Annual Homes & Design Issue
By Ali Lemmons
Starting a new build comes with all kinds of exciting moments, from choosing the perfect piece of land to creating a home that is uniquely designed for your preferences and lifestyle. However, the building process can also seem overwhelming. Luckily, local experts are here to help. Here, we chat with eight builders in the area as they share their top tips and tricks for making building a breeze.
Michael BridgesIf you are serious about building a new home, your first step should be to contact an architect to help you investigate the property for potential challenges. Then, you should discuss how to get a comprehensive set of plans together so that your first conversation with a builder can be specific, fruitful, and realistic in terms of budget and timeline. Approaching builders prior to having those specifics will lead to generic budget ranges that might not truly anticipate your expectations.
My advice is to approach building a home as an investment in you, your family, and your community. We do not promote building disposable homes. This might mean more time for planning and more cost up front, but the payoff is a long-lasting, durable, energy-aware, and maintenance-free home that can last you generations.
Nick BlazekStarting new home construction is an exciting yet challenging endeavor that requires careful planning and thoughtful decision-making. The first step is to define your budget, ensuring it is realistic and includes a buffer for unexpected costs. Once finances are in order, choosing the right location becomes vital; this means selecting land that aligns with your lifestyle, provides proximity to necessary amenities, and considers future developments in the area.
Hiring experienced professionals is another crucial aspect – research and engage skilled architects, contractors, and builders to bring your vision to life. Additionally, obtaining all necessary permits and approvals early in the process can prevent legal complications down the line. Finally, maintaining effective communication with your construction team ensures that the project progresses smoothly and any issues are promptly addressed.
Amber ClarkTrust your team. Choose a builder and designer who understand your vision, then trust them to guide you. A great team will help you avoid costly mistakes and keep your project grounded in both beauty and function.
Plan for real life. Don’t just think about how it will look – think about how it will live. Storage, flow, natural light … those are the things that make a home feel great every day.
Be decisive. Building involves a lot of decisions, and delays can create ripple effects. When you trust your team and your plan, make as many selections and decisions before you even break ground so that the project moves smoothly once you do.
Enjoy the process. Building can be stressful, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to create something from the ground up. Lean in and have fun with it; you’re building something that didn’t exist before.
Cydney ParkesAs a creative director, I see building a home much like creating a work of art – it’s personal, intentional, and deeply expressive. My top tip for homeowners starting a new build is to approach it as a blank canvas. Think beyond function and ask: how do you want your home to feel? A new build is your chance to craft a boutique living experience that reflects your story. Surround yourself with a team who values creativity and can guide you through a curated, thoughtful process. Solution-oriented living often comes from fresh ideas, so don’t be afraid to take risks – innovation and true comfort often live just outside the lines of convention. And remember, just like in art, the beauty often lies in the unexpected.
Steve NorthwayJust as a financial advisor helps people manage their assets, I help my clients navigate the process of designing, building, or remodeling a home. As “The Building Coach,”
I always advise people to heed the old carpenters’ adage of “measure twice, cut once.” You only get one chance to build a home right, so do your homework and due diligence. Interview every individual in person, including the architect, builder, interior designer, and project managers, and ask tough questions. Talk to their references, run background checks, and check their history with the city. Carefully review the construction bid and read the fine print to identify allowances, change orders, and other costs that may be charged over and above the original estimate to understand the true cost of your project. Before you sign on the dotted line, have all contracts reviewed by an attorney or construction advocate.
Bobby CronanBuilding your dream home should be exciting – not stressful. One of the best ways to keep things on track is having a dedicated professional on-site every day. Whether it’s a project manager or superintendent, their job is to make sure work is done right, problems are solved quickly, and everything stays on schedule. Start with a solid plan. Know what you want, and make your design and finish choices before construction begins. Early decisions help avoid delays, reduce surprises, and keep costs under control. With the right team and planning, building your dream home can be a smooth and enjoyable process.
Daniel ArringtonTailored Construction & Development Inc
Be sure to research your builder before committing to a contract – ask for references and pictures of past projects. Make a list of expectations so you and your builder are on the same page from the start. Make sure any change orders are reviewed and approved before work begins to help control costs. Walk through your home before drywall is installed, and take pictures or video of the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC; this will be invaluable for future projects or identifying hidden issues. Technology has come a long way – there are now many user-friendly apps that allow you to control your heating, air, lighting, and even door locks from a tablet. Explore these options, as they may be more affordable than you think. Do your homework on the front end, and you’ll be able to truly enjoy the experience of building your new home.
Mandi RobertsDefine clear goals and priorities early. Clarify what you want from your new home – functionally, aesthetically, and emotionally. Prioritize needs versus wants, and consider how your lifestyle may evolve over the next five to 10 years.
Assemble the right team. Hire an architect whose style and communication approach aligns with yours. Also, involve a reputable builder early to help balance design ideas with cost of construction. The architect-builder relationship is crucial to staying on time and on budget.
Have honest conversations about your budget, accounting for design fees, sitework, construction, landscaping, furnishings, and a contingency (usually 10-15%).
Don’t rush the design process. The more thoughtful and resolved the design, the smoother the construction process will be. Make time to review plans thoroughly.
Most importantly, enjoy the journey. A new build is a huge undertaking but also a rare opportunity to create a home uniquely suited to you. Stay engaged, ask questions, and trust the process.
