Home Design Academy

#021: Sustainable Forestry. Learn about how forestry practices effect the environment, natural ecosystems and how certified, sustainable forestry can help.
visit www.n3architecture.com for more information
Intro music by: Purple Planet Music

#059: If you rush through the design phase you could potentially miss out on the opportunity to create something meaningful with your new home. Often times homeowner deadlines are arbitrary and they are in a rush to finish and in doing so they end up with a mediocre design. Most likely designing a custom home is a once in a lifetime opportunity, don't waste it.
Consider purchasing a copy of my book: The Homeowner's Guide to Residential Design and Construction Projects. It is available as a PDF download through my website or in a paperback version on Amazon.
visit n3 architecture for more information
go check out the n3 architecture YouTube channel

#057: Budget and Schedule are two things that homeowners do not fully understand when they are planning for a new custom home or an addition. From relying too much on what they see on TV to trusting that what their neighbor paid for their project will be what they pay, there are many mistakes people make on setting up the budget for their project.
In this episode I take you through ten tips to help you maintain control of your home construction project.

#50: There are a few options on how early to bring in a contractor for your custom home project. The first option being early on as part of the team and the next being after the design and construction drawings are completed where you might get multiple bids. There are pros and cons to each option which I describe in this video. The most important thing is finding what works well for you.
Consider purchasing a copy of my book: The Homeowner's Guide to Residential Design and Construction Projects. It is available as a PDF download through my website or in a paperback version on Amazon.
visit n3 architecture for more information
go check out the n3 architecture YouTube channel

#061: As part of the Legacy Homes series, which you can find on the N3 Architecture YouTube channel and also on the Home Design Academy Podcast, I sit down with Mark Martin, custom home builder with Schultz Miller Construction in Seattle Washington.
When you are building a new custom home or planning a major renovation project it is always beneficial to hire a contractor for pre-construction services. Even though it may result in more cost up front to pay the contractor for this service, the benefit in the overall project is priceless.
First off, it is a good way to determine if you and the contractor are a good fit, before you sign a contract with them for the construction of the home. Next you get the contractors input on the budget of the design. This preliminary contractor pricing will almost always be more accurate than an architect's estimated cost based on the square footage of the home. Then you get the contractor's input on the structure, envelope, mechanical systems and finishes. They can also provide you with different options and work with your architect on the final details.
Having the contractor engaged early, as part of the team is a better way to approach your project. Don't think that you need to wait until the final plans are complete and then go out and get three bids to just choose the lowest price.
Consider purchasing a copy of my book: The Homeowner's Guide to Residential Design and Construction Projects. It is available as a PDF download through my website or in a paperback version on Amazon.
visit n3 architecture for more information
go check out the n3 architecture YouTube channel