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#061: As part of the Legacy Homes series, which you can find on the N3 Architecture YouTube channel and also on the Home Design Academy Podcast, I sit down with Mark Martin, custom home builder with Schultz Miller Construction in Seattle Washington. When you are building a new custom home or planning a major renovation project it is always beneficial to hire a contractor for pre-construction services. Even though it may result in more cost up front to pay the contractor for this service, the benefit in the overall project is priceless. First off, it is a good way to determine if you and the contractor are a good fit, before you sign a contract with them for the construction of the home. Next you get the contractors input on the budget of the design. This preliminary contractor pricing will almost always be more accurate than an architect's estimated cost based on the square footage of the home. Then you get the contractor's input on the structure, envelope, mechanical systems and finishes. They can also provide you with different options and work with your architect on the final details. Having the contractor engaged early, as part of the team is a better way to approach your project. Don't think that you need to wait until the final plans are complete and then go out and get three bids to just choose the lowest price. Consider purchasing a copy of my book: The Homeowner's Guide to Residential Design and Construction Projects. It is available as a PDF download through my website or in a paperback version on Amazon. visit n3 architecture for more information go check out the n3 architecture YouTube channel

#060: When you are looking to build a unique, custom home you do not want to be looking at boring cookie-cutter designs with recycled style. If you do that your home will look just like everyone else's. But if you want something different where do you look? In this video I will show you some of the places I look for inspiration when creating a home that is completely unique and custom for my clients. Consider purchasing a copy of my book: The Homeowner's Guide to Residential Design and Construction Projects. It is available as a PDF download through my website or in a paperback version on Amazon. visit n3 architecture for more information go check out the n3 architecture YouTube channel

#059: If you rush through the design phase you could potentially miss out on the opportunity to create something meaningful with your new home. Often times homeowner deadlines are arbitrary and they are in a rush to finish and in doing so they end up with a mediocre design. Most likely designing a custom home is a once in a lifetime opportunity, don't waste it. Consider purchasing a copy of my book: The Homeowner's Guide to Residential Design and Construction Projects. It is available as a PDF download through my website or in a paperback version on Amazon. visit n3 architecture for more information go check out the n3 architecture YouTube channel

#058: Getting ready to have the first meeting with your architect is an exciting time - but what should you be doing to prepare? In this episode I give seven tips on how to get ready for this initial meeting. 

#057: Budget and Schedule are two things that homeowners do not fully understand when they are planning for a new custom home or an addition. From relying too much on what they see on TV to trusting that what their neighbor paid for their project will be what they pay, there are many mistakes people make on setting up the budget for their project. In this episode I take you through ten tips to help you maintain control of your home construction project. 

#056: When designing a custom home, many clients will first come to me saying that they want their home designed in a specific style. I think that when you start with style you are missing out on possibilities. The better way is to start with analysis and formulate how the house will function with the environment and how you and your family live. From their the style will evolve naturally. When you start with the style of your home you are limiting creativity. Consider purchasing a copy of my book: The Homeowner's Guide to Residential Design and Construction Projects. It is available as a PDF download through my website or in a paperback version on Amazon. visit n3 architecture for more information go check out the n3 architecture YouTube channel

#055: One of the keys to designing a successful home is to understand your current home. You can look to your current home to evaluate what is working and what is not working for you. Through analyzing the quantitative, qualitative aspects of your home and understanding your daily, weekly and yearly routines criteria can be set up to guide the design. You can also look to your storage needs and your current (or new) furniture to make sure that you have the space that you need. Consider purchasing a copy of my book: The Homeowner's Guide to Residential Design and Construction Projects. It is available as a PDF download through my website or in a paperback version on Amazon. visit n3 architecture for more information go check out the n3 architecture YouTube channel

#054: Choosing an architect can be a difficult task for a homeowner and you most likely have never been in the situation where you needed to hire one before. Where do you start? In this video I will give you a series of criteria in which you can begin to evaluate potential architects and find the one that is best for you, your needs and your goals. Consider purchasing a copy of my book: The Homeowner's Guide to Residential Design and Construction Projects. It is available as a PDF download through my website or in a paperback version on Amazon. visit n3 architecture for more information go check out the n3 architecture YouTube channel

#053: If you are designing a custom home should you care about resale value? When I am designing a custom home, or even an addition to a home, people will often ask about, or make decisions based upon the future resale value. I think this is a bad decision. Who are you really building this custom home for you, or the people who may eventually buy it? I feel that your home should be in the style that you want, that makes you happy and where you feel comfortable. Consider purchasing a copy of my book: The Homeowner's Guide to Residential Design and Construction Projects. It is available as a PDF download through my website or in a paperback version on Amazon. visit n3 architecture for more information go check out the n3 architecture YouTube channel

#052: Construction allowances are misunderstood by many homeowners who have never built a custom home or renovated their current house. Allowances are easy to understand, they are a placeholder value for a particular item that will be used in the construction of your home. This allows you as the client to defer the selection of the item until a later date and allows the contractor to begin construction before all of the final decisions are made. If what you choose is more expensive than the allowance value carried, you pay more. If what you choose is less expensive than the allowance value carried you pay less and a credit gets issued towards the overall construction budget. Consider purchasing a copy of my book: The Homeowner's Guide to Residential Design and Construction Projects. It is available as a PDF download through my website or in a paperback version on Amazon. visit n3 architecture for more information go check out the n3 architecture YouTube channel

#051: What is construction contingency funds? Often times homeowners think that they can spend up to their max budget in construction. This is a big mistake as there will always be surprises and unforseen conditions while building or renovating your home. By setting aside money as contingency funds you can have a buffer for when things don't go as planned, or if you want to increase the quality of your materials. Consider purchasing a copy of my book: The Homeowner's Guide to Residential Design and Construction Projects. It is available as a PDF download through my website or in a paperback version on Amazon. visit n3 architecture for more information go check out the n3 architecture YouTube channel

#50: There are a few options on how early to bring in a contractor for your custom home project. The first option being early on as part of the team and the next being after the design and construction drawings are completed where you might get multiple bids. There are pros and cons to each option which I describe in this video. The most important thing is finding what works well for you. Consider purchasing a copy of my book: The Homeowner's Guide to Residential Design and Construction Projects. It is available as a PDF download through my website or in a paperback version on Amazon. visit n3 architecture for more information go check out the n3 architecture YouTube channel