HOW SMART PLANNING BUILDS FOREVER HOMES
Never start building a home with custom cabinets, granite counters and hardwood floors. No. Like any good project, focus on the foundation first.
This applies to builders and contractors as well. Before signing any agreement, check their background, membership to professional associations, and whether they provide a warranty.
“When we meet customers in our office, most people don’t want to talk about the foundation, roof or exterior, even though these are the most important features of any home,” explains Lorena Sawchyn, co-founder of Emerald Park Homes with her husband Garry in 1992. “And, most importantly, always get the agreement in writing.”
Consider that wise advice from someone who spent the last 20 years helping people build dream homes. The Sawchyn family knows what it takes to build it right, and they’ve heard every request imaginable — including the kitchen sink.
“Unless you are planning to flip your new home, build it the way you want. There will always be someone who loves your ideas. A custom home should reflect your lifestyle and needs. You can always plan for future improvements once the income allows for it,” says Lorena.
Smart planning for future needs often pays off. Think of it this way, a young couple builds their first home and the last thing they might plan for are hallways wide enough for a wheelchair. When considering personal lifestyle needs, it’s important to plan for 5, 10 or even 20 years ahead. And who knows? Maybe the selling factor for the home is its wheelchair accessibility.
According to Garry, president of Emerald Park Homes, people are building homes smarter — and it’s not just the technology. “We always advise people to rough-in the features that are important to them, even if the full system isn’t in the budget at the time. This includes pre-wiring for sound systems, home automation or security systems, and even space for a secret safe.”
Roughing-in certain features can also save money, and allows the overall budget to focus on important things like insulating the basement walls, spray foam insulation, triple pane windows and energy efficient appliances. Utility bills will be more affordable, and the savings can contribute to future upgrades in the home.
Another tip: install the bathroom in the basement early. Plumbers are expensive, even for small jobs, and it’s difficult to get large tubs and showers down the stairs. See? Smart planning.
According to Garry, once the foundation is set, the framing has begun, and it’s safe to enter the home, customers can begin to see the potential of their new home. At this point, shelving units, fireplace décor, custom kitchen cabinets, and even custom designed staircases are often added or changed completely.
Recently, Emerald Park Homes built a custom home with rustic charm and sentimental value by adding a few unique finishing touches. “She saved metal Singer sewing machine legs that we installed in the railing of her custom staircase. This talented lady also makes her own stained glass, so we cut out the drywall over some doorways to display her artwork. Then she refurbished an old clawfoot bathtub from the family farm, adding more rustic charm to the main bathroom,” says Lorena.
Want to get really creative? Start with the garage. Then let the imagination run wild. For example, car enthusiasts may install a hoist to keep their summer vehicle high and dry during the winter. Other people will turn the extra car bay into an exercises room, workshop or studio. It is also possible to build a garage that will support an apartment suite above it — if one thinks smart and plans head.
Never allow the overall cost to dictate the end design and, more importantly, the quality of the work. Planning with a smart, longterm budget can accomplish both.
“All of our customers give us their wish lists, and then we re-price the home accordingly. We work together to come up with a price that they can afford now, and include a plan for the future. And when building a home, it’s always important to compare apples to apples when comparing prices from builder to builder,” explains Lorena.
“We believe in building every home as if it were our own. That’s why we are proud to partner with Mike Holmes. We are pleased to offer the Holmes Approved Homes package as third party verification for our homeowners. It adds peace of mind both now and for the future, just in case they want to sell their home,” adds Garry.