What you need to know.
The very first stage of a build project is the brief. Get this stage right and the project will deliver what you want and a lot more.
Before starting your project think about what you want. It's okay if you don't know exactly. Working with a good architect will help you define your needs and wants.
Spending time talking with your architect will allow your brief to evolve and this will continue throughout the project.
There are some basic things you will want to include in your brief.
1 - Write your brief down.
This allows you and your architect to have a record of your thoughts.
I always include a written brief with my initial fee proposal.
2 - Start with the basics
Where is the site, if you have it provide a site plan, title, LIM and any other documentation about the land. Your architect will discuss what additional documentation is required and agree with you who is responsible for obtaining this information and in what time frame.
3 - Required accommodation
What accommodation do you require, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces and garaging. Your architect will talk in more detail about how you use these spaces as people live differently.
4 - Materials
You may have a strong like or dislike of certain materials or be open to suggestions from your architect. Knowing what you don't like is equally as important as knowing what you do like.
You may not have a particular material preference but want materials that are low maintenance and this is where your architect can offer suggestions.
5 - Design
Preferred design can be difficult for clients to communicate. Use whatever words you like to describe the type of building you want. Your architect will discuss the words you are using to fully understand what you mean. This is where your architect needs to be careful not to get a client lost with architects speak.
6 - Images
Some clients like to create a scrap book or mood board showing projects that have materials or design features they admire. This has become easier to achieve with Pinterist and other such sites. Other clients would rather leave the architect more creative freedom.
7 - Budget
Declaring a budget is critical to a happy project. Clients often don't know what a build project will cost. Your architect can help determine whether the funds you have are sufficient for your project.
New Zealanders can be a bit shy about talking about money but it needs to be done as it will come up somewhere in the project but the best place for this to happen is at the beginning. You want to end your project still being friends with your design and build team.
If you are wanting to build and need help with your brief come talk to me about how I can help you create a brief.
