5 Things to Know Before Building a Home
Introduction
This week we discuss 5 things clients should know before starting a new home or remodel project: 1. Start by starting 2. Determine why you are doing the project 3. Do not rely on luck for success 4. Be efficient without shortcutting the process 5. Communicate with your partner.
Start By Starting
Some clients attempt to initiate the design process without committing to an architect. The thought is that by engaging with multiple architects casually the client will be able to make design decisions before hiring an architect, thereby shortcutting/expediting the design process. However, this approach is often counterproductive and inefficient, mainly due to the iterative nature of designing a custom home.
Designing a custom home is an iterative journey involving constant refinements, adjustments, and creative developments in response to evolving ideas and client feedback. The reality is that to know what the design should include, design work needs to be done. Trying to make firm decisions without this process often results in disjointed and ineffective design concepts. There are dozens of aspects of every decision made in a project that we consider ranging from not just the aesthetic appeal but also the practical, structural, and contextual aspects.
Having specific ideas is not inherently a bad thing, however, attempting to solidify design decisions before consulting with us might unintentionally narrow down the full spectrum of possibilities for your home. The first design presentation we make often introduces critical yet constructive disruptions to the ideas clients have. Therefore, a better approach is to think of us as a close collaborator who will help you generate and refine your ideas.
Hesitation to start a project is natural, but just know that no significant design progress can be made before we start work. As a solution to this issue, we offer new clients Project Starter Services. These are our short-term, fixed-fee, low-commitment feasibility and concept design services.
“Think of us as a close collaborator who will help you generate and refine your ideas.”
2. Determine the Purpose of Your Project
The clearer your understanding of why you're undertaking the project, the smoother and more successful it will be. This aspect is more crucial than specifying design details like windows or materials. It involves delving into personal aspects, such as how long you plan to reside in the house. Questions like, "What do you want to achieve with this project?" and "What are your goals upon completion?" help align the project with your unique needs.
Motivations for a project can vary widely—from seeking a return on investment for property development to creating a relaxing vacation home or establishing a long-term family residence. Many clients tend to focus on tangible aspects like doors and windows, overlooking the deeper motivations behind the project. It's essential to lay the conceptual foundation by addressing questions that connect the project intimately with your aspirations. Questions about raising children, envisioning family dynamics, and reflecting on long-term plans shape the project's direction. While these are personal questions, they are integral to crafting a home that resonates with your lifestyle.
“The clearer your understanding of why you’re undertaking the project, the smoother and more successful it will be. ”
A helpful analogy is viewing your us as a travel agent planning a trip. Much like a travel agent tailors the journey based on your goals, an architect tailors the design according to your project's purpose. Knowing the driving force behind your project is like having a compass, guiding the design process towards a meaningful outcome.
The process also entails self-reflection. Clients benefit from understanding themselves, their current life stage, and the future they envision. While this may seem like a substantial responsibility, we equally must extract this information from clients. Through a meticulous process that includes questionnaires and ongoing dialogue, we ensure efficient communication and, consequently, a more streamlined design process.
3. Do Not Leave Things to Luck
Many clients, especially when experiencing project fatigue, may be tempted to rely on luck during various project stages—be it in design, permitting, construction documents, or the construction phase itself. This risky mindset often leads to decisions like choosing a paint color without conducting a mockup and relying solely on a tiny sample. While the notion of "rolling the dice" and hoping for everything to work out can be enticing, it's a gamble that typically results in problems.
The alternative approach is to prioritize unwavering thoroughness throughout every project phase. Though maintaining rigorous attention to detail might seem challenging, this is precisely where professionals shine.
4. Embrace the Process
Attempting to shortcut or hack the construction process is a common pitfall that many clients, often accustomed to success in their own industries, may fall into. However, the construction realm is a unique and intricate web of processes with its own set of complexities. Disregarding established procedures can lead to unforeseen challenges and compromised outcomes.
Over time, the construction industry has developed a set of best practices derived from collective wisdom and lessons learned from both successes and failures. These practices are not arbitrary but represent a distilled knowledge base that ensures successful outcomes. Attempting to shortcut the process risks overlooking these proven methods, potentially leading to suboptimal results.
“There are no shortcuts to design and construction. ”
Design and construction can be likened to navigating a field of landmines, with problems waiting to happen at every turn. Success in this realm involves thorough research to identify potential pitfalls and confidently navigate through them. Every misstep can trigger a problem, either immediately or months down the line, and the key is to be consistently prepared to avoid problems.
There are no shortcuts to design and construction. Efficiency is achieved by being steadfast, organized, and embracing the proven methods that have stood the test of time.
5. Communicate With Your Partner
Effective communication is essential in a construction project as it ensures that both partners share the same overarching vision for their home, guiding design decisions, budget allocations, and the project's trajectory. This open dialogue also aids in managing expectations, aligning priorities, and preventing conflicts throughout the construction process. Some clients think they can get through a project without having open communication with their partner. This never works.
“The time investment early on pays dividends by avoiding unnecessary revisions and ensuring decisions align with both partners’ perspectives.”
Open discussions about financial decisions prevent misunderstandings and enable both partners to actively participate in managing the project's financial aspects. Active participation in key meetings, especially those involving design decisions, is a necessity in our office. Skipping these discussions can lead to inefficiencies and a lack of clarity, hindering project progress. The time investment early on pays dividends by avoiding unnecessary revisions and ensuring decisions align with both partners' perspectives.
Ultimately, a construction project is more than physical structures; it's about creating a home. Open communication fosters an environment where partners contribute to the emotional and functional aspects of the home, reflecting the shared identity and values of the couple.