“How do we get started?”
Constructing a home can be an overwhelming undertaking. With so many aspects to consider, it’s imperative to create a plan and formulate feasible expectations to ensure a smooth experience. The best approach when preparing to build the home of your dreams is to look at the process like an upside triangle, start broad and refine.
Initiate your search
Step one may seem obvious however it is not uncommon for many people to put the cart before the horse, location! Where you decide to live is a much more advanced and intricate process than it may seem to be. Starting from the broad end of the spectrum, research high-level characteristics like what towns have the best schools and most resilient property values. Then begin narrowing down your ideal neighborhood by zoning, property sizes, proximity to city centers, major transportation, and other sector overviews. Upon identifying a fairly refined location, look into property characteristics; access to utilities, topography, environmental encumbrances, etc. These are all critical aspects of review that can either impact your quality of life, end valuation or add onto your budget expenses.
Form your concept
The next steps entail defining your vision. No need to get down to the color of paint or tile material just yet, rather the broad concept of your end goal. This relates to what style home you are looking for, whether it be a traditional brick colonial, a transitional shingle cape cod, or a sleek modern style. As you are working on the look of the exterior, begin considering the overall square footage, internal layout, bedrooms/bathrooms and general flow as well.
Choose your team
Upon consolidating the preliminary criteria for the first two sections of the inverted pyramid, the last step is to create your team. Most people will start with identifying an architect or engineer to start establishing a realistic concept. While this is a common and productive method, time management and concise planning is always key in construction. Why fish with a rod when you can catch with a net. Established developers usually are well equipped with a full team of architects, engineers, surveyors, designers and attorneys, making them a one stop shop for all your planning needs consolidated into one contact. Aside from bridging the parties together, bringing on a potential builder early on has many benefits. Early engagement allows a trusting relationship to gradually form before commitments or time pressures arise. In the event there is good chemistry, they will be able to guide you through a plethora of aspects to take into consideration you likely were not privy to. We conducted an interview with a seasoned local builder, KOSL Building, who have constructed more than 200 homes over several decades. They noted how some overlooked mistakes due to relying on a single party can often be detrimental to a successful project. Further explaining how “It can be a variety of mishaps. A client could have been misadvised when purchasing the property with respect to the size they can build which may be hindered by zoning, setbacks, coverage, FAR, wetlands, etc. We have seen property owners shocked to learn that the acre plus property they purchased is either encumbered by environmental constraints, unfavorable elevations, or any other myriad of reasons that would impact its potential or budget if not both.” Elaborating that “We always prefer to be engaged as early as possible to initiate a relationship built on transparent planning from start to finish. It also permits us to help come up with creative mitigation strategies during the planning phase, ensuring smooth sailing upon commencing construction.” Clearly, it is evident that retaining a credible consultant who has your best interest in mind is the most efficient route to take.
Choose your team
Buying or building a home is one of the largest financial and personal investments most people ever make. Adequate preparation is the only way to safeguard against detrimental debacles. The best way to do so is by establishing the right team to create your blueprint in a realistic manner.
Do you have any advice on creating a blueprint to reality? Comment below!
