FAQs
Q. Why did you write this book?
A. I saw a need in the marketplace. Beginning 30 years ago, I searched for a book to guide me through many remodels and design of custom homes. None were to be found. For years, I have felt the desire to write this book, using the experience I gained through the school of hard knocks. This book is my way of giving back to the world by helping create better functioning homes. It is my hope that this book will bring a level of comfort and confidence to those people building or remodeling their home.
Q. In your opinion, what is the most preventable mistake?
A. The location of light switches.
Q. Are you available for consulting?
A. Yes. See consulting tab on the website.
Q. Do you plan to write another book?
A. Possibly. I would like to write a book to guide the homeowner through the actual building or remodeling process.
Q. How long did it take you to write this book?
A. To actually sit down and pen the manuscript, submit it to my editor, and complete the editing process was exactly 2 years. However, I have been gathering information for 20 years with the intention of one day writing this book.
Q. What is the best way for a person to determine if they should build a custom home or buy a pre-existing home?
A. Designing Your Dream Home is an excellent resource to help someone determine if they should build a custom home or buy a pre-existing home. Not only will Designing Your Dream Home help a person understand the amount of decisions that need to be made when building a custom home, but it will also help a person identify what it is they would want in their custom home. By reading Designing Your Dream Home an individual may realize the only way to get the things most important to them in their dream home is to custom build. Some individuals may become so engrossed in this book, that they become motivated and realize they absolutely want to build their dream home. For some, after reading Designing Your Dream Home, they may find all of the decisions involved when building a custom home is not something they want to tackle and opt to buy a pre-existing home.
Q. What are five mistakes a homeowner should avoid?
A. First, being unprepared when they begin the design process. The clearer the vision an individual has of their custom home as they begin the design process, the less revisions will occur with your architect and the less change orders will be made during construction. Second, being unorganized. It is imperative that the individual (s) building a custom home be organized from the get go. Chapter One in Designing Your Dream Home offers a method of using 3-ring binders and cloth tote bags to get organized. Whatever your method, you must be organized as things happen quickly and you will need to have forms, checklists, tear sheets, samples, etc. at your fingertip. Third, waiting to hire the interior designer and builder until after the architectural process is complete. Designing and building a custom home is a team project and the sooner you assemble your team the better. A builder should attend some of your architectural meetings to make sure what is being specified can actually be built. Your interior designer needs to make specific interior design needs known that may affect the architectural design. Fourth, breaking ground on the project too soon. Once construction begins, it is best not to have interruptions or delays that will affect the schedule. The worst thing to do is to start construction only to stop it a few days or weeks later. Fifth, not being timely. Throughout the design and building process, the homeowner should be on time at meetings, return phone calls, emails, and faxes promptly with answers, and leave your cell phone in the car when meeting.
