Frequently Asked Questions(click here to ask Matt)
I love to answer questions about houses, offering others the knowledge I have acquired over the years in the home building industry. It doesn't matter if the question is about a big problem or a just minor issue, they are all fascinating to me and worth asking. If you don't see your question below, send me an email at the link above - I will help however I can.
How
important is re-sale when making changes to a home?
In general, I believe the most important buyer of your house is you. So, the decisions on changing your home should not only be made by you, but also primarily for you. At the end of the day, you deserve to reap the most benefit for the time and money invested in a new home or make-over. Some stranger that may buy your home down the road, will value your home more if the decisions you make reflect the way you live and use your home. Because most likely, they will live in and use the house in a similar way. So, I always advise my clients to make choices based on quality materials and craftsmanship, but as far as functional and aesthetic needs, listen to your heart.
How long does it take to build a new house?
The time it takes to build a new home can vary a great deal, because the answer depends on many variables - the size of the home, the complexity of the design and finsih materials, the size of the construction crew, etc. That said, a custom home (i.e. a design the builder has never built before) with four bedrooms (around 3,000 sq.ft.) should take about six to nine months to complete. Larger homes with a greater variety of room types (i.e. home theater room, exercise room, wine room, etc.) could take up to a year or more to build.
What should I prepare for an initial meeting with an architect?
In the first meeting with an architect, they will typically try to determine your goals for your new home, everything from the scope of work involved (i.e. new house, make-over, addition, etc.), the timeframe you would like the project completed, your budget for the construction, and any type of special requirements you might have related to the property, your family, or lifestyle. The most helpful things you could prepare to address these questions would be a prioritiezed listing of the rooms and functions needed in your new home, magazine clippings or internet images of interior and exterior spaces you like (or dislike), and any drawings you have of your existing home or land you plan to build on.
In general, I believe the most important buyer of your house is you. So, the decisions on changing your home should not only be made by you, but also primarily for you. At the end of the day, you deserve to reap the most benefit for the time and money invested in a new home or make-over. Some stranger that may buy your home down the road, will value your home more if the decisions you make reflect the way you live and use your home. Because most likely, they will live in and use the house in a similar way. So, I always advise my clients to make choices based on quality materials and craftsmanship, but as far as functional and aesthetic needs, listen to your heart.
How long does it take to build a new house?
The time it takes to build a new home can vary a great deal, because the answer depends on many variables - the size of the home, the complexity of the design and finsih materials, the size of the construction crew, etc. That said, a custom home (i.e. a design the builder has never built before) with four bedrooms (around 3,000 sq.ft.) should take about six to nine months to complete. Larger homes with a greater variety of room types (i.e. home theater room, exercise room, wine room, etc.) could take up to a year or more to build.
What should I prepare for an initial meeting with an architect?
In the first meeting with an architect, they will typically try to determine your goals for your new home, everything from the scope of work involved (i.e. new house, make-over, addition, etc.), the timeframe you would like the project completed, your budget for the construction, and any type of special requirements you might have related to the property, your family, or lifestyle. The most helpful things you could prepare to address these questions would be a prioritiezed listing of the rooms and functions needed in your new home, magazine clippings or internet images of interior and exterior spaces you like (or dislike), and any drawings you have of your existing home or land you plan to build on.
