Building a new home, or renovating an existing one, is likely to be one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime.
You’ll want to ensure that the right people are involved in the project so that the process is efficient, controlled and produces the best possible outcome.
This process should be easily communicated and managed. And it should begin with the very first conversation between client and builder. In fact, the ultimate success of your project will result directly from these initial discussions.
A Successful Project is More than a Great Outcome
A successful project is more than a great outcome, although this, of course, is the ultimate goal. A beautiful new home, a seamlessly flowing extension, a fabulous renovation that brings an old home to life.
But success should also be measured by the experience. The clarity of communication. The transparency that ensures confidence with each goal and decision. The relationship between client and builder.
Our own design and build process at Woodford Homes both complements and promotes this experience. In fact, the five key steps we follow will ensure transparency throughout the entire project.
STEP ONE: The Initial Conversation.
Our first conversation is a chance for us to get to know each other and your project. It allows us to uncover your underlying objectives, vision and needs.
What are your priorities or problems? A need for more space or functionality? A better use of you existing space? An aesthetic improvement?
A complete understanding of your objectives will ensure a clear focus and direction for your project before it begins.
Each individual requirement will drive a structural goal. And a complete understanding of your objectives will ensure a clear focus and direction for your project before it begins.
Your desired level of involvement is also an important decision. You may prefer to delegate all of the design decisions for your home to our consultants, or you may want to be fully involved throughout the process. The choice is yours.
STEP TWO: The First Consultation.
At this point we’ll begin to explore the opportunities and constraints that will impact your project.
Your budget, for example, will play a major role in your project scope. You may find that priorities need to be adjusted, reduced or eliminated to reach your goal.
Timing is another consideration. The design and build of a house can be slowed by the planning and building approval process, so getting right people involved early on will help us create a realistic work schedule.
While each project is unique, there are fundamental guidelines that can help you navigate these decisions.
While each project is unique, there are fundamental guidelines that can help you navigate these decisions. The level of expertise and advice that you should expect from your builder at this stage cannot be underestimated.
STEP THREE: Concept Design and Proposal
Trying to make decisions about every aspect of your new home or extension all at once can lead to you feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
In the initial design phase, we suggest you concentrate on the external features, colours and finishes or the general interior layout.
STEP FOUR: Architectural Plans & Approval
On completion of the initial concept design, we render detailed 3D drawings to help you visualise your new dream home.
These architect’s drawings provide a first look at how the space will be transformed. Seeing an accurate rendering of the final product lets you know whether your vision and the architect’s truly match.
Seeing an accurate rendering of the final product lets you know whether your vision and the architect’s truly match.
When we have a solid plan, and a design you approve of, a proposal is provided for your review and sign-off. Once done, we submit all required documentation to your local council for approval.
Now we can collaborate on the finer details: interior fittings, finishes and colours.
STEP FIVE: Construction Approval
We’re now ready to start the build process.
The principal role of a builder is to coordinate the building works as project manager. This includes supervising and coordinating each trade; sourcing, quantifying and coordinating delivery of materials; and, most importantly, quality-assuring the entire process.
Once construction is approved, we create a detailed work schedule, order all needed materials and line up a team of experienced and professional tradespeople to turn your design into reality.
It’s important to us that we look for opportunities to achieve best practice sustainable outcomes during construction. Our understanding of environmentally sound principles and practices place this philosophy at the forefront of everything we do.
Final Thoughts
Working with a design and build team can be seen as an exercise in delegation and trust. However, at Woodford Homes, one of our key points of difference is our ability to show you how everything connects together, from the first creative idea through to completion.
Our project management method allows us to walk you through the entire design and build process from start to finish. With results guaranteed to delight you.
