By Nate Porter – May 5, 2014

Creating the best building experience

Building a custom home is complicated, exciting and can be a little bit intimidating. Knowing what to expect and selecting the right partners will set you up for a truly enjoyable experience. Since the Porter Homes Team has been building custom homes in the Grand Valley for a number of years, we thought it might be helpful as you consider your project to give you a list of important points to remember.

Tip #1: Establish goals

Creating a new home for yourself is all about setting goals, both practical and emotional. Ranking your list of goals will help you and your builder focus on what’s important to you, so together the team can spend your money in the right places.

Tip #2: Organize your inspiration

Creating a new home is a journey of discovering who you are, what you want, how you want to live and where you want to be. Put together a board on Pinterest or an Idea Book on Houzz to share with you chosen builder. At Porter Homes, we have a “Design your Dream” questionnaire that we’ll be happy to provide you to assist in this process.

Tip #3: Find some land

Whether you prefer a rural landscape, a view of the Monument or Grand Mesa or a lot at Redlands Mesa Golf Course, find a spot you can claim as your own and build what will be a home. The Porter Homes team will be happy to assist you in finding a property and will provide you with a lot analysis once you narrow it down to a few favorites.

Tip #4: Assemble your team

Before you begin design, assemble a team of tried and true professionals. Whether the home that your planning is your first – or your 10th, I would strongly recommend that you hire a full service Design-Build firm like Porter Homes. This is the best way to ensure the design and construction costs align with your goals for the project.

Tip #5: Be decisive

Early on, make all of the decisions you have to, select all of your finishes and to the extent possible, don’t change your mind. Once construction begins, it will cost you time and money if you change your mind. Our online project management system – co-construct- will allow you to review progress and make decisions and selections in a real-time environment.

Tip #6: Communicate well

Nate Porter likes to say, “Communication, even when conflict is involved, is the lifeblood of a (project).” That’s why you’ll see an updated schedule every day on co-construct.   The system provides you with updated photos and notes as the project moves from concept to completion.  Knowing when to expect things to be done will alleviate stress and conquer fear of the unknown.

Tip #7: Accept the inevitable

You’ve made the plans, gotten the permits and secured the money; now the only thing left to do is build your house. Easy, right? Stuff happens. Stay calm, keep your sense of humor and work with your team to address the issue.

Tip #8: Enjoy the experience

The fun projects always yield the best results. The more collaborative it is, the better the outcome will be. Once your home is complete, discover how it can give shape to your life and allow you and your family to become the persons you want to be