Just A Little Story……….

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by a lady through social media who was interested in having a
custom house designed. She then asked to browse through some of my previous plans, but, I wanted to know more about what she was looking for.  I began asking a few questions to get a general idea of what this project would entail. Before I could get a word in, I was hit with pictures of houses she found on the internet and asked if I could do something similar. It seemed simple, a bunch of modern styled bungalows; so
I asked her the following:

• How big would you like the house to be, or how much square footage? 

• Where is this house going to be built?

• What is your budget?

• What are your plans for the house?

She pondered on these questions for a few minutes before answering. Based on her answers, I could see
this taking a problematic direction.  Below were her answers:      

• How big would you like the house to be, or how much square footage? – She answered, “I don’t know.”

• Where is this house going to be built? – She answered, “I don’t know, I haven’t found a lot yet.”

• What is your budget? – She answered, “I have no idea.”

• What are your plans for the house?  - She answered, “It’s something just for me.”

Her answers were actually quite “common” as a lot of people tend to focus on “the look of the house” before considering anything else.  Here are some points to think about before building a home.

Where Am I going to live?

Location, Location, Location! Where you live is the most important aspect! The location of your house will determine your life’s challenges or fulfillments. Throughout my life, I had lived in areas where commuting was always challenging. So, when I began living in an area more central, I was a lot happier.  Where we “choose” to live, determines how much we are willing to invest.

Where Am I Going to Build?

The type of lot you select will be a “Key” factor in your design.  Lots vary with features that make them either more or less attractive than other lots. For example, the price of a lot usually is determined by size, topography, location, or the surrounding environment. In other words, when you sit in a theater you look for the most desirable seat to enhance your viewing experience.

What Is My Budget?

You need to know 3 things! Estimate your projected cost, determine how much you want to spend, and to know your max limitation. Estimating your projected cost requires some research by asking around or by looking at prices in desirable neighborhoods. How much you want to spend will reflect the amount of money you are comfortable investing. Your max limitations are your reality, and this will keep you focused on what are the most critical items on your design list. 

How Big Does My House Need To Be?

Plan for what you NEED! When building your house, take a moment to reflect on your daily life and see what will make your life easier, more organized, less stressful, but, most importantly, more enjoyable. Of course, a lot of us want to live in a huge mansion, until it comes time to cleaning it.

What Is The Plan For The House?

In short, we all change. Who we are now, will not be “exactly” the same person, in five, ten, or twenty years from now. Our lives can suddenly change by expanding our household with children or pets, by inviting people to come live with us, or personal changes like our careers, etc. Thus, when designing your home, try to be conscious of the future and, perhaps, prepare your home for the transition to accommodate your next
chapter.

Later That Week….

After our conversation on social media, I followed up with an email outlining these 5 points, which she was thankful for my suggestions. I asked her to speak with a real estate agent to help her find a suitable spot for her home. Then, once she has everything finalized, she could give me a call and we will start on her design.