Can You Design Your Home Before You Find Property?

Once you decide to build a home, it’s hard not to think about it.  There are many design elements to consider.  Some of these you can decide on before you find the perfect piece of property; however, there are some decisions that will be influenced by the characteristics of your land.

Design elements to think about before you find property:

• Specialty rooms for hobbies or activities;
• The number of bedrooms and bathrooms you will need;
• Storage space requirements;
• Design details such as a gas fireplace vs. wood;
• The theme of your interior design (colors, light, textures)

These things should wait until you find your land:

• The home’s size and number of stories:  site or local restrictions may limit the size, height, or even the placement of the home on your property. 
• Type of foundation:  the type of foundation system you choose may be dependent upon local or state codes, the lot size, slope, and soil type.
• Walkout basement:  a sloping lot can allow for a walk-out basement, providing more usable square footage for recreation areas or additional guest bedrooms.

If you’re excited to get started on planning your home design, we suggest you create a binder of clippings and samples you are collecting.  Include design elements and details you do not like: sometimes these are more valuable to your architect than features that you do like.


Reposted from Green Home Design Architect

Factors Impacting Home Design:

There are two basic factors in home design:  fundamental and elemental.

Fundamental considerations are tangible. For example, how many people will be living in your home? How much do you wish to invest, both financially and emotionally? Is it a home you’ll use after retirement, which might dictate single-level living? Only you can determine the emotional investment you’ll have in the house. This varies from person to person and typically affects how much day-to-day input you’ll have in the home’s development.

Elemental considerations are less tangible. The three I find most important are light, views and permanence. Light makes visible the spaces we inhabit. Light also has its own characteristics such as intensity, color, texture and depth, so light and its absence must be considered when designing. For example, if you have two identical rooms—one on the east side of a house and one on the west—each space will be perceived differently, even if they have the same colors, furnishings, textures, volume and design. Yes, it all comes down to sunlight. For example, if you’re not a morning person, it might not be a wise move to place your bedroom on the east side of the house.

Views come next. One of the advantages of timber homes is the ability of timbers to frame views of different spaces. A pair of posts might define the entrance from the dining to the living room; and a floor girder might delineate the dining from the living room in the same manner, acting as a soffit between different ceiling heights. Our experiences in a space often are based upon what we see or feel from it even before we enter a room.

The last is permanence. Obviously, a home is more than shelter. It can be a place of retreat and serenity, and when we can see and understand the structure that protects us—the posts, beams and braces—we gain a primal understanding of security. Again, many timber homes built long ago are still around today. We might not understand the comfort and security these structures provide, but we all perceive and feel those qualities the minute we set foot in one of these homes.

~Jeremy Bonin, AIA NCARB LEED AP

Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC

Licensed in NH, VT, ME, MA, RI, and CT

Two Ways to Save Water in a Timber Home

Water management is a responsible action to take, especially when you’re planning to build a timber home.

Two money and energy-saving strategies which can be easily incorporated into a timber frame design are:

1.  Reducing overall water usage in the home by specifying low-flow water fixtures, low-flush or composting toilets, installing aerators on all taps, and installing low-flow shower head nozzles.
2. Specifying a plumbing system that reuses grey water (wastewater from domestic usage such as dish washing, laundry and bathing) for flushing toilets, watering lawns, etc. (note: some grey water  systems require approval by most local building jurisdictions, your architect will verify this prior to design).

Implement a few simple actions to use water more efficiently and you can reduce your water and sewer bills by one third, a significant savings!  According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, “If all U.S. households installed water-efficient appliances, the country would save more than 3 trillion gallons of water and more than $18 billion dollars per year.”

It’s easy to incorporate energy efficiency in your timber home design.  Talk to Bonin Architects about your goals and ask questions about what strategies will work for your climate, budget, and home design.

Timber Homes: More than a House

A timber home is much more than a house providing shelter; it is an expression of the owners’ way of life, a representation of their families and personalities.  

At first glance, a timber frame home may look like any other home in the neighborhood (especially if it does not feature a timber entry, a timber porch, or timber accents on the exterior).  Upon entering a timber home, though, most guests are rendered speechless.  Some do try to speak or manage to exclaim a whispered “wow!” under their breaths, but the emotion is always the same:  admiration. 

Timber homes are

• Undeniably beautiful
• Traditional, nostalgic

They offer

• A sense of permanence
• Versatile, open floor plan

They also

• Describe interior space
• Create ceiling planes

Timber homes appeal to our sense of tradition and desire to understand structure, but perhaps the more obvious features are their warmth and comfort. 

