So, you have a dream vision of your home in mind. Now, you need to communicate that vision and brief your builder, who is going to help you turn that dream into a reality. Easy, right?
Many people find that helping a builder to understand what they want to achieve can be a challenge during that initial phase of a project. At the FMB, we have just the ticket to help you ensure your builder understands your vision, and can make it happen.
Have a clear vision with references
You will need to make sure that you have what you want firmly in mind before you start. Consider making an ideas board with themes and visuals to reference, using platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram to help you source imagery that brings your ideas to life.
There are also countless home design magazines and books you can peruse and bookmark for your dream renovation plan. By including images, styles and features, you can help your builder visualise your ideas and better understand your expectations.
During this period, you will also want to have the extent of your budget locked in, so your builder can discuss how viable your vision is in line with the projected costs.
Prioritise your visions and wants
This is your renovation, your style, and your home. Make sure you distinguish the essential elements and the “nice-to-haves” when briefing builders. This will ensure that your builder knows the critical elements of your vision, and they can then discuss adjustments in relation to your budget and feasibility - without compromising on essentials.
Incorporate flexibility within your plan, because a builder may suggest against certain elements in terms of durability or the upkeep of certain materials. Ultimately, this is your home and your choice, but your trusted builder will be able to offer friendly advice.
Keep it simple, but specific
Keep it simple. Avoid technical jargon unless you’re confident in its usage. Conversely, don’t be vague in communicating your vision to your builder. For example, don’t just say you want a “modern kitchen with a nice island” - as that could be interpreted in many different ways. Instead, you should try describing the features, the colour palette, the kinds of textures, and the amount of storage you want.
Paired with your vision board, the builder can then make informed decisions about materials, layout, and functionality, ensuring the final result matches your expectations.
Maintain open communication and welcome questions
Create a welcoming atmosphere for your builder to ask questions and provide feedback. By encouraging an open dialogue, you will feel more involved, and being there for each key step will help ensure alignment throughout the project.
Sometimes it can be difficult to say that you’re unhappy with the progress of your project. However, having open, constructive conversations will only result in two happy parties, with less chance of disputes, or worse, an unhappy result at the end.
Anticipate hiccups
If anything, some would say that you should raise an eyebrow if you go through an entire project without any hiccups. A challenge, or feedback, can mean that a builder is thinking ahead and making sure that the job is done to the absolute best it can be.
For example, if a certain material is out of stock, your builder will work with you to find an alternative that fits in with your vision. They are being proactive and collaborative to keep the project on track.
Craft your vision with an FMB Master Builder
Whether you're after a loft conversion or you want to see what is trending for the upcoming year, our homeowner blog has inspiration for all of your home renovations and how to brief your builder effectively.
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