PERSONAL SPACE — Cont’d from page 9
Unlike their clients, custom builders have been through the process dozens if not hundreds of times. They have the experience, expertise and resources to shape and refine plans to fit your lifestyle and personality. “I’ve got anywhere between 30 and 50 design styles for houses in my head that are always itching to leap out just because I’m surrounded by the stuff on a daily basis,” Milne says. “So I’ve got all kinds of creative, fun things that I use to help the clients realize their vision because they’re not necessarily an expert.” There are a zillion or so decisions to make throughout the design and construction process. And builders recommend thinking long-term when it comes to
some of the big ones. Location is important for families who want to be close to schools and recreation. And it’s better to grow into your home than to grow out of it. If you’ll
THERE ARE A ZILLION OR SO DECISIONS TO MAKE THROUGHOUT THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCESS. AND BUILDERS RECOMMEND THINKING LONG-TERM WHEN IT COMES TO SOME OF THE BIG ONES.
need an extra bedroom or a designated hangout space as your kids reach their teens, build it at the start. It’s expensive to add on later, and moving is a pain in the tush, particularly if your kids have to change schools. If you have aging parents — or if you are heading north of 60 yourself — you might consider building a bungalow so there are fewer stairs to navigate. Wide doorways with lever handles, a main-floor laundry room and an accessible bathroom could come in handy sooner than you think. You’ll have plenty of time to consider nitty gritty details while the builder completes the design, gets architectural approval and secures all the necessary permits. Some builders accompany you to supplier show rooms to see all the latest products, while others have design centres. Hearth Homes has a brand- new one where you can cruise standard options and upgrades for everything from flooring, cabinetry and countertops to lighting, door hinges, stair railings and baseboards. In any case, an interior designer will guide your selections, and your builder will set up a schedule to keep your train running on time, and on budget.
POH
14 Parade of Homes fall 2018
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