This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

How to Prepare a Wish List for Your Home Project

Are you considering a home addition or remodel or do you want to build a new home? Before you start, having a wish list of your needs, wants, dreams and desires first will save you time and money.

Before starting out on a new home or existing house renovation project you’ll want to have a wish list of the features and benefits your new home / renovated home will have.  Architects refer to this list as a “program” as it sets out the criteria for the project.  So to save time and money you’ll want to have a wish list available whether you intend to use a stock plan, builder’s model or engage an architect for a custom design.

  1. Determine and write down the functional needs you want in the finished project.  The numbers of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. should all be identified.  You should also identify the sizes of these spaces.  To do so you’ll need to think about how you’ll use each space and what furniture you’ll want there.  The list of spaces should include those spaces you have to have as well as those spaces that you would like to have.  So think about your hobbies and other pursuits when determining what spaces you’ll need.
  2. In addition to the types of spaces you’ve identified in step 1, you’ll want to identify the relationship that each space has to each other and the whole.  To do this you’ll want to understand your living patterns and how you’ll move from space to space.  For example, if you identified a space for a home office you’ll want to qualify what type of space that is (large, small, secluded, a desk in the hallway, close to the family activities, etc).
  3. Determine what the character of each space should be.  Use adjectives such as intimate, cozy, large, expansive, etc. to identify these characteristics.  Also determine the quality of natural light each space should have.  Ask yourself questions like “Should the space be bright and well lit or dark and cozy?”  A great way to do this is to have a file of magazine clippings that convey the look and feel each space should have.  Organize these clippings by room so you can refer to it easily.
  4. Identify the types and sizes of fixtures and equipment you’ll want in each space.  Determine what type of cooking you want to do and the appliances you’ll need in the kitchen.  Determine the type of bathing you’ll want to do and the types of plumbing fixtures you’ll want in the bathrooms.  Do this for each space so you can determine what goes into the space and any special needs these items have on a spaces size and other qualities.
  5. Determine the overall look and feel you’ll want the home to have.  A shorthand method to do this is to use stylistic identifiers (Colonial, Cape Cod, Victorian, Prairie, Modern, etc.) as each of these styles evokes a different emotional response.   In many cases you’ll want to look at the how what you’re doing will fit in with the neighborhood.
  6. Describe how the interior and exterior will relate to each other.  Identify which spaces will have access to patios, decks, terraces, etc.   Identify how you and your family will enter the home and how guests / non family members will enter the home.
  7. Determine your budget for the project.  Include not just the construction costs.  Items such as furniture, appliances, decorating, landscaping, utilities, etc. should all be considered when you determine your budget.  And add a contingency to your budget.  Hopefully you won’t have to dip into this contingency but you just may have to.

 

In recent years there has been an explosion of online resources that can help you develop that wish list.  Three such resources are For Architects, Houzz and Architizer.  Each of these websites, especially Houzz, has been created to help homeowners find inspiration for their next project.

Find out what's happening in Bloomingdale-Riverviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?