Let's Begin

John and I began our designing and building of our retirement property a little backwards.  We started (and are still in the midsts of) the outbuildings and landscaping some of the property, and will then move on to the "dream home" - in a couple years. 

I read a quote the other day, "It's called a Dream Home because it winds up costing twice as much as you ever dreamed it would."   Well, from experience I can tell you this has been true of everything.  Sometimes 10% more, sometimes 70% more.  But with the higher amount, some of it was because we were so new at the process and didn't take into account the cost of work that needed to be done even before the building.  (Like raising up the land so it doesn't flood - it's waterfront property.)

But, I'm getting ahead of myself.  It's a good idea when you're starting out with your project to get yourself a few binders or folders so you can keep your information organized.  One of the books I've read (I'll review books in a future blog) suggests getting folders, binders, and a rolling suitcase to carry it all.  That may be a bit extreme, but the general idea is good....organization is the key.

John's binders are of the "phase's" of our project. Plus one for all contracts and bills. I have four binders,  "outside the house", things like windows, doors, stairs, docks,  info on a wind turbine and solar panels, etc.; "inside the house", including pictures of kitchens, bathrooms, molding, ceilings, paint, wood floors, etc.;  "floor plans," including pictures of the outside of houses that I like, and the last one, (for now) is "landscaping and the backyard."   However you decide to assemble them, they will be a great help as your project moves along.

Now is the time you will go through all sorts of magazines, and the web, of course, and tear out everything you love and may want to put in the binders.  You will cull through it later, but add it all!   It will also be helpful, I have found out, when you'll be sitting down with your architect or draftsperson or designer (more on this in the next blog) to have a file with a few things you really don't like.  It will help eliminate right up front some of the styles you're not interested in, saving time, and therefore, saving money.  A very good thing.