At the outset of deciding whether or not to move forward on building a new home, there are many variables to consider and plan for to have a positive construction experience. Balsitis Contracting provides the following advice as it relates to making a decision on building a home.
Evaluate Your Needs and Wants
When we are involved in a Design-Build project, we ask our clients to complete a criteria questionnaire with 160 questions outlining the aspects needed for inclusion in the home as well as identifying the important features to include. It is necessary to share this information with the person who will be designing the home in order to create the space to accommodate preferences. At this stage, it is important to also think about the future:
- Are children or grandchildren on the horizon?
- Will parents and in-laws be living in the home?
- Is working from home a possibility?
- Is being an empty-nester around the corner?
Discussing these types of topics at the outset will be beneficial as you move through the building process.
Architect Selection
A vital component when deciding to build a home is the architect who will develop the home’s design. After meeting to review the criteria, floor plans will be prepared, along with checking in on the budget to make sure the design is maintaining the original budget intention. As the Design-Builder, we work very closely with the architect throughout the building process. We walk the site together, advising on the various aspects of the project from before ground is broken until the owner moves into the home. We have relationships with many architects that can accommodate the needs of our clients.”
When working with an architect, a decision that will need to be made is whether to use an already developed set of plans or a start a totally custom design. There are benefits to both approaches, but in either case, the important thing is to have some inspiration that can be shared with the team so the project starts off on the right foot.
Establish the Budget
Working with the Design-Builder and architect, developing the project budget is key to determining the feasibility of constructing a new home. It’s very common to see the budget get out of hand when designing a home. Our involvement ensures that we make the owner aware of the impact the design has on the budget. Based on our experience building homes for people throughout southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, we can assist our clients in maintaining a budget goal based on their project goals.
Determine Home Features
As part of developing the list of needs and wants, there are a variety of considerations for what can be incorporated into a home. When we work with clients, we offer suggestions on what might be important to include based on their personal situation. These types of features could be…
- Running conduit under the driveway for future wiring or plumbing needs.
- Placing a drain in the garage to remove excess water from vehicles after rain/snow.
- Adding 220V to the garage.
- Installing hose bibbs and power outlets on all sides of the house.
- Installing a built-in paper towel holder.
- Including electrical outlets in vanity cabinets and closets.
- Adding a pull-out garbage/recycling/laundry bin to the kitchen.
- Prewiring speakers both indoor and outdoor.
- Including a whole house generator.
- Include security systems and cameras.
- Adding four-plug outlets near the bed in the master bedroom.
- Setting up for both gas and electric appliances.
- Including two soap pumps at sink (one for hand soap, one for dish soap).
- Planning a specific place for your dog food, the cat litter box, and a place for dogs to be bathed.
- Include outlets in exterior soffits for seasonal lighting.
The Balsitis Contracting team is the area’s best choice for those considering the construction of a new home. Call 262-203-3952, e-mail info@balsitiscontracting.com, or complete our online form to start the process.