Buying the Dream: Don’t Get Stuck with a Nightmare
A Brief Compilation Of Things To Do Before Purchasing Property
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
I love my clients, I really do! When I meet them for the first time, and hear about their goals, dreams, and aspirations, I begin to see a glimpse of who they are as a person and what they value. When we take the journey together, I see their deepest desires and walk through the spaces in their mind, experiencing each one with the awe and anticipation of the possibility of bringing their thoughts into reality. It isn’t, and will never be, about me or what I want them to have. Instead, it will always be about pulling this inner passion and vision out of their hearts and minds, building on it one piece at a time. The look on their face as they see this structure taking form, which they have so many times envisioned, but could not explain, is priceless and a true gift to encounter. This is the reason I do what I do. However, there are other times when I must impart information to my clients that hurts them. It hurts their heart, future plans, dreams, and finances. I have seen their faces go from a bright, excited smile to tears. It is unbearable, but often preventable. This is the reason I feel this book must be written. I feel compelled to shed a light on those ugly, yet preventable, mistakes made by many when purchasing a piece of property without the knowledge of what to look for, and the tests needed prior to signing on the dotted line. Many buildings never reach their intended form due to “unforeseen site conditions.” Don’t get me wrong, we cannot do enough due diligence to envision every possible scenario, but there are steps which can be taken to minimize these issues. This is the intent of this book, to make life, and the building process, stress and error free. Throughout these pages, you will find several pitfalls that have actually occurred and are not so farfetched. I share these experiences in order to provide you with a checklist of things to inspect, test, and research in order to select the correct site to enable you to build the structure of your dreams. There is an upfront investment to perform these tasks, but believe me, you will save time, money, and loads of stress in the long run by saying “no” to the wrong site and “yes” to the correct one. This exercise is a process. It isn’t quick, nor easy. But, when you walk into your building, look around, take a deep breath and say “This is my space and it is exactly what I dreamed of,” it will definitely be worth it.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
During my years practicing architecture, I have had the pleasure of helping people take their vision and bring it to fruition as a building that they will live their lives in and through either in a residential capacity, private business, or pubic facility. However, often this process isn’t easy and is riddled with preventable site issues that change smiles to frowns and dreams to nightmares. This book is for anyone that is thinking of buying land, developing land, or adding to or improving land or buildings. This book provides guidance during this process to avoid the pitfalls and baggage that many parcels bring with them. Know what you are buying prior to getting to the closing table.
About the Author
Victoria Williams is the owner of VBA Design, Inc., an Architecture firm with two offices located in Panama City, Florida and Fairhope, Alabama. She has over twenty-four years of experience in architectural design, construction, and contract administration. She has a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Tennessee, is LEED AP BD+C Certified and a registered and licensed architect in the States of Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and is a certified woman business owner by the National Women Business Owners Corporation. Victoria has a strong belief in providing a positive and innovative environment for our community; she shares this passion through her involvement in numerous community service boards including: The Bay County Chamber of Commerce, FSU Panama City Development Board, Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, United Way and many others. She has been the recipient of a variety of awards, including the 2009 NW Florida AIA Community Service, the 2010 Bay County Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year, the 2010 Florida American Institute of Architects Silver Medal, the 2014 Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Leadership Award and in 2016 received the Citizen Architect Award. Victoria is married to Todd Williams with two children Ashtyn and Morgan. Together they share their vision for the future and are committed to design a better experience that enhances the lives of all.