2 Ways to Plan Your Custom Illawarra Home
Designing and planning your new custom home in the Illawarra is an exciting process.
It's the stage where your vision begins to take shape, and your dream home starts to become a reality.
To keep your project on time and within budget, here are two approaches to consider when deciding how to proceed with the design and planning phase of your construction project.
1. Design and Construct: The All-In-One Solution
The Design and Construct approach is a one-stop-shop solution, where you engage a design and construct company (like TAG Homes) to handle both the design and construction of your home from start to finish. This means you’ll work directly with the builder from day one, using their expertise to guide the design and ensure it aligns with your budget.
How the Design and Construct Process Works
Initial Planning and Design: The first stage is where we get to know you and your vision for your new home. Our team works closely with you to design a home that meets your needs and fits within your budget.
Tendering Process: Once we have all the necessary information, we’ll prepare a complete estimate for the construction. This means you know upfront what the entire project will cost before moving forward.
Fixed-Price Contract: With a complete set of plans and estimates, we lock in a fixed-price contract that ensures you won’t be surprised by unexpected costs or scope creep down the track.
Advantages of Design and Construct
Budget Control: The key benefit of this approach is that we work with you to design a home that fits within your budget from the outset. By engaging with us early, we ensure that the plans reflect your financial limits, meaning you're not left with designs that are out of reach once they’re complete.
Guidance from the Start: Since we’re involved from the very beginning, we can provide practical advice on design elements that will reduce costs, streamline the build, and keep the project on track.
Streamlined Process: By having the builder and designer in one team, the entire process is more cohesive and efficient. We can identify and solve potential issues early, reducing delays during construction.
No Surprises: Many clients come to us after they’ve worked with an architect and received a set of plans, only to find that the cost to build the home is much higher than expected. With Design and Construct, you won’t have that issue. We ensure the plans are achievable from the start.
Perfect For
Homeowners with a specific budget in mind who want to ensure their design is aligned with what they can afford.
Those who want a simplified, coordinated process without having to juggle different professionals.
2. Architect or Draftsman: Design First, Build Later
The second approach is to engage an architect or draftsman to design the home first, and then seek multiple builder quotes once the plans are finalised. This approach allows you the freedom to create a custom design without the initial input of a builder and then select a builder to execute the construction based on those plans.
How the Architect or Draftsman Process Works
Design and Finalisation: First, you’ll work with an architect or draftsman to develop a complete set of plans. This includes all the architectural drawings and any necessary reports (like BASIX, Nathers, Geotech, structural engineering, etc.).
Tendering: Once the plans are finalised, you take them to multiple builders for tendering. Builders will then provide you with an estimate for the construction of your home based on the finalised plans.
Building: Once you’ve chosen your builder, construction begins.
Advantages of Architect or Draftsman
Creative Freedom: If you have a clear vision of what you want and prefer working directly with a designer to create a custom home, this approach gives you full creative control.
Accurate Estimates: With a complete set of plans (including all engineering reports), builders can provide you with accurate tender estimates. This helps avoid the potential for variations during construction, as everything is detailed up front.
Clear Scope: When you go to tender with a complete set of documents, the scope of work is clearly defined. This helps ensure there are no surprises in terms of pricing or project details.
Things to Keep in Mind
Complexity in Design: The risk with this approach is that, without early input from a builder, you might end up with a design that’s not practical or cost-effective to build. That’s why it’s crucial to engage your builder early in the process (before finalising plans), so they can give you valuable feedback on the design’s feasibility and budget.
Time and Costs: Since you’re not working with a builder from the start, it can sometimes take longer to finalise the plans, and you might face higher costs if changes are needed after the plans are done.
Perfect For
Homeowners who want a high degree of design flexibility and have a clear vision for their new home.
Those who are comfortable with the possibility of navigating more complex pricing and timeline challenges as the project progresses.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right approach to designing and planning your new home depends on your priorities, timeline, and budget:
Design and Construct is ideal for those who want a seamless, coordinated process where the builder is involved from the start. You’ll benefit from expert guidance on budgeting and design, ensuring your vision stays within your financial means. This approach is often the most straightforward and efficient for many homeowners.
Architect or Draftsman offers more creative freedom if you have a clear vision for your dream home and prefer working directly with an architect or draftsman. However, this route requires careful planning and collaboration with your builder early in the process to avoid costly surprises and delays.
At TAG Homes, we offer both approaches to meet the unique needs of our clients. Whether you prefer the simplicity and guidance of Design and Construct, or you have your heart set on a custom design, our team is here to help you through every stage of the process.
If you’re ready to start planning your new home, contact TAG Homes today to discuss the best approach for your project. We’ll work closely with you to bring your dream home to life, ensuring it’s both achievable and cost-effective.