American Farmhouse Style

NUTS AND BOLTS

4 insights into the building process for your dream farmhouse

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1. KNOW YOUR TIME FRAME. To avoid disappoint­ment, have conversati­ons with your team on the time frame for the build. “We do a full conceptual phase on new builds that lasts 23 months max,” Whittney says. After the conceptual phase, you will need to deal with the actual build and final touches. You could be looking at a 2-3 year process.

2. DON’T FORGET RESEARCH. Considerin­g the lengthy process, it’s important to find a contractor you trust. “Read as many reviews as you can online, and ask your friends and family,” she says. You’ll begin to develop a relationsh­ip with the people involved, so do your due diligence to hire people you can trust.

3. BE PREPARED. Contractor­s usually deal with all the red tape concerning permits, but it’s still important for you to know what you can and can’t do. Whittney encourages homeowners to figure out the jurisdicti­on of the property and what committees or boards you need approval from.

4. GET FRIENDLY. Most areas will have an architectu­ral board that can dictate certain design details. It’s important to know what they require ahead of time. “I’ve seen it happen where owners are set on a white home only to find out the architectu­ral board won’t allow any more white home, and the owners have already bought the lot,” Whittney says.

“It’s heartbreak­ing.”

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