If you are planning to build a timber frame home, consider using an architect for the home design.  See some of our timber homes and architectural services on our website!

Building a new timber home

You’ve made the decision to build an energy efficient timber home but may be no further in the process than that initial decision.  Bonin Architects & Associates is ready to help you design and build a home that not only matches your needs and fulfills your desires, but also meets your budget.  Throughout the architectural design and construction administration process, we will help you give consideration to the impact to both the site environment and to the building itself in terms of stewardship and environmental quality.  
 
Here are five factors Bonin Architects & Associates will urge you to contemplate when building a sustainable, energy efficient timber frame home:

1. Site consideration
2. Water efficiency
3. Energy and atmosphere
4. Materials and resources
5. Indoor environmental quality

There are many material choices and alternative energy solutions available in building a timber home that is considered truly green.  Our architects will present many of these to you during the design phase of the project, keeping in mind your project goals and budget.  Some considerations are:

• Recycled and reclaimed materials: Wood species, Roofing material, Decking
• Insulation systems: Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
• Renewable Energy Systems

By mapping your objectives and goals during the design process, Bonin Architects will then work with you to exceed your expectations in building your green home.  The end result fulfills more than the basic need for shelter – your sustainable home will provide maximum return on your investment, require minimal maintenance, and satisfy the innate desire to create a nurturing environment in which your family can flourish.

 Call us to discuss your project at 603-526-6200 or email info@boninarchitects.com

Building, Remodel & Decorate: Trend Watch – Image Magazine

The Spring 2011 issue of Image Magazine, distributed to homeowners in 46 towns along the CT River Valley in New Hampshire and Vermont, features a unique section called Trend Watch, a homeowner’s guide to building, remodeling, and decorating. In this regard, we see the same trends in conventional homes as we do in timber homes.

When asked about current home design and building trends, NH Architect Jeremy Bonin pointed to home size.  “Smaller is definitely a trend,” said Bonin, Principal Architect of Bonin Architect & Associates in New London. “The size of the custom house is coming down.  We’re seeing fewer rooms and more multi-use spaces.  Instead of two separate rooms with several hundred square feet each, these are combined into one slightly larger room.”

Another trend, says Bonin, is maximizing outdoor space.  “We design many lakefront homes in the Sunapee region.  These homes have a lot of interaction of the indoor living space and the exterior landscape or lake side of the home with views and outdoor activities.”

Energy efficiency is another front-runner in design and building trends.  Bonin, a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional), uses his training in sustainable design in each and every project.  “For energy efficiency and sustainability, we use guidelines from LEED and Energy Star,” adds Bonin.  “The building envelopes are well-insulated, we specify durable low-maintenance materials, high-quality windows and doors, and homes are sited to take advantage of passive solar as well as views.”

Other building and remodeling trends Bonin notes:

• Open kitchen, dining, and living areas
• First floor Master Suites and one story living
• Incorporating three-season porches with energy efficient windows to use year-round

Jeremy Bonin has contributed to many publications.  Click the link to read some of his articles on green building.

SIP Panels: R-Values in the Real World

Source: Structural Insulated Panel Association, www.sips.org

Insulation is one of the key components of any energy-efficient home or commercial building.  With heating and cooling accounting for 50 percent of energy use in the average home, the type of insulation you choose can save thousands of dollars in utility bills over the life of your home.

Insulation is rated by R-value, which measures a material’s thermal resistance.  An insulating material with a higher R-value forms a more effective thermal barrier between the outside temperature and the conditioned space inside the home.

But R-value doesn’t tell the whole story.  Laboratory tests that determine R-value have little resemblance to how insulation actually performs in a home.  When real world factors such as air infiltration, extreme temperatures and thermal bridging are present, field-installed fiberglass insulation can lose more than half its R-value.  Research has repeatedly shown that SIPs provide continuous insulation that will maintain its stated R-value for the life of the home and outperform fiberglass insulation every time.



Read more: http://www.sips.org

Construction Photos: Maine Energy Efficient Home

Construction is well under way on our clients’ energy efficient home on Hadley Lake, Machias, Maine.  Located on 193 acres, their 1100 square foot home will not only be energy efficient but beautiful as well!  

One of architect drawings is a "see-through" rendering of the home's interior.

 Here are some construction photos from the builder.  

For a more detailed description of the home design and project goals, visit www.boninarchitects.com/underconstruction.html.

