Preparation & Planning - An Important Step Towards your Custom Dream Home

Keith SawlorandKeith Sawlor, February 13, 2012 | Posted in Plan; Tagged Design Considerations

It is very difficult to envision what a home will look like while staring at a plan, drawn on a 11x17 piece of paper. Room sizes, traffic patterns, furniture placement and visual appeal can be difficult for even industry professionals to grasp.

For a client building their Dream home it can be almost overwhelming. What can a Homeowner do to make sure their Dream home is as close to perfect as possible?

Your Builder should be able and willing, (perhaps even insist!) on meeting with you to carefully review your plan prior to construction. This is especially important if it’s a custom plan! It’s not like you can tour the one across the street to see if you like it. You only have 1 chance to get it right!

• Ask your Builder if they offer a plan review service.
• Do you like the size of the foyer and how it opens into the Family room?
• Will the hallways feel wide and comfortable? (the minimum as required by the National Building Code will not!)
• Will your dining room table fit in the space? How about the matching Buffet?
• Does the furniture fit in the Great room. What is the best layout?
• Are the bathrooms spacious enough?
• Where is the best location for the TV in the Family Room?

The questions and concerns can be endless. A Builder should be able to address all of these concerns on paper BEFORE construction starts! It is simple and easy prior to construction. Imagine trying to move walls after they have already been constructed!

Some Builders may offer Interior Design as part of their package. Take advantage of this service. It can be the difference between a “good house” and your Dream home. Even if you are comfortable making color and style selections  on your own, confirming it with an independent expert is reassuring.

Building a custom home takes time and effort. Using the extended services of a custom Builder will make the entire process exciting and fun.

Your new house will be your Dream Home!

Keith Sawlor

Keith Sawlor is the second generation Owner of Sawlor Built Homes. With more than 35 years experience building custom homes in Nova Scotia, Keith has built a team that mirrors his professional knowledge and values.

Keith is a Certified Residential Builder who is also certified with many leading industry organizations. He is a Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) Certified Builder, a Net Zero Energy (NZE) Certified Builder, a Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) R-2000 Certified Builder, and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS).

Keith is a Past Board Member of the Atlantic Home Warranty Program as well as the Canadian Home Builders' Association Nova Scotia. He is involved in many other industry programs and associations, such as the Canadian Home Builders’ Association National and Better Business Bureau.