Transform your home! Whether building new, or purchasing an existing home, the process of making a home your own is exciting and rewarding. There are many opportunities to add your special personal touch and make it fit your lifestyle and family.
When you are considering changes to your home, you may think about the many areas of design which include paint and furniture trends, outside curb appeal, room arrangement, etc. The choices you decide upon come down to one key element: What is most important to you?
If entertaining friends and family is most important, then use your resources to make the kitchen area a warm and inviting gathering place. If yard work is your forte, (which is also great exercise!) then put your resources into the landscaping and curb appeal of the home. Maybe space for an aging parent is a priority, or an energy efficient home appeals to you.
You may be looking to add more storage in your home, or turning a room into an office or play space. You want your home to be a relaxing oasis, away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Make that the goal and you will enjoy what you have created for many years.
Financial considerations are important, and drawing up a realistic budget for your needs will help with your design and upgrade decisions. While projects such as kitchen and bath renovations traditionally have a high rate of return when you resell your home, other areas may not, such as adding a finished basement, turning a small bedroom into a closet or putting in a swimming pool.
An important factor, however, will be how you wish the home to function for you at the present time. This is as vital as anything else because you are not transforming the home for the next owner; you are doing this for you and your family.
So where do you begin? If you are still in the process of looking for a home, you may be in the market to find professionals who will assist you with the steps you need to take for a successful home purchase. If you have moved into your home and need help with design, the following tips can assist you with choosing the right person to get your job completed on time and within your budget. Let’s take a look at the process from start to finish.
Choosing a Real Estate Agent
Interview several agents and choose one that truly understands your needs and is committed to finding a home (or land) that will suit your budget and family. An agent can also assist after the sale to advise on area sales if you are considering an addition or renovation to your home, and wish to keep the upgrades in line with the rest of the neighborhood.
Select an Architect
You will want to interview architects who work primarily in residential design. Residential architects are more adapt at working on a smaller scale with diverse functions while adhering to your budget. Again, find someone who will listen to your ideas and needs and has the vision to draw up a plan to fit your budget and dreams. Hiring the wrong architect will cost you time, money and frustration, leaving you with a plan you may not want or be able to use.
Interior Design
It is very important that the interior of your home reflect the real you. Sessions with an interior designer can open the doors to making your home the personal space you desire it to be. The designer can transfer your personality into color, textures and lighting that complement your home’s traffic patterns and overall atmosphere.
Choosing your Contractor
Since this part of the home process is structural, you want to make sure your contractor is licensed and reliable. Ask to see previous work, talk with past clients, and only work with someone you feel comfortable with. If you wish to incorporate energy saving components into your structure, find a contractor who is certified in “green” building practices and can advise you as to cost and potential savings.
A home is so much more than a structure. Yes, it protects your family from the elements, provides shelter, welcomes visitors and reflects your personality. But more than that, it can become a place of creating great memories. To get there, it all starts with designing your vision. Taking the time to select the right project team to make your vision a reality is critical. With the effort of creating a thoughtful plan, the rest of the project flows smoothly to completion.
About the Author: Tom Garcia is the owner of Southern Evergreen, LLC a full service firm that provides architecture, construction, interior design and real estate services. Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and is a nationally recognized Certified Green Professional. He is also the host of a weekly CBS-affiliate news segment called Fix-it Friday, which airs in Greensboro, N.C., and other markets.
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