Kennedy CAD Services

Building a new home can be a world of fun and excitement.  But, it can also be frustrating and burdensome. We've listed below some ideas for you to consider as you start this project  --  things that should make the entire experience not only more enjoyable, but much more rewarding, as well.

1.  Put some ideas down on paper.  Even if it's just scratching on a scrap piece of paper, try to develop an idea of what you want in your house.  Sketch out a simple floor plan, if you can  --  where you want rooms, how you want them in relation to other rooms, approximate sizes of rooms, and so forth  --  nothing fancy, just basic.  If you can, drive around some and get photos of houses you particularly like from the street  --  the elevations, roof lines, etc.  If you've looked at some plans that you liked, bring those with you along with notes about what you would want to change. 

2.  Be prepared to "adjust" your sights a little.  The old adage, "You get what you pay for" couldn't be truer in homebuilding.  A good contractor, with a good reputation, and lots of satisfied customers is going to cost you more than some fly-by-night character who just moved to town two weeks ago   You can build a new kitchen for $10,000, or you can spend $70,000 on it  --  that's up to you.  The same is true throughout the house.  You may be able to build the whole house for $65 per sq. ft., or you may go first class and spend $125 per sq. ft.  But, be realistic as you go through the process  --  be up front with your builder, and be up front with your lender.  It'll pay dividends in the long run!

3.  Choose your builder carefully.  Right now, especially, the construction industry is going through some hard times.  You may be able to get a little better "deal" than normal.  However, you still want to contract with a solid, reputable builder or contractor.  When you have the final plans ready, and you know what you want in the house, you should get at least three bids on the work, more if possible.  This is true even if you know the builder, and even if he's been recommended by others.  And, always check around  --  get some references from the builders and contractors you are considering  --  and check those references.  That could save you a lot of problems in the future.

4.  Get it in writing!  When you do decide on the builder, insist (if he doesn't) that you have everything wrapped up in a contract.  Usually, the builder will have a "standard" contract  --  but, as you can imagine, it will probably be worded so it favors him in case of any problems.  If your builder furnishes the contract, have an attorney review it.  Otherwise, look through some of the websites and links we have on our references page  --  there are a number of sites that offer sample contracts that are very usable.  And, because of the substantial investment involved, don't hesitate to have your own attorney draw up a contract on your behalf.

5.  Besides the contract  --  there are several additional items we recommend covering, in writing.  First of all, spell out what you want in the way of a "Description of Materials."  We have our own "Customer Preferences" form we use, tailored somewhat after the H.U.D. and V.A. old Description of Materials forms; you could get copies of those old forms and use them yourself; or you could search the Web for some samples.  But, if  you want to go with 2" X 6" exterior walls, that needs to be spelled out up front (and, obviously, the builder needs to know that when bidding in the first place).  The same holds true for many of the materials that will be used during construction.  Secondly, we furnish clients with an extensive list of items that they will have to decide on either before or during construction.  As I said before, it's more than just paint color, brick, and so forth.  Just as an example, you'll have to pick out such things as:  cabinet hardware, bathroom faucets, ceramic tile, carpet, wood flooring, light fixtures, all the applicances, type of door and window trim, how much and where you want special trim, and many other items.  So, all that needs to be addressed as early as possible.

If you have any questions, or would like additional information, please give us a call at (903) 569-5626, or e-mail us at:

                        info@kennedycad.com