DESIGN GUIDANCE FOR WORKING WITH YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD HOME BUILDER. Here are first five design considerations I share with my nearest and dearest when they are building a new neighborhood home.
one: LONG BEFORE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS SELECT AND CONFIRM AS MANY ITEMS AS YOU CAN. IDEALLY THAT INCLUDES EVERY FIXED (ATTACHED) PRODUCT.
While your builder provides the list of selection deadlines, it is based upon the timing of when materials need to be ordered and sequentially installed. This makes great sense.
However the construction sequence does not take into account your overall design scheme. For a more cohesive and aesthetic outcome, I would start in this order and work your way through the builder’s whole list if possible. Up front time allows for planned, and unplanned changes to happen without causing a decision crisis. Giving yourself ample time to consider each choice in relation to the others will lead to the most pleasing results possible.
- 1. Flooring – sets the tone with color and texture
- 2. Countertop materials – visually impactful in its space
- 3. Fireplace(s) and Bathtub(s) –
- 4. Walls and Ceilings
- 5. Doors, Millwork and Hardware
THEN:
- Cabinetry
- Plumbing
- Lighting
two: REVIEW YOUR FLOOR PLAN UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND THE FLOW OF EACH SPACE.
If reading floor plans is not your forte, work with someone who can interpret the layout or ask your building for 3D renderings or a virtual walk through. The more you can see before materials are being cut and fastened the easier it is to tweak the plan to better suit your lifestyle.
Pay close attention to:
- Door Swings,
- Appliance Doors Openings,
- Wall Space for Furniture
three: REVIEW PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL PLANS.
Which way does your bathtub face? Where is the shower drain? Is the dining room light in the right place? Can the outlets in the kitchen backsplash be lower and horizontal to work with the tile? Are there dimmers everywhere possible? Be as prepared as possible for when you walk through your home as it is being plumbed and wired. Know what to expect or ask to be sure.
four: ARE THERE OTHER OPTIONS FOR A SIMILAR PRICE THAT ARE MORE UNIQUE?
Builders may suggest readily available products when with preplanning you may have options that would not increase the cost – just the ordering timeline. Door and cabinet hardware, plumbing fixtures and lighting are my favorite items to seek out something less common.
five: PAINT THE CEILING.
For the added cost of another color of paint, ask to have the ceiling, and a wall or two, painted in a contrasting color. It can have a big visual impact compared to the cost of the added paint. This is another way to make your home feel more like you. It is a win Win WIN!