For many people, building a custom home is a dream come true. But how easy is it to turn that dream into reality? There are many factors involved in this process and one of the most important ones is the process of communicating your vision to your builder. They can only bring your ideas to life if they fully understand what you want.
How do you make sure your builder understands what you have in your head? This article will explain some simple steps to communicating your visions with your builder. Read on:
Tips for communicating with your builder
Know what you want first
Before you go and meet a custom home builder, take some to really think through what you want your home to look and feel like. Start with basics like:
- What’s your ideal layout
- Do you have a specific style in mind?
- What is a must have in your home (like a home office or big kitchen)?
- What are your deal breakers in the home?
- What things would you like to have around in the home but not compulsory?
You can write everything down and gather ideas so you’re not just describing what you want but also showing it.
Bring visuals to the table
There’s a saying that goes “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Instead of telling, show. One of the best ways to communicate your vision is with visual aids. Create an album or digital collection using pictures gathered from the internet or social media. Show photos of rooms you love, materials, finishes and anything that helps to describe what you have in your head.
You need to be specific. So instead of saying “I like modern kitchens”, point to a photo and say “I want my kitchen to be just like this). It makes a difference.
Be honest about your budget and priorities
After describing what they want to the builder, many people get stuck at the budget phase. Be open about how much you plan to spend, and talk through where you’re willing to make adjustments if needed. This helps your builder guide you toward decisions that fit your budget, so you don’t waste time on unrealistic ideas.
Put it all in writing
It’s okay to communicate your thoughts with your builder through conversations, but writing it down is also useful. After a meeting where you have made major decisions, follow up with a quick write up that includes details like:
- Materials and finishes
- Room layout changes
- Timeline updates
Writing things down prevents confusion and gives you something to refer back to if needed.
Conclusion
Building a custom home involves a strong collaboration between you and the builder. The clearer you’re able to communicate your vision, the smoother the process will be and the happier you’ll be with the final result.
So, take your time to prepare and communicate honestly with your builder. Don’t assume that they know what to do when it comes to building your dream home- help them help you to make it happe