September Open House

Join us for another Open House and Q&A with our local Green Building experts!  If you are thinking of relocating to the Dartmouth Lake Sunapee region and are considering building a new home or remodelling an old one, you won't want to miss this informative event!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Custom home near Lake Sunapee

An informal setting where you can ask local Green Building Experts questions about Shoreland Protection guidelines, green home design, renewable energy, building materials & costs, and more!

Local Experts:
Architect Jeremy Bonin, Bonin Architects & Associates
Custom Builder Everett Pollard, Northcape Design
Realtor Dan O'Halloran, Colby Real Estate
Engineer Charlie Hirshberg, CLD Consulting Engineers

Registration is required!!  Directions given to registrants only - call today!
Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC
603-504-6009

May Events: NH Open House with Green Architect, Builder & Realtor

Are you planning to build a new home or addition?
Remodeling your home or lakefront cottage?
This event is just for you!

Open House
Talk with Local Green Design & Building Experts!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
4:00 - 6:00 PM
Custom home near Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire

Come tour a beautiful lakeside custom home and get answers to your questions about building a home! Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, refreshments, and learn about Shoreland Protection guidelines, the importance of green home design, building costs, budgeting, the construction process, purchasing land, and more!

Registration is required for this free event!
Register by calling Bonin Architects at 603-504-6009

About the Experts:

Jeremy Bonin, AIA NCARB LEED AP: Jeremy Bonin, a principal partner of Bonin Architects & Associates, is an accomplished speaker, award-winning architect, and the author of TIMBER FRAMES: Designing Your Custom Home, which was written to help homeowners become fully involved in the design of a custom home. Jeremy has a special interest in sustainable design and green building while incorporating energy efficient building materials and renewable energy systems including geothermal heating, wind power, and solar energy.

Dan O'Halloran: Dan is a high-energy realtor who specializes in residential real estate. Over the past four years with Colby Real Estate he has gained considerable experience working with clients and developers on view lots and subdivision transactions. Dan uses the most current marketing and advertising technology and techniques available in the real estate industry to achieve maximum visibility for every client he works with. His background in finance and marketing rounds out his qualifications and enhances his skills he offers.

Everett Pollard: For over thirty years Everett has been designing and building custom homes in the Lake Sunapee area. He and his staff are involved from day one of their projects, assuring a successful and fun process. Everett is dedicated to the building industry as a whole, which is evident by his active role in associations such as the local and national Home Builder's Association. His priorities are successfully balanced between preserving the environment and providing superior customer service to his clients.

New Homes: Size Matters

Building a new home, no matter what style or construction type, impacts the environment. Our goal as green architects is to limit that impact through the green home design process and construction of the home. Not surprisingly, the size of a new home can and does influence its environmental impact. With the green building movement taking shape over the past ten years, one would think the average home size has decreased. On the contrary: the average new home built in 2008 in the northeast was 274 square feet larger than one built in 2000 (source NAHB).

Small homes have benefits over larger homes:

Generally cost less, which means less money financed

Require less energy for heating and cooling, which means lower energy costs

Have smaller, more efficient systems (furnace, AC, plumbing, etc.)

Can earn points toward energy program certification for small size

Will require less maintenance
Less is definitely more in terms of size.

Small green homes are less in terms of:

Disturbance to the site, natural landscape, and habitat

Building materials and resources used

Toxic materials and harmful chemicals

Energy usage and water waste

If you have questions about the costs of building a new home, feel free to send us an email or give us a call!

Bonin Architects & Associates

info@boninarchitects.com

603-504-6009

Maine Post and Beam Home

Our timber frame home design in Maine is under construction!

The timber home, designed using sacred geometry to define the building proportions, is 2086 square feet and utilizes energy efficient building materials including an Insulated Concrete Form foundation (ICF), evacuated tubes on the south facing portions of the home for domestic hot water and heating, and SIP panels (structural insulated panels) for the walls and roof which will surround the posts and beams that create the beautiful structural frame of the home.

Energy Efficient Mortgage

By now, most people building a new home know enough about green building to know they want their home to be energy efficient for several reasons. Energy efficient homes are better for the ecosystem, eliminate toxins and allergens creating a healthy environment for your family, and reduce costs (energy costs, health care expenses, maintenance and repairs).

High performance insulation such as SIP panels, better windows, and energy efficient appliances and equipment costs can be higher in an

energy efficient home, as many of the systems and materials carry a higher price tag than their non-green counterparts. Unlike standard non-green items, though, the energy efficient choice gives you a return on your investment by paying for itself over time. With an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM), your investment pays off right away.

If you are planning to build a new home and think you can’t afford to add energy efficient products and features because they cost too much, as your local banker about an Energy Efficient Mortgage.

Here are the facts about Energy Efficient Mortgages:

Regular home mortgages do not take energy costs into account, even though energy is a major household expense. In a typical home, energy consumes about 10% of the household budget. Energy Efficient Mortgages recognize energy costs along with recurring payments, such as principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. By investing in energy saving features, homeowners will save money every month. By financing the cost of the energy efficient building materials, the monthly savings is greater than the additional monthly payment, and in most cases, the homeowners enjoy positive cash flow in the first month!

The Energy Efficient Mortgage rewards homeowners with up to a 5% instant equity credit. That means if you are building an energy efficient home and it originally appraises at $300,000, it would be immediately worth $315,000.

The New Construction Energy Efficient Mortgage can be combined with both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. We can also to construction to permanent financing (or single-close mortgages) so that you don't need to pay two sets of closing costs. A positive aspect of energy efficient homes (other than lower utility bills) is that they have a good impact on the environment. The average home that goes through an Energy Efficient Mortgage will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2-4 TONS per year.

Talk to your local banker today about an Energy Efficient Mortgage to finance your new energy efficient home!

Timber Homes and Green Building

There is a natural fit with timber frame, SIP Panels, and green building.

Posts and beams can be recycled from old factories, barns, and historical buildings, adding character and a unique history to the home and showing respect for our limited resources. Timber homes are green, in that they last for centuries (there are some Asian timber frames built in the 6th and 12th centuries still standing today). Rather than having to be rebuilt in 50 years, the timber frame home’s exterior could be updated and the interior completely renovated several times while the timber frame remains structurally sound and beautiful. As added benefits, the timber frame addresses quality issues, brings warmth to the house, and also aids in delineating spaces and gives an order and rhythm to the home.

SIP panels address the efficiency of the home and can be used in any climate. The structural insulated panel enclosure system creates a thermal envelope around the timber frame, keeping your home warm in the dead of winter and cool in the hot summer months. (SIPs were even supplied for the International Science Station at the South Pole, where summer temperatures average minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit!) The insulation used in SIP panels is a lightweight rigid foam plastic composed of 98% air, and requires only a small amount of petroleum to produce. Also, the foam insulation is made using a non-CFC blowing agent that does not threaten the earth’s ozone layer. Since SIPs are prefabricated in the factory, there is less jobsite waste that needs to be landfilled. Most SIP panel manufacturers recycle factory scrap to make other foam products.

There are many quality timber frame and SIP panel manufacturers around the country, allowing homeowners to work with a company near them, reducing the amount of travel required for the material to get to your site.

As far as the timber home’s space, additional features, and systems, your green architect will give you numerous options in the green building process to save money and protect your investment.

Building a Timber House

Building a timber house isn’t much different than building any green home. The steps are the same: design, build, enjoy.

Design
Hiring a licensed architect, particularly a timber frame architect, will quite possibly be the wisest choice you can make to build a timber house. A timber frame architect provides five valuable services:

• 1. Understands the Scope of the Project: A licensed timber frame architect understands timber frame construction as well as the details and phases of the project. He or she has the expertise to develop and refine the vision so you can understand the scope of the project.

• 2. Knows State and Local Codes: A licensed architect is knowledgeable in the building codes applicable to your project and designs the timber frame to meet these codes. They usually prepare most of the documentation necessary for you to get your building permits, saving you both time and money.

• 3. Hires the Team: When you secure an architect’s project management services, he or she heads the team and makes sure everyone knows their job. They answer the myriad of questions from the builder and their subcontractors, and makes sure any changes do not affect the structural and architectural integrity of the timber frame design.

• 4. Oversees the Project: The licensed architect is involved in the day-to-day construction of the project, making him or herself available for consultations, meetings, and questions from the site. Some architects will also hire the subcontractors for you (to erect the timber frame and install the Structural Insulated Panels, for instance) and then establish and manage the construction schedule. Throughout the project, your architect is your advocate, staying true to your home design and your budget.
  
  
• 5. Can Green Up Your Project: Are you interested in building a green timber house? A green architect will give you numerous options for saving money and protecting your investment in the home design and material selection processes.

Build

The second step of building a timber frame home (design, build, enjoy) is pretty much the same as building a green home.

Your timber frame architect can guide you through the construction of the timber house, overseeing the day-to-day construction of the home, managing subcontractors, and the project schedule. The timber frame architect manages on-site changes to make sure they 1) are in keeping with the original home design; 2) work with the timber frame design; and 3) are changes you can afford.

The timber frame and SIP panels are generally completed in two to three weeks, depending on the home size. After that, the construction of the rest of the home (roofing, siding, windows and doors, trim, etc.) is the same as any green home.

Enjoy
The final step, which can last for generations, is definitely the most satisfying phase of building a timber house. This is when you truly enjoy the personal touches you put into the home, the little details you insisted on, the private areas you have for personal time, and the open common areas where you strengthen relationships with the ones you love.

(photo of finished timber home, right, courtesy of Timberpeg)

Tulikivi Wood Stoves

Tulikivi masonry heaters are extremely popular in timber frame homes. Translated from Finnish, “Tulikivi” literally means "fire stone". Every Tulikivi fireplace is manufactured with high quality soapstone quarried in Finland. Soapstone is unique in the world of masonry due to its natural refractory, heat storage, and heat transfer aspects. It is naturally able to withstand the high combustion temperatures inside a masonry heater.

If you are thinking of burning wood in your new timber house, you’ll obtain the best result using a solid, heat-retaining fireplace. A Tulikivi masonry heater has high performance and heating efficiency and its stored heat is radiated into the room evenly and over a long period of time.

Tulikivi has a wide variety of standard units available, but if you don’t see a model that fits your timber frame home, you can ask them to design a custom heater based on a sketch, photograph, or photo from a magazine. Visit their website at www.tulikivi.com

Green Timber Frame Homes Outperform Conventional Homes

Green timber frame homes stem from an overall concert for their environment. The timber frame design, building materials, and heating and cooling systems focus on energy efficiency - seting them apart from conventional homes. For example, green timber frame homes, whether they are traditional timber frame, post and beam, or a timber frame hybrid, outperform conventional homes these areas:

Environment / Site: Landscaping which focuses on using native plants has a positive effect on the site by reducing irrigation, pesticides, and fertilizers. Tree selection and preservation can reduce energy costs by creating buffers from winter winds and providing shade for summer.

Timber Frame Design: Using passive solar design techniques such as maximizing southern exposure and south-facing windows helps keep the timber frame home warm in winter and increases natural light. Green timber frame homes have a minimal footprint, which keep energy costs low.

Exterior Shell: Energy efficient materials such as SIPs panels (structural insulated panels) and ICF (insulated concrete form) foundations provide a thermal barrier against winter cold and summer heat. Energy efficient windows with low-E coatings reflect infrared light which helps heat the home in winter and cool the home in summer.

Building Materials: Durable, low maintenance, recycled materials for the roof, siding, decks, porches, trim, and fencing reduce replacement costs, save money on installation, protect against water and insects, and provide longer warranties. Purchasing pre-built factory components, such as pre-cut SIP Panels and a timber frame, uses raw materials efficiently, reduces on-site waste, and energy costs to deliver materials to the site.

Heating, Cooling, and Water Systems: Green timber frame homes use less energy than conventional homes. Having heating and cooling equipment and water systems correctly sized for the home saves money. Water conservation techniques such as reducing overall consumption by specifying low-flow water fixtures, low-flush or composting toilets, installing aerators on all taps and nozzles and installing grey water systems reduces energy costs and water usage. Solar and geothermal systems heat and cool the space in green homes and provide hot water, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Interior: Green timber frame homes include natural interior products such as Marmoleum (made with flax, rosins, and wood fiber), wood, concrete, wool carpet, tile, local slate, and cork. Also, low odor / low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and environmentally-friendly finishes for wood and stone help create a healthy indoor environment. ENERGY STAR appliances contribute, using an average of 30% less energy over standard appliances.

Green timber frame homes are designed to combine systems, materials, and features reduce energy and impact to the surrounding environment. Consult with your green architect and builder to help you design and build an energy efficient home you will be able to enjoy for years to come.

Five Tips to Building Your Timber Frame Home Within Budget

You’ve established your budget for your new timber home and your architect and builder say it can be built for that amount – but how do you stay true to that magic number? There are several things you can do to help you stay within your budget during the home design process:

1. Divide the total budget by the square footage of your timber frame house, and stay within that dollar amount for each square foot of space. Work with your timber frame architect and builder to stay within allowances.

2. Keep the home design simple. If you have a tight budget, keep the design straightforward and uncomplicated. Dormers and complicated roof systems add significant cost. Minimize the home’s footprint. Instead of a sprawling one story home, reduce the footprint by shrinking the floor plan and adding a second story. This doesn’t mean your timber frame design has to be a box – unless, of course, you want one.

3. Consider a hybrid home by combining building methods; i.e. use timber framing in public areas (great room, dining room, and kitchen) and use SIP panel construction or conventional material in other areas.

4. Glazing = $$$. Windows are a huge expense and come in a variety of designs, styles, and energy efficiency ratings. For residential and light commercial projects, aluminum clad wood windows are the preferred choice. To stay within budget, work with standard window sizes, avoiding oversized, custom units. Beware: hardware upgrades can be costly.

5. List your priorities and allocate amounts to each room or system. If it’s your heart’s desire to have a cathedral timber frame great room with a wall of windows, you can allocate a larger amount of money for that area and limit spending in other areas (perhaps on fixtures in the kitchen and bathrooms).

Your timber frame architect and builder are knowledgeable in the many materials and systems that go into your timber frame home. They will be able to offer comparisons on materials, including their costs and life cycles (for example, a metal roof that will last 40 years but cost more up front vs. a shingle roof that will last 25 years but cost less), so you can make educated decisions which will affect your bottom line.

Knowing all of your options will make it easier to stay within budget on your timber frame project - and, with careful planning, you can have a beautiful, energy efficient timber frame home within your budget.

Five Reasons to Use an Architect for Your Home Design

When you are building a new home, you want to have it your way, and rightly so. Everything from the floor plan layout, the home’s character and style, features, systems, materials, and décor should reflect who you are and your philosophy on life. Hiring an architect for the design and project management of the home can make the whole process go smoothly. Here are some of the skills an architect brings to a project and some of the functions he or she performs:

1. Understands the Scope of the Project: A licensed architect understands the details and phases of the project and has the expertise to develop and refine the vision so you can understand the scope of the project.

2. Knows State and Local Codes: The licensed architect is knowledgeable in the building codes applicable to your project and designs the structure of the home to meet these codes. They usually prepare most of the documentation necessary for you to get your building permits, saving you both time and money.

3. Hires the Team: When you secure an architect’s project management services, he or she heads the team and makes sure everyone knows their job. They answer the myriad of questions from the builder and their subcontractors, and makes sure any changes do not affect the structural and architectural integrity of the design.

4. Oversees the Project: The licensed architect is involved in the day-to-day construction of the project, making him or herself available for consultations, meetings, and questions from the site. Some architects will also hire the subcontractors for you and then establish and manage the construction schedule. Throughout the project, your architect is your advocate, staying true to your design and budget.

5. Can Green Up Your Project: Are you interested in building a green home? A green architect will give you numerous options for saving money and protecting your investment in the home design and material selection processes.

If you’re planning on building a new home, hiring an architect is well worth your investment to ensure the end result is exactly what you wanted. Are you incorporating green materials and renewable energy systems? Read an article on some common terms in green home building.

Jackie Lampiasi
Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC

Be Your Own General Contractor – A Good Choice For You?

We speak with many homeowners building timber frame homes who would like to save money by becoming their own general contractor. While it may be possible to save between 10% - 20% of project costs, it’s important to take into account all of the responsibilities and the enormous investment of time. Think of being your own general contractor as being the president of your company. You will be required to

Be available when needed and be on the job site as required, for an undetermined amount of time every day

Have more than an average understanding of timber framing and home building

Set a construction schedule and meet strict deadlines

Juggle multiple tasks

Manage groups of people with different schedules and communication skills

Effectively work with the subcontractors

Check and sign off on the work performed by the timber framer and each subcontractor

Ensure that the crew is following safety procedures

Be able to solve problems that arise

Handle any schedule or material delays

Manage the financial aspects of the project, including budgeting, purchasing, and paying subcontractors.

As you can imagine, it’s a big responsibility, and if not done correctly, it can cost you more time and money than if you had hired a professional general contractor to oversee your project. General contractors have established relationships with subcontractors and material suppliers, giving them leverage that the average homeowner does not. Also, in some cases, being your own general contractor can make it difficult to find financing, as lenders want to be assured the work is being done by qualified professionals.

Having such an enormous part in building your new home and being your own general contractor can certainly be a rewarding experience. If you want to be fully involved in building your timber frame home but are unsure whether you have what it takes, you might consider hiring a Home Project Manager to help. Home Project Managers cost less than a general contractor and can help you through parts of the project where you feel inexperienced.
No doubt, the decision to be your own general contractor is a complex one. Know what is involved before undertaking such a big project and make the best decision for you.

Jackie Lampiasi
Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC