At the initial interview, the most important information you'll get is not from brochures, portfolios, or a sales pitch, BUT FROM YOUR OWN INTUITION. Ask your self: Can we trust this person to execute plans for our dream home, likely the biggest expenditure of our lifetime? Is there a natural two-way communication, mutual respect, and creative energy? Does he have the vision to make our home unique and important? Is his sense of the project similar to ours? Will we have any fun together for at least a year? If your answer is YES! you've found the most valuable asset- THE RIGHT CHEMISTRY.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
FINDING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR
The selection of a contractor is a mayor decision, and should be approached in a thoughtful, unhurried manner. Allow plenty of time to interview and research at least two candidates before making your choice. Hours invested at this point can save months of time later on.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
WHO COME FIRST: THE ARCHITECT OR THE CONTRACTOR?
WHO COME FIRST: THE ARCHITECT OR THE CONTRACTOR?
Answering this question can seeing like the "chicken or the egg"riddle; Do you hire the contractor first, the architect first, or choose a design/build firm, where both functions are under the same roof?
If you work first with an architect, his or her firm will recommend contractors who have a track record of building homes or buildings of the same caliber as the one you desire. Most Likely, your architect contract includes bidding and negotiations services with these contractors, and you may expect in analyzing bids and making your selection. Your architect contract also may include construction administration, in which the architect makes site visits to observe construction, reviews the contractors application of payment, and help make sure the home is built according to the plans.
Perhaps you've seeing previous work or know satisfied clients of a contractor, and wish to work with him. In this scenario, the contractor will recommend architects who are experienced in successfully designing homes and /or additions similar to what you want. The contractor will support you, and the architect will cost-control information through realistic cost figures before products are integrated into the house. If you like the idea of working with one firm for both the architectural design and building, consider a design/build firm. Design/build firms offer an arrangement that can improve time management and efficient communication, simply by virtue of having both professional functions under the same roof. There is also added flexibility as the projects develops. If you decide you want to add a feature, the design/builder firm, it's important to ascertain that the firm has a strong architectural background, with experienced custom home architects on staff.
All scenarios work and no one way is always better than the other. Make your choice by finding professionals you trust and with whom you feel comfortable. Look for vision and integrity and let the creative process begin.
Answering this question can seeing like the "chicken or the egg"riddle; Do you hire the contractor first, the architect first, or choose a design/build firm, where both functions are under the same roof?
If you work first with an architect, his or her firm will recommend contractors who have a track record of building homes or buildings of the same caliber as the one you desire. Most Likely, your architect contract includes bidding and negotiations services with these contractors, and you may expect in analyzing bids and making your selection. Your architect contract also may include construction administration, in which the architect makes site visits to observe construction, reviews the contractors application of payment, and help make sure the home is built according to the plans.
Perhaps you've seeing previous work or know satisfied clients of a contractor, and wish to work with him. In this scenario, the contractor will recommend architects who are experienced in successfully designing homes and /or additions similar to what you want. The contractor will support you, and the architect will cost-control information through realistic cost figures before products are integrated into the house. If you like the idea of working with one firm for both the architectural design and building, consider a design/build firm. Design/build firms offer an arrangement that can improve time management and efficient communication, simply by virtue of having both professional functions under the same roof. There is also added flexibility as the projects develops. If you decide you want to add a feature, the design/builder firm, it's important to ascertain that the firm has a strong architectural background, with experienced custom home architects on staff.
All scenarios work and no one way is always better than the other. Make your choice by finding professionals you trust and with whom you feel comfortable. Look for vision and integrity and let the creative process begin.
How to Choose the right Contractor MAKE "QUALITY-DRIVEN" DECISIONS
MAKE "QUALITY-DRIVEN" DECISIONS
Instead of introducing a contrator to "build me a big home" today's consumer is more likely to say "Build me the best home my budget will allow"
The enphasis has shifted from quantity ("I want it all") to quality ("I want the best") and from taking the lowest bid to fairly compensating the contractor who submits the best package of products and services.
Smart, value-oriented customers realize that dollars spent today will soon be forgotten, whereas the level of quality those dollars bought will be appreciated for years.
As a custom home client, you must determine what's most important to you and what investment you'll make to achieve it. Good contractors will help you set priorities and meet your goals. They been through the process and know to be exacting, setting their expectations as high as their high -end clients do.
Instead of introducing a contrator to "build me a big home" today's consumer is more likely to say "Build me the best home my budget will allow"
The enphasis has shifted from quantity ("I want it all") to quality ("I want the best") and from taking the lowest bid to fairly compensating the contractor who submits the best package of products and services.
Smart, value-oriented customers realize that dollars spent today will soon be forgotten, whereas the level of quality those dollars bought will be appreciated for years.
As a custom home client, you must determine what's most important to you and what investment you'll make to achieve it. Good contractors will help you set priorities and meet your goals. They been through the process and know to be exacting, setting their expectations as high as their high -end clients do.
How to Choose the right Contractor SETTING THE STANDARD FOR QUALITY
SETTING THE STANDARD FOR QUALITY
A strong comminment to providing top quality materials and craftsmanship is the most important contribution a contrator can make to your professional team. Working in concert with your architect, interior designer, kitchen and bath designer and landscape architect, a contractor will take the designs, and your dreams, and make them happen. Selecting a contractor who shares your dedication to building only the best is how you build quality into your new home. This kind of quality is as tangible as is intangible. You can see it in the materials used- not necessary the most expensive, but always the best for the situation. More interestingly, you can feel it.There's an unmistakable sence of integrity in a well-built home, of a dream fulfilled.
How to Choose the right Contractor From the Ground Up
From the Ground Up
One of the key players in every homebuilding and remodeling success story is the CONTRACTOR.
Architects envision possibilities, but contractors create new realities.
While design/build teams of architects and contractors are becoming increasingly popular, the home in which you will be living will be the direct result of your contractor's effort and expertise.
So much for your satisfaction in the final outcome depends upon the selection of the right contractor. It is essential to choose a company or individual with whoom you have a right rapport, who has excelent references as well as experience with your type of project.
While the planning phase of a new home or remodeling project may be exciting, creating the finished product is hard work. Seek out a contractor whose attention to quality detail, willingness to listen to your concerns, and in-depth knowledge of the trades assures you a smoother road on the way to your new home.
One of the key players in every homebuilding and remodeling success story is the CONTRACTOR.
Architects envision possibilities, but contractors create new realities.
While design/build teams of architects and contractors are becoming increasingly popular, the home in which you will be living will be the direct result of your contractor's effort and expertise.
So much for your satisfaction in the final outcome depends upon the selection of the right contractor. It is essential to choose a company or individual with whoom you have a right rapport, who has excelent references as well as experience with your type of project.
While the planning phase of a new home or remodeling project may be exciting, creating the finished product is hard work. Seek out a contractor whose attention to quality detail, willingness to listen to your concerns, and in-depth knowledge of the trades assures you a smoother road on the way to your new home.
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