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How To Work With A Pro Here's advice on how to select a building team and prepare for a successful collaboration. Building your own home is a vast undertaking, but there are a range of professionals out there whose jobs are to help you create the new custom home you are dreaming about. Choosing which kind of home and how many professionals you should work with (ie: an architect, a builder, an interior designer, a kitchen or bath specialist, a lighting consultant ) depends on your budget and what you wish to accomplish. Architects are trained to deal with spatial and structural questions. Designers vary in expertise - some are best at decorating; others, at space planning. A custom builder, in addition to dealing with construction issues, may offer design services or recommend local architects and designers with whom they've worked. A builder may also help with the material and product specifications for your home. WHY WORK WITH A PRO? Why should you hire a design professional at all?
Design and building professionals have learned from their
experiences. They know what works best and what does not
work functionally, aesthetically and financially. Their
expertise can keep you from making costly mistakes
because they have been through the process hundreds of
times whereas you may be going through only for the first
or second time. A professional will also have more access to and
knowledge of state-of-the-art products available in the
marketplace than you. Whether it's outfitting your closet
with the storage system that suits your lifestyle best,
or investing in the best quality flooring for your money,
a professional can help you make wise product choices
that suit your needs. If you have a vague idea of what you want your new home to look like, but aren't sure of the details, a professional can help you to clarify the vision you want and fit the budget you have available. HOW DO YOU FIND A PRO? Ask neighbors, friends, co-workers, and architects and
builders you trust who they would recommend. Ask for a
review of the professional's entire portfolio - not just
one project. Ask for and check out references and
professional affiliations. It is important that you
choose professionals you can talk to and not feel
intimidated by, and individuals whose opinion you respect.
They are there to make you vision a reality, not create
visions of their own. Clear communication between you and
any consultants is the key. Ask questions about the fee structure. Is there an hourly rate or an overall design fee that covers the entire project? Is a retainer required upon signing the contract? Negotiate a payment schedule that serves you both. Some professionals, like an interior designer or a kitchen and bath specialist, may be hired on an hourly basis, or to design one or two rooms rather than the entire home. HOW DO I PREPARE? Ask plenty of questions along the way - it's up to you
to know what's going on every step of the way. Design and
building professionals are not in business to build and
design what they want, but are hired to realize you
vision. To make the most of this opportunity, you need to
prepare, as best you can, for your collaboration with
them. Here are some ways to prepare:
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