You are currently browsing the Concept To Creation blog archives for February, 2009.
“Home is where the heart is” Fact or fiction? For me, a definite truth.
In essence our perfect place, our home, is anywhere we feel most loved and secure. George Moore is quoted as saying, “A man travels the world in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it.” The physical environment surrounding this personal utopia of happiness can have a dramatic impact on our feeling complete in all respects. (more…)
“The purpose of life is a life or purpose” ~ Robert Byrne ~
Webster’s defines “perfect” as, complete in all respects; without defect or omission; sound; flawless. Rarely in our adult life do we come across something, someone, or someplace which is “perfect.” For those fortunate enough to recall a worry-free blissfulness of childhood, or a passing sensation of complete wholeness with life and our surroundings, the definition mentioned above will instantly transport us to such a moment. (more…)
Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of working with retiring couples, actively employed seniors, and those categorized as “boomers”. These people are extremely giving and warm. Many have worked for decades creating a lifestyle for themselves based on family, friends, and nostalgic memories. I would like to briefly share a few characteristics which have consistently been an essential living trait boomers want in their DREAM HOME. (more…)
The general construction of your home will proceed through a variety of phases. As you watch the “parade of trades” flow through your construction site, you will begin to see the dream take form right out of the ground.
The stages of construction will usually follow a straight forward progression. Your general contractor will establish a detailed schedule of all aspects of construction broken down into categories such as site work, framing, interior, exterior etc. I have included for you a basic progressive list of the order in which a home will typically be constructed. This list is not all inclusive, but is presented here to give you an idea of the general steps involved in typical custom residential construction.
Click Here Custom Home Construction Phases (Sample)
Use this worksheet along with the Dream Team of Professionals checklist to record your findings and opinions as you visit with potential design and construction team members.
Click Here Construction & Design Team Member Interview Guide
Use this checklist to determine who you will need as part of your Dream Team of professionals. This team may include home builder, architect, engineer, draftsman, interior designer, landscape architect and more. This list will help you identify who you may want to start speaking with.
Click Here Team of Professionals Checklist
Use this worksheet to guide you through the design and ideas generation stage of conceptualizing your custom home. This will assist your creative thought process in regards to amenities, room, materials, and extras you have always wanted. This list will eventually be used by your designer, architect, and builder during the design and build stages of construction. Not all variables listed will apply, but enjoy the creative flow of ideas as you work through the options.
Click Here Dream Home Creation Worksheet
As a nationally published expert and contributor, Concept to Creation has established itself as a source of industry specific educational and professional content. Here is a list of some of the publications we have been cited in:
Keep Control of Your Projects (LowesForPros, May 2009)
House Swap (Chicago Tribune Dec. 2008)
Minimize Your Material Costs (LowesForPros, Sept. 2008)
Painless Economization (Philly.com Sept. 2008)
The process of identifying the ideal build-site, designing the perfect home, choosing the qualified team of professionals, and staying sane through the entire process requires, most importantly, a clear plan and road map. This document is a basic layout of how we work with our Dream Home clients.
Click Here Concept to Creation Process Flowchart
In January 2009, during a recent job site visit of a luxury home under construction, I took some time to look around at what other builders are doing in the area. I wanted to get a feel for what is actually happening in the custom home market, aside from all the gloom and doom we constantly hear about.
One of the projects I am currently consulting on is located in the Gated Tom Fazio designed golf course community of Mirabel, located in north Scottsdale, AZ. This community is comprised of several hundred lots many exceeding the one-acre size. Many of the homes are multi-million dollar second estates for owners who live throughout the country. During the cold winter months, many of the owners return to AZ for relief, and call this community home. (more…)
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