Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Is It Ever Too Early to Start the Design Process?

I’ve been asked many times over the years by clients, “I don’t own my land yet, but I’d like to begin designing my new timber frame or post and beam house. Is this wise?”

The advice I’ve always given is, please wait until you close on your land, because starting the design process too soon could end up costing you more money. For example, the site you decide to purchase may have the potential for a walk-out basement, which could allow for more usable square footage, such as a recreation room or extra bedrooms for guests or children. Items such as these may not have been incorporated into the original design.

In contrast, if you design a SIPs or timber frame home prior to the purchase of your land, you may find that the site or local restrictions will not accommodate the size or placement of the home you’ve paid to design, and you need to return to the drawing board…literally!

Prior to closing on land, please contact us; we can assist in review of the property for the home’s placement if you wish. When you are ready to begin the design process for your new timber frame, post & beam, SIPs, or sustainable home, let us know. Designing your custom home should be an enjoyable and memorable process.

Kimberly Bonin, Executive Project Manager
Bonin Architects & Associates
http://www.boninarchitects.com/

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