When planning a custom home or a renovation of your existing home you need to focus on a few important things to facilitate a smooth construction process. You don’t want to disengage and leave it all up to your builder. This is, after all, your sanctuary and your vision. Here are some things to consider when beginning a home construction project.

1. Start With a Wish List and Goals

Write down a plan of what your priorities are and what you hope to achieve by the end of the project. This includes what your basic space needs are as well as what your functional necessities are, including the level of comfort and luxury you are looking for. Organize your list from most important to least important.

Think about a realistic budget and an anticipated timeframe for completion. Consider making a vision board with photographs of designs, colors, finishes, and technologies you want to incorporate. This can be helpful for your design team and builder.

2. Seek Professional Design Help

Once you have your priorities and budget in place, it is time to sit down with either an architect or a design/build company. These professionals can guide you through the options based on your budget. It is ok to be overly optimistic and wishful, but be open-minded about the possibility of scaling back on some items. Tough zoning regulations may also impact your vision.

3. Complete the Team With a Contractor

Interview knowledgeable, licensed, and insured General Contracting companies, like Alair Homes Winnipeg, to lock in the project cost and schedule. Whatever budget you agree upon, have a contingency of at least 8% of the budget tucked away in case there are unforeseen conditions or changes. Be sure to have a solid contract in place before you start your custom home project.

4. Get All the Paperwork Squared Away

Before the ground is touched make sure that that the general contractor has all permits and everyone’s licenses and insurance are current. Ask for copies of certificates of insurance. Check that all utility lines have been properly located and identified.

5. Plan Where You Will Live

If this is a home remodel, figure out if are going to be able to stay in the house while the work is being performed. This will impact how the contractor approaches the construction to ensure your safety and comfort. You may decide it is best to move out temporarily.

If this is a new custom home, make sure you have plenty of time to stay in the house or apartment that you are already occupying. Construction schedules can change, often due to northern weather extremes, so you need a cushion or backup plan.

6. Be an Active Participant in the Entire Process

Become an active partner with your design and construction team. Have an initial site meeting to exchange contact information and to understand expectations. Set up a weekly meeting schedule for onsite or via Skype to keep all parties informed and motivated.

7. Be Mindful and Relaxed

Once the project starts try to remain focused yet open to possible changes in materials and schedule. The actual construction can be stressful. But, it doesn’t have to be if your expectations are not over the top. Remain calm. Spinning out of control when something goes wrong can have a negative outcome. Just work with your team. The professionals at Alair Homes Winnipeg are experienced and know how to deal with unusual circumstances. Lean on them in tough times.