More top tips on building your dream home from those that have done it before
We had great feedback on our last blog outlining ‘the things we wish we had known before we started’ from a few of our favourite clients. So, we asked a few more to bring you more great tips and help you prepare for your next building project.
Nothing beats the real experience of others in helping you prepare and stay one step ahead.
[if !supportLists]1. [endif]Be sure to communicate!
From the very first meeting through to the very last, keep the lines of communication open and be clear about your expectations and desires. As one client said, ‘communicate like you have never communicated before!’
Make no assumptions on what you think the other side has understood. If you have expectations, lay them out on the table. Same with any design ideas, wants, needs. Ask your builder, architect, designer what they need from you to do their job efficiently and effectively.
To that point, make sure when choosing your architect, designer, project manager and builder team that they are people that you feel comfortable communicating with. You will be spending a lot of time with them as your project unfolds.
[if !supportLists]2. [endif]Go over the contract with a fine toothcomb
Make sure you understand every item, abbreviation, jargon and how it affects you. If you don’t understand, ask! Your dream team should be prepared to explain anything and everything until you feel comfortable.
Look for inclusion and exclusions – in particular, variations and deviations from the contract and design. Make sure you understand the implications of any changes you or your architect or designer make along the way. But remember, it’s much easier to change or fix stuff in progress than it is after the project has finished, so don’t be shy in calling a variation as needed.
[if !supportLists]3. [endif]Focus on getting the big stuff right
If budget is tight, and you need to make choices on things to cut, think of the stuff that is easier/cheaper to improve later vs the stuff that gets really expensive – for example, prioritise the kitchen/bathroom fittings over garden landscaping.
[if !supportLists]4. [endif]Where you can, give yourself some flexibility
Until you move into your home and add your furniture, it’s difficult to really imagine how everything will be used. If you can create some flexibility in terms of power points, lighting and wired communications, you will appreciate it later.
[if !supportLists]5. [endif]You can never have enough storage!
Regardless of what you think you need now, it always pays to add a little extra if you can. This is one thing we hear from clients again and again. As you grow into your new home, and potentially your family grows too, you will never regret adding extra storage.
Check out our other blog post for more helpful tips on how to prepare for your new home build from some of Harmony Build’s previous clients.
