The most critical component of custom building is obtaining the right budgets – Yes Plural - “for you.” I can not emphasize this point enough. Every family has different needs and objectives. You are allocating resources (monetary, emotional, time, etc.) to your custom home and you expect to maximize your return on investment.

However, a custom home’s return on investment is not the same as a stock holder’s return on investment. Your return on your home’s investment is personal. Yes, it should have financial implications, but it “MUST” reflect your family’s lifestyle, values and personal sense of style. Your home should be an oasis. A place for entertaining, retreat, and solitude.

Therefore, you should require two budgets. One budget that outlines what you expect to pay for your home. No More, No Less. This is the financial budget. The second budget is a personal budget. This budget defines how your home will reflect your lifestyle, values and personal sense of style.

The personal budget outlines your requirements for items such as views; The style of architecture you want; How you entertain; What type of privacy your require; Do you work from home; Is there a need for a play area; How many Bedrooms do you need; What floor would you like the Master bedroom on; Etc.

It is “critical” that you are honest with the architect and your home builder regarding what you expect to pay and your requirements for your new home. No More, No Less. Without open, honest communication, the architect and your builder can not do the job they are hired to do – Design & Build Your “Custom” Home.

You should have both your financial and personal budgets prior to meeting with an architect. Your builder and the architect will work with your budgets to maximize your homes return on investment.