Top Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Build or Renovate Your Home

• What is your initial perception of your site a home?

• What is the desired perception of your site and home?

• What do you see as the major disadvantages of your home?

• What do you see as the major advantages of your home?

• What impressions would you like to create as you enter the site and home?

• Which activities or rooms would you directly relate to morning, afternoon, or evening sun and why?

• Which activities or rooms would you directly relate to exterior spaces, and are exterior spaces important to you?

• In a few words, what statement would you want your home and site to make to both you and your visitors?

• Describe what your ideal home might look and feel like. Is it welcoming, informal/formal, active, relaxing, etc.?

• What types of spaces/uses do you need that are currently lacking or not functioning well?

• Do you cook and/or entertain often, and if so, for how many?

• Who will ultimately live in the house and for how long? Do you see a change in the family structure in the next 5-10+ years (ex. children, parents moving in, more pets)?

• Does anyone intending to live in the house require any special physical accommodations either currently or in the future?

• What daily rituals do you have that have space requirements, and what are those requirements (exercising, meditation, etc.)? Be as specific as possible.

• Do you watch television as a family, and if so, where would you ideally like to do that? Is your TV preferably a focal point in your main living room or tucked away so it is less visible?

• What is the primary goal of your remodel project?

• Do you have specific health concerns, such as allergies, that we should consider in your design? Be specific about how a space might need to be configured to contend with your health concerns. This could include no forced air, the use of low or no VOC materials, etc.

• Are there green building strategies you feel passionate about and would like to incorporate into your home?

• What time constraints do you have for this project? Holiday travel? Kid’s school year starting/stopping?

• What is your budget?

• Do you plan on living in your home/condo while it is under construction?

Write them down and share them with your architect!

Check out my BOOK to help you prepare, and feel free to leave questions or comments. I will respond!