The American Dream! Building Your Home and Wealth! A Step by Step Custom Home Design Guide
Design Smart! Lower Costs and Improve Appraisals from a Custom Builder's Perspective
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
CHAPTER 1
This chapter
provides information concerning some of the basic issues you will want to
review prior to beginning your site selection and design process. They include
varied subject matter with brief
discussions on each, which are designed to increase your awareness, help focus
your efforts, and reduce the possibility of costly mistakes.
Objectives and Goals
The main objective
of the design and building process is to create an interior and exterior
environment for your family to live in and conduct daily activities. A
secondary goal (primary for some) is to build in value to help enhance the
owner’s net worth through equity in the property. The primary objective is a
very large and wide open subject that can take many forms. Historically architects
from Spain’s Antonio Gaudi to America’s
Frank Lloyd Wright have designed
projects ranging from fantasy in the case of Gaudi’s Sacred Family Cathedral in
Barcelona, to Wright’s sparsely designed and furnished homes we see in the
publication about Wright‘s works called “A Retrospective View” (Copplestone
2001). While these are two extreme examples, the following is an exercise
designed to help you define your architectural focus.
I suggest
subscribing to, and tearing pages from, your favorite architectural magazines
to help you better define the design and environments you like. The process of
tearing out pages of interiors and exteriors that are pleasing to you will give
both you and your builder/architect direction. The design process should be a synergistic
effort between owner, builder, and architect, and result in a creation that
reflects the owners wishes, the knowledge and experience of the builder and
architect, and remains focused on meeting the budget constraints of the client.
Our past clients
have arrived with many styles and designs of architecture that they felt were
very confusing in the beginning. However, these tears provide valuable
information to help you communicate what types of environments appeal to your
tastes and feelings. One of my recent clients said that as a child she always
liked reading a book while looking through a particular style of window while
the fireplace was burning alongside her. This was an extremely important
feeling for her, and so we designed the window and door openings, fireplace,
view orientation (for light and view), as well as the ceiling height and back
patio to meet this “feeling”.
I should step back a
moment and recognize that not everyone will be designing their dream home from
scratch. However, even in existing plans you will often have the opportunity to
determine site orientation, window size changes, and other pre-construction
alterations that can help you accomplish personalized touches. Some builders
may not be set up for a lot of changes, but they are usually willing to
accommodate some customized features to make a sale. Also, be sure to listen to
their feedback to avoid potential mistakes. There are times we have counseled
against certain choices, with sound supporting reasoning that is easily
understood when it is explained. In other words, depend on your hired
professional to guide you through the decision making process, but be sure you
have supporting information so the decision is yours in the end.
No matter if your
tastes embrace the fantasy of Antonio Gaudi, the horizontal lines of Frank
Lloyd Wright, or the homes you see in your own city, it is a great idea to
begin any design process with a few weeks of tearing photos and starting your
own “wish list” file. Once you have defined your likes and dislikes, you should
begin looking for your builder and designer/architect. (see: Your architect,
designer, & builder choices)
Your architect, designer, & builder choices
Choosing a Designer or Architect
Designers are not
architects, but they are often excellent choices for the design of your home,
and may save you significant amount of expense on your project, if it does not
require the services of an architect. Architects are often needed when a design
objective, or project restriction, specifies the services of a licensed
architect. This often occurs when the owner’s desire is for a more elaborate
and creative project, or when either the home owner’s association or building
services of the local area require an architectural stamp on the plans.
Designers and
Architects are skilled professionals, and both have a place in the building
industry. Ask your builder for designer or architect recommendations, and I
encourage you to bring your builder on board prior to the start of design! The
synergy of owner, designer and builder is a powerful combination that will help
you in numerous ways. The design will be much better because the designer and
builder have skills and talents that are specific and unique to each of their
fields, and you will want to have them discuss your project’s design details to
be sure your plans reflect the most intelligent method of building and the use
of the current construction materials and methods. Your designer or architect
is the creative type, while your builder must actually build the ideas on paper
and make them reality. Plus, you will want to be closely involved in this
process to be sure your specific needs and wants are incorporated into the
plans. Usually your builder will be willing to work on a retainer during this
phase, which can be negotiated as part of his/her entire contractor’s fee, so
it is not likely that the additional service will cost you more money, but
actually reduce your expense since you will avoid including many mistakes in
your plans.
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Book Details
About the Book
The American Dream!
Build and Grow Rich!
At one time or another most of us have said we would like to design and build our own home just the way we want it. However, we did not know just what that meant or how to accomplish the task. Now! Here is a guide to the process that will help walk you through the minefield of potential mistakes with a definite game plan that will greatly enhance your design and building experience.
The main objectives of most of our home buyers and custom home clients are to both build a high quality home to live in, and to improve their net worth through making a good investment in real estate. Neither of these goals are easily accomplished without the skills and talents of many individuals. This publication is designed to empower you with essential information you will need to accomplish your goal of designing and building your dream home successfully, and with a minimum of stress and costly mistakes. You may either read it in its entirety or use it as a look up reference guide to review our time tested choices while making your own decisions for the design and construction of your dream home.
A must read for anyone thinking of designing, buying, building, or selling a home!
"Washburn Builders exemplify the high standards of quality, craftsmanship, reliability, and experience as a SAHBA Certified Custom Builder."
Roger Yohem, SAHBA Communications Director
"Bravo, I''ll refer all of my clients to your book. It''s the perfect book for those who have ever even remotely thought of building a home."
Lucy Barraza, RE/MAX Premier Realty
"Working with a custom home contractor <Washburn> was an exciting and enjoyable experience. We would recommend building a custom home to anyone."
Cristal and German Bojorquez
About the Author
My wife and I have a dear friend and author, Adrianne, who I asked to
proof read this book. She said “There is something missing”, speaking of my
philosophy and the force to which I subscribe each day. In other words, how
does a fifteen year old parent, with both hands tied behind his back from the
start, evolve into a successful builder, husband, parent, and any number of
hats I choose to wear each day? The answer is both simple and complex.
The simple part is that By the Grace of God I have the talents,
blessings, and motivation I use each day to diligently do that which the Lord
our God calls each of us to do. I believe it is best said in the Biblical
Parable of the Three Servants (Matthew 25:14). Each being given his appropriate
allotment of talents, according to their skills, were told to use them wisely
in their master’s absence. The two that did profited handsomely, and they were
rewarded by the master upon his return. They were certainly afraid of failure
and loss, but overcame their fear, armed with faith, and ventured out with
resulting success. The third servant was timid and had little faith and much
fear. He only protected his allotment of talents, and he was dealt with
severely for wasting his opportunity and resources.
The message I receive from this parable is to venture out and use my
talents on a daily basis, face my fear of failure armed with faith in God’s
word, and work the talents God has given me. Knowledge, skills, and talents
(resources) that sit idle are of no use
at all. It is only when those assets are used that they produce fruit!
For me, this is only the beginning. There are many more stories and
books in the Bible which provide me with direction for my life. This includes
how to handle our gains and share our talents and success. We are called to be
funnels with our resources, and not dams, meaning that the rewards from our
blessings are to be shared with others in need, and thus become seeds that are
sown for future harvest (often by and for others). I have been blessed with
talents and resources, and I choose to answer God’s calling to share my time,
talents, and money. I have learned that I always receive far more than I give!
For example: I spent three years working on a committee to raise funds
to build the 15,000 square foot Immaculate Heart Middle School, and another
year intimately involved with the construction committee. I was in the trenches
with the architect, school administration, and workers involved in the design
and construction of improvements that required expensive engineering and
careful oversight of both design and budget. No sooner than the project was
finished I was faced with taking over a failing project (by another builder)
that required these very same skills, that I did not have before. This project
was successfully built and is now one of my featured success stories. My
success is based in my work and experience as an un-paid volunteer answering
God’s calling to share.
I can cite many such cases over the years, and I have always been
blessed with much more than I give in any charitable project.
So what is the complex part of my philosophy answer? It is much shorter
and different than you might think.
I am afflicted with being human, so I do not always choose the correct
path of action. Today, I am enjoying success beyond anything I could have
imagined as a young man starting out in the world. I know this is due to my
connection and obedience to God’s word. There have been periods of rapid growth
and success in my life, and each of them is directly connected with my
submission and obedience to His word. Management classes often teach students
that to be a good leader you must first be a good follower. This is certainly
the case for me, especially where my faith is concerned. There have also been
periods of failure and trouble in my life, when I was less than diligent in my
pursuit of God’s word and direction. My faith and willingness to listen to, and
act on, God’s direction in my life is the most important factor in my success!
I’ll bet you thought I would expound on my own talents, organizational,
and building strategies. All of these came after.
As a result of the above, I have also developed several basic business strategies that have contributed to our success.