We had a few options for how to proceed with building the new house. We could have an architect do the drawings and then choose a builder or go with a design/build firm. I met with a few architects and builders based on recommendations from friends. It was not easy deciding whom to choose. I think all the people I interviewed were very capable. Going through the interview process made me wonder what the proper etiquette is for turning someone down. Do you call and tell them?--I did tell one builder that we weren't going to go with him, only because he was very interested kept in touch. We are not using any of the architects that I spoke with and I feel bad about never getting back to them. Do they expect to hear from me only if I plan to do business with them? Or do they want to know that I don't plan to use them?
Some of the features we have been considering include geothermal heating/cooling, 9 foot ceilings for the first floor, a first floor "mini-master" bedroom, first floor laundry, a professional range/oven, and a turret--Oh, and a clawfoot tub in the upstairs master bedroom. The real challenge would be to stay within budget and still get the features I wanted. I knew I would have to make some comprises. We may have to scale back on a few things. Some rough estimates I was given sent me into sticker shock.
In the end, we settled on R W Shuster, a design build firm. While I had used a home design program to develop a house plan as a starting point, Shuster had previously built a house that had many of the features I wanted. We know several people who have built with them and they build a high quality house. So we decided to start with that previously built house and modify it. Steve and I then met with the builder and made a lot of changes to the existing plan. Steve tells everyone that he has no say in this whole process, but he contributed a lot to the house layout--particularly the second floor. It was a pretty intensive process. With the original plan displayed on a computer screen, we identified changes while the designer moved walls, windows, and entire rooms as we spoke. It was a lot of fun working on the preliminary plan. We have progressed a little from the preliminary floor plans attached, but this provides a good approximation of what the floor plan will look like.
We have also started the kitchen design. Steve and I agree on the cabinet style, hardware, and counter-tops, but we are still not on the same page as far as color of the cabinets is concerned. I want stained wood and Steve wants white. We'll defer that decision as long as possible! We met with the builder again to make a few more changes for the final plans. The next step is to get the plans approved and put together the build contract. Then there is no turning back.
