Document Your Dreams
Everyone has a
vision about a dream home. The dream may have a particular style,
such as a Mediterranean or Colonial, or perhaps a certain room is
the focus, such as an idealized kitchen or master suite. These
visions are an important starting point in your search for a new
house, helping to narrow your choices in a world of
possibilities.
However, it is
often difficult to describe an idea in your head to your spouse or
other members of your family, much less to a builder or architect
trying to build the house that matches that vision. It can be
frustrating and time-consuming to translate dreams into words. To
turn the mental vision into reality, it is critical to document your
dreams in a way that allows you and others to see what you envision.
Hands down, the best way to do that is with pictures.
Begin
by gathering a stack of home and lifestyle magazines (friends will
be glad to give you back issues of "Metropolitan Home," "Country
Living," or whatever stack of magazines is littering their living
room) and scan through them for photos of homes, rooms, and other
features that match those in your head. When you see something you
like, cut it out and set it aside. Similarly, if you see an article
about a particular feature, floor plan, material, or product that
sparks your interest, clip it out, as well.
The trick to
this exercise is to work freely. Don't think about it too hard.
Later, you may discard images that, on second glance, don't measure
up or aren't important to you anymore. Allow yourself to be open to
new things that you may not have envisioned, but that are attractive
or interesting in some way. It all helps in formulating a clear idea
of what you want and will search for in a new home.
For example,
suppose that you see a photograph of a room that is bold and
eccentric. It is an outrageous room, one you could not live with.
Still, there is something about it that is appealing. Although you
are not sure what it is that attracts you, save that photo, too.
When you look at it later, you may find that it is the rich wall
color and the complexity of texture that draws you. Make a note in
the margin: "wall color and complex texture -- yes, blue staircase
and exposed ductwork -- no."
Remember that styles change. Some variables, such as color
palettes and types of kitchen cabinets, will inevitably give way to
something new. In your research, branch out to back issues of
magazines, as well as resources on the Internet, in libraries and in
bookstores. Give yourself a broad range of material to consider so
that you gain perspective and an understanding of what
characteristics are really important to you.
Another tip:
Allow sufficient time to build a good collection of photos and
clipped articles. Spend a few weeks or even months, whatever it
takes to have some fun and feel good about it. Remember, this is
your dream home. It deserves considered thought rather than a
weekend rush job. That being said, a reasonable deadline will ensure
that the process does not grow stale and fizzle out.
If you
have a spouse or other household members to consider, encourage them
to build their own dream files or to participate with you. Either
way, once one or multiple files are completed, take additional time
to discