No, it’s not the budget. It’s something more subtle that can completely derail a budget…and an entire project …if you don’t have it in place.

Clarity.

And it hinges on another critical element, Communication.

Together, clarity and communication are the one-two punch that ensures the efficiency and success of your project’s design and buildout.

Without these two characteristics between the builder and the homeowner, count on expense, frustration and delays. No one wants that on a custom project. No one.

A few tips to help amplify clarity and communication for your project:

1.  Does the design & construction pro seem like they “get it”? Or, understand what you’re saying about the work you want done? You’ll know when this happens with some professionals, but it may be more of a learning curve with others.
   If it doesn’t seem like your pro is focused, it could be distraction, or they may be processing solutions while you are talking. Ask for their focus and even to share what they’re already considering as a solution.
2. Consider referring to the drawings, drafts and design elements (even vision boards) while you are talking about designs and larger elements of your project.
3. If you don’t understand, ask. If you don’t understand the answer, please say so. Or, ask another way. This is your custom work and your satisfaction with your dream home is key. You can say that you don’t want to micro-manage, but you really want to feel like your pro understands exactly what you are after.
4. Have your design build pro recap or summarize what you’ve shared with them.

You don’t need to know how to get your dream home built, but you must convey (or even show) clearly what it is you want. This is ultimately a large collaborative project that you and your family will be living your lives in.

Both you and your family, and your designer builder company want to get the custom work done right and safely for you.

Good communication and clarity with your design build pro is critical to the success of the project on many levels: satisfaction, timing of completion, staying on or within budget and minimal stress and mistakes.

It takes effort and may be challenging at times to find the words, but it’s all worth it when  you get the keys and open the doors to your dream home.

The waterfront entertainment redesign and rebuild is taking shape! We shared a bit of the beginnings of this job last month and are proud to show & share more in terms of the progress being made. There are also a few insights about timing that would be helpful for you to know too.

It’s been a few weeks since we covered the initial story about this waterfront redesign and rebuild project. Once the walls go up, it’s easier to see what’s coming and also what still needs to be done. Right from this post, I’ll bet you can name at least 6 things that need to be completed and taken care of without even being in the design/build industry.

You can see the walkway connecting the main house on the left to the double ensuite in-the-making that’s front and center (ish). This was all foundation work when we last talked about it.

Let’s talk timing
Construction projects of all kinds happen all over the city. Residential, commercial, remodels, additions. Loads of work. Have you noticed that some projects move faster than others? You may wonder why the paces of projects seem so…well, different.

Part of it has to do with the scope of the project. From a pedestrian’s point of view, we’re never really going to know what the entire project consists of. We can make guesses about what we think is included, but if we’re not “in” on the project, we’re just never going to know.

Another element is the overall cost of the project. I’m sure no one will be surprised or take offense when I share that budgets vary widely …for all kinds of projects. The budget may dictate the quality of the fixtures, appliances and customizations but a budget can also quicken the speed at which a project gets done. From an outsider’s view, this is another speculation.

Yet another element that may affect the speed at which a project gets completed is really for restorations, remodels and redesigns and it has to do with findings. There are occasions where a design/build contractor finds (or uncovers, or discovers) something that needs addressing before any more work can continue. It could be water damage, infestation or some other unpleasantness that will slow or halt a project.

For your reference, this is what the main house construction was looking like last month:

What else?
There are other reasons for the variations in timing, but those are a few of the main ones: Scope, budget and findings.

Jobs are as different and varied as people. It’s part of what we love about design / build…and redesign / rebuild.

Here’s to a warm & joyful Fall to you and yours!

A few highlights this month of a luscious lakeside property that’s getting a proper upgrade. Owners frequently entertain and wanted an experience that would connect the main house with a double ensuite and shared space, plus instant access to the serenity of the lake it sits upon.

A beautiful lakeside setting, just off a quiet country road. About 30 minutes from Metropolitan Seattle.

That’s where we’re doing our best work to create an environment of simple luxury where owners may entertain their international guests.

The beginning stages of the project
Beginning a major remodel can be stressful for an owner and their family. It’s understandable and natural. There’s a kind of letting go that must happen in order to proceed with the design and goal as it’s drawn.

It is necessary to have a period of clearing, levelling and removal in order to build properly.

So, this in mind, take a look at the foundations we’re building for this lovely lakeside property:

Main house on the left, garage on the right
The picture above shows the space between the main house and the soon-to-be double ensuite (and former garage!). We are actually creating a covered connecting walkway between the main house and the “entertainment space”.

Preparing the foundation for buildout
We’re getting ready to pour the foundation here. The mixture will be poured down between the two “wooden walls”, which serves as a mold that serves to shape the foundation. There’s still a fair amount of work to do on this part.

When we’re ready and have the entire foundation in place, then we’ll look at dismantling and demolition of the current garage (still intact) and begin to form the structure that will take this space from ho-hum 2-car garage to rockstar double-ensuite retreat!

Tip for your own remodel: How to keep the end in sight
Some days, as the homeowner, you may find yourself very weary of the remodeling & rebuilding process. It’s completely natural. A build like this will tend to disrupt schedules for a few months at least.

When the process begins to wear on you, we recommend you review the final drawings again and to keep them close to you. Keeping the end in sight is easier when you have a picture of it.

The above picture shows the main house on the left and the brand new entertainment space with covered corridor in the middle.

In an upcoming post, we’ll track and show the progress as the design build develops.

Review more of our completed projects on Houzz now.

Let’s imagine your sparkling new construction home.

Premium design, solid craftsmanship, artisanal details and a contractor who has returned your calls and walked you through the entire process. You’ve arrived!

As you walk through each room and space in your brand new house, you notice the details: pristine fixtures and shimmering clean appliances, expertly placed tile designs, fine hardwood and recessed lighting.

A new beginning. A blank canvas. A bank for your new memories and life.

Your home.

Know what we need next? 

People. Your loved ones, family and friends. Your new home is ready for warming…is it fit for hosting a holiday?

Absolutely!

And, realistically, for new construction, we’re actually talking about Winter of 2016.

Why?
The permitting offices are backed up for weeks right now, and crews all over the city are already really busy. So 2015 and getting new construction underway may be a tight squeeze. Too tight. Right inside Seattle, specifically.

But if you’re considering new construction, Winter of 2016 is well inside in the realm of possibility.

Whether you’re curious or serious, if next year’s holiday season sounds comfortable, doable and reasonable, now is the time to begin the conversation. We’re talking about planning here.

Because the most beautiful results come from smart planning.
That planning begins quickly and easily with a conversation.
Simple sharing of information between us that will end with you unlocking the door …to the home …of your dreams.

Reach out and let us know what your new construction home includes and looks like today.

Let’s eliminate some of the “design build overwhelm” and prepare you to talk with potential design build companies to do your project.

We, at G2, understand it’s a competitive market and that your time is valuable. Read on for suggested questions to ask, and how to prepare for the questions you should be asked too.

Some say that you may like a design builder better if you share have a similar taste in design.

I partially agree with this statement. If there isn’t anything you like or enjoy in a designer’s portfolio, you may not be on the same “design page”.

True.

But I think it’s more important…
If your designer is a good listener and you can communicate your needs and desires clearly & well, then this is a critical kernel of a good partnership, especially over the time the project spans.

Review the Houzz profile, projects, reviews and testimonials. Pay close attention to any & all “before & after” images. Do you get the transformation?  How happy and effusive are the reviews? Do they share details about how the job flowed?

Interview two or three designers, keep a written record of their responses and feedback from references, and make your choice.

Key questions to ask:

• How many years have you been in business? How many homes have you built from start to finish?
• Tell me about how and why you got into this business?
• Describe some of your favorite jobs you’ve completed.
• Describe your general process; from onboarding, then through design, and finally through the build.
• How are charges calculated?
• Are you licensed, bonded and insured? What are the professional associations or organizations you belong to?
• How do you compare yourself to other local design/builders? What are the most important benefits in the homes your firm builds?
• How do you work with client input?
• What’s your preferred method of communication?
• What type of warranty or guarantee do you offer?
• Can you give me references from prior home buyers or customers?
• What are the major energy-saving features of homes you build?
• Do you build only from home plans you supply? Or can I provide my own set of plans?
• How and when can I make changes or upgrades before and during construction?
• How often (and when) will I have access to the home during the building process?
• Have you ever had to leave a project before it was completed? What is that process?
• How long will my home take to complete?
• How many clients do you take on at one time?

Questions to prepare for:

• Are you building with a critical drop-dead deadline? A wedding or holiday or other occasion? Or, how flexible is your timing?
• Please share the feel, the look and the design influences you enjoy.
• What are you hoping to achieve? (e.g. lots of light, better flow? Update to a more modern, more traditional, more craftsman, a streamlined design?)
• How does this project compare with the home you are currently living in? What’s the same? What is different?
• What’s the budget range you’re working with?
• Why now for this work? 

Each design build firm will have their own line of questions, but these will help get the conversation going to see if you can make a good team and achieve the results you want for your home together.

Last thoughts
Interview a few design contractors so you can compare answers and the “feel” of communicating with a new design build company. Make sure your communication styles, design esthetic and work ethics match to ensure a seamless project.

Consider recording the interviews with your smartphone’s voice memo application and have your spouse or trusted friend listen to them too.

It’s not lost on us that this is a big investment and will take time, effort and a good measure of communication to get the best results without taking “forever”.

We, at G2, work with people who don’t hire design builders all the time. Generally homeowners will remodel once or maybe twice in a lifetime.

Ask those questions and, definitely, offer as much information as you can about what you want us to achieve. The clearer the better. For everyone.