Are You Ready for the Journey?

Important Issues to Consider Before Building or Improving Your Home.

Every home construction or improvement project – no matter what size or scope – requires careful planning to ensure a satisfactory outcome. From the experts at Woodmeister Master Builders, here are some of the most important issues to consider before beginning this exciting journey.

1. Renovation Versus New Construction
   Think first about whether your goals and budget would be better served by renovating your existing house, or building a new one. Your general contractor should review thoroughly your lifestyle and financial requirements, help you make a careful analysis of the construction choices available to you, and explain the value inherent in each of them. On Nantucket for example, the Historic District Commission approves every building project. Their ruling will decide whether an existing structure can be demolished to make room for a new one, or could be moved to another location on the island.
    
2. Collaboration and Communication
   The most successful and satisfying home construction projects are those that involve the early collaboration of all members of the team - homeowner, architect, designer, and builder. Working together from the very beginning ensures a building process that meets expectations and a finished home or renovation that dovetails perfectly with your lifestyle. Before choosing a construction team, assess their commitment to collaboration and communication – at every phase of the project.
    
3. Budget Planning
   Home construction budgets can be confusing and overwhelming. Your builder should present and review with you a budget that includes payment schedules and fully-disclosed mark-up percentages. It should also be realistic and compatible with your goals and expectations. Ask for a clear explanation of project change procedures and corresponding cost adjustments.
   
   In addition, evaluate how the improvements will impact your existing home’s value. Carefully consider the proportion of the planned project in relation to your house and the surrounding neighborhood. For either a renovation or all new construction, determine whether or not the location will support the type of investment you are planning.
    
4. Timetable
   The building timetable is important to your expectations and ultimate satisfaction. You should receive a clear and realistic projection of how long the job will take, so that you can plan your personal schedule accordingly. In addition, your general contractor should communicate in a timely manner schedules, change requests, revised job costs, updates, and progress reports.
   
   To avoid disruption of your summer plans, ask your builder to work around your family’s Nantucket vacation schedule. If the project cannot be completed before you plan to arrive for the season, make other accommodation arrangements well in advance.
    
5. Approvals
   The building approval process with local and city offices can be daunting and sometimes take months to complete. Your construction team should handle all of the required permitting, board reviews, approvals, and job site logistics so that the work can proceed seamlessly and on schedule. This is one job to leave to the experts.
    
6. Family Commitment
   Make sure the whole family is ready when the work begins. To avoid disappointments, misunderstandings, and costly changes later on, everyone should agree on the scope and goals of the project and which family member will have the final say on job changes. Your builder should explain the timetable and stages, as well as work with you to minimize the disruption to your family’s daily life. The work crew should be neat and respectful, and you should have clear and regular communication from the project team.
    
7. Warrantees/Guarantees
   When selecting a construction team, consider the partners’ reputations, longevity, and expertise. Request references and choose a company that honors their work long after the last punch list item is completed. Ask about the warrantees and guarantees they provide for their work, as well as on installed systems. These promises should be meaningful and clearly defined, and should provide satisfactory protection for your investment.

Embarking on a home improvement or building project is a major investment of your time, energy, and financial resources. It is also a journey that will take you over new and exciting territory as your dream home becomes a reality. With careful planning, each step of this adventure will be fulfilling and memorable, with a finished product that will delight you and your family for a very long time.