Where do I start?

When we first meet or talk with homeowners who are looking for our help with a project, we have found that there are a number of similar concerns and questions that are brought up in our initial conversation regardless of if they are looking to build a new home, complete a renovation or make an addition to their existing property.

With many resources online, or advice received from friends or acquaintances, it can be confusing and even overwhelming to know where to start! We have seen a number of clients who have missed terrific opportunities in their homes, or have even made costly mistakes by following the wrong route through the design and construction process.

In order to create a framework for our journey together and enable us to best understand what the homeowner values most from their project, we like to ask exploratory questions such as these below  :

• What are you hoping to achieve?

• What are you hoping to spend on your project?

• Are you able to afford your full brief for the budget that you have allocated?

• What do you need from your home in the short, medium and long term?

• What would a successful project look, feel or perform like after you have finished?

• What are you allowed to do?

01. What are you hoping to achieve?

The start of a project is always very exciting, however it is easy to fall down a research rabbit hole, pinning images on Pintrest, viewing real estate websites and saving Instagram shots etc. While this research is important to identify materials and spaces that give you the look and feel that inspires you, we find it useful to take a step back and ask "what are you hoping to achieve?'

• Do you need more space for a growing family?

• Are you looking to reconfigure your existing home to enable you to live in a particular way?

• Would you like your home to be a sanctuary; a place to unwind from the other activities in your life such as your career or family commitments?

• Are you aiming for your home to be more convenient, simpler, fun and beautiful?

• Do you want to feel inspired in your home?

• Or any other reason...

"Why do you want to renovate, extend or build your new home in the first place? What are you hoping to achieve?" 

Your own home will most likely trigger an emotional response. Really understand your "why" for completing your project,  and we promise it will help steer your design and built project to deliver a result that you will love and help you spend your allocated funds in the right way.

The right Architect for your project will ask you these kinds of probing questions, to help you establish what is most important to you, what you value most, and how you want to live with your family in the future in your finished home.

Without a clear "why" for your project, those wish list ideas from Pintrest or Instagram could easily become the driver for your project and you may end up with a house that hasn't been considered holistically, that doesn't flow well or feels like a collection of spaces, features and items instead of a home. 

We wish you the best of luck with your project, If you have any specific project questions that you require assistance with, please contact us via phone or email and our experienced team will be able to help you!

Disclaimer

This content is provided by Chadwick Architects for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. It is not legal, financial, insurance, or other advice and you should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. Chadwick Architects endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.