When building a custom home, not only is cost an important consideration, but time as well. Most (dare I say, all) clients have a targeted move-in date. Of course, this is understandable, as coordinating selling a current house, packing, and moving into a new home takes a lot of scheduling. In the zeal to begin building your new home as quickly as possible, however, do not lose sight of the importance of good plans. Detailed floor plans, as well as good plans in terms of selections, budget, and scheduling, will help minimize waste. In other words, good plans will help keep the over-all cost to build a house in check.
The Importance of Good Plans
Although you are probably nodding your head in agreement right now, attending to every detail before you start building often becomes more difficult once the design build process begins. In the excitement to get started, it can seem tedious to spend so much time on good plans. So, let’s take a look at why the planning stage is vital to a successful home build.
The Importance of Detailed Floor Plans
Obviously, before construction begins, a set of detailed house plans is required. (If you’d like more information about how to design the perfect house plans, click here.) Why is it so important to ensure that the floor plan has enough detail?
Well, for one thing, detailed floor plans help reduce change orders. Many construction expectations will be called out on well-drawn house plans, thus communicating your wants and needs to the builder. (To learn more about the price of change orders, click here.)
Secondly, good architecture is efficient architecture. If a home designer / architect is doing his or her job correctly, every structural element of a home’s design exists for a reason. On top of that, much time and effort goes into choosing materials that fit the requirements for strength, durability, cost, and aesthetics. Some firms offer 3D design software. This helps cut waste because you can virtually “walk through” your home, making sure the floor plan functions as you want. (To learn more about Elements 3D design services, click here.)
Unfortunately, in an effort to “stay on schedule,” the design process may be rushed. Falsely believing that “the sooner we start building, the sooner we move in,” some believe details can be “worked out” during the build. This is risky for several reasons, including:
- the need for change orders, which will cost both time and money
- wasting materials because proper selections were not made prior to ordering
- a less functional floor plan due to rushed decision making
- moving in later than desired because of construction delays due to choosing finishes
In other words, don’t rush the design process! Make sure your floor plans are detailed floor plans.
The Importance of Planning: Selections, Budget, and Scheduling
Even the best house plans will not include all details needed to build your custom home. For example, most floor plans do not include paint colors, cabinet hardware, and other specific finishes. Because of this, it is important to discuss these details with your home builder before construction begins. Some home builders use construction management software to help with the selections process. (To learn more about Elements Project Management Software, click here.)
Once selections have been made, make sure that you are comfortable with the over-all cost of the project. It is easier to choose a less expensive light fixture or decide to cut a paint color before building begins. Why? Because as the structure comes to life, you become more emotionally attached. Plus, once construction begins, decisions need to be made quickly so as not to slow the building process. So, make as many decision as possible before emotions and deadlines kick in. (To learn more about how features affect price, click here.)
With detailed floor plans, selections chosen, and an approved line-item budget, your builder can begin scheduling sub-contractors. There will no doubt be a few bumps along the way (due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances); however, your good plans will help the building process run more smoothly. And ultimately, good plans will help ensure your dream home becomes a reality.
Want more information? Contact us! We’d love the opportunity to put you in your Element!
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