUR DREAM TEAM
First, you'll need to hire three crucial team members right at the start! In no particular order...
ARCHITECT
The Architect's role starts at the very beginning of your new build process with architectural plan development. The plan development process can take anywhere from 2-6 months, depending on how much customization is involved. .
CONTRACTOR
You're about to enter into a long-term relationship with your Contractor, so choose wisely! The Contractor's job begins even before you're ready to break ground. It's important to have your Contractor involved in the architectural planning phase so that your new build home is thoughtfully designed based on various parameters like your budget, lot, and style preferences.
DESIGNER
We recommend hiring the interior designer for your project at the onset of your planning phase, as well. As designers, we work closely with your builder and architect to make sure the vision for your home is achieved through the architectural plans, finish and fixture selections, and furnishings, alike. Designers work very closely with your Contractor and their subs throughout the build process to implement the design of your home and ensure every last detail is considered, helping you avoid costly mistakes and oversights.
Each of these specialty trades has experience working with the others, so any individual would be a great resource for helping you establish the rest of your build team. For example, if you have a Contractor in mind but don't know where to start researching an Architect or Designer, ask your Contractor for references. I'll bet they've worked with a number of amazing Architects and Designers, and can speak to their style, service, and expertise.
#2 SET A REALISTIC BUDGET
The budget for a new construction project can be confusing. Many who have built a new home find it difficult to stay on budget and are constantly frustrated by overages or compromises having to be made. When the Contractor is bidding your project, it is crucial to set allowances that reflect the type of home you aim to build and the types of products you would like to use. Some allowances will be beyond your control as a homeowner, like the cost of lumbar or labor. Others, such as countertops, cabinetry, door hardware, and decorative lighting, are dependent on the types of selections you make. Your Designer and Contractor can help translate your inspiration images and vision for your home into a realistic budget. As part of our 9-step design process here at Rachael Bell Interior Design, we refine finish and fixture selections before the bidding process to ensure your budget is as accurate as possible. Our goal is to reduce any surprises throughout your project, especially where the budget is concerned!
#3 GATHER INSPIRATION IMAGES & REFINE YOUR VISION
You've been daydreaming and pinning and tearing pages from magazines. It's time to share that vision with your team so they can execute your dream home! Organizing your inspiration images in one convenient place like Pinterest or a shared folder will make it easier to deliver to all team members. Spend some time organizing your thoughts around the images or details that you're sharing with your team. That way you can clearly articulate why you're drawn to particular images, what your style preferences are, and ultimately what you envision for your new home.
#4 MAKE A BUCKET LIST
Lastly, make a comprehensive bucket list of things you hope to achieve in your new build home. Rank the items on your list as "must have" or "would be nice". Some things that this list might include are:
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
Additional social spaces like game rooms, screened porches, bunk rooms, etc.
Special features of bathrooms, such as tubs, showers, steam rooms, saunas, etc.
Desired appliances for kitchens, wet bars and butlers pantries
Unique details like vaulted ceilings, double islands, reading nooks, etc.
So much more!
If you're currently dreaming up your new build home, we would love nothing more than to make the process fun, stress-free and highly successful! Follow the link below to learn more about our New Construction services and schedule a call with Rachael today!
