Planning Your Project

The first step in considering a home improvement project is to determine whether there are any major obstacles in your way. Consider cost, zoning, and structural issues. Also analyze whether it would be simpler to buy an existing house with the features you desire, rather than building or renovating.

• Cost
• Zoning & other ordinances
• Time frame
• Build or move

Design Process

The design process can range from a "back-of-the-napkin sketch", to a "design-everything-including-the-napkin-holders" engagement. Your particular requirements and budget will determine where you place yourself on the continuum. This section describes what architects do, how they do it, and information to help you choose the best design process for your project.

• What do architects do?
• Do I need an architect?
• The advantages of using an architect
• 5 design phases
• How the process works
• Design communication

Decision-making

A construction project involves making more decisions than you ever thought possible. Some are big (whether to renovate or move), and some are small (the position of a light switch). Since you have a finite amount of time and patience, it's important to budget your decision-making time effectively. To do so, you must know the full range of decisions you will be required to make, the relative importance of each, and the amount of time you can realistically dedicate to this process.

• Build or move
• What to build (scope)
• Wish list
• What to build (style)

• Program - what you would like to build.
• The Budget - how much can you spend on it.
• The Players - who will help you design and build it.
• The Process - how you will get it done.
• The Logistics - how long it will take, where you will live during the project.
• The Specifications - exactly what all the parts will be.

Getting started - step by step guide

For the client, the toughest part of a building project can be knowing where to start, and the order of the various tasks. Click here for basic checklist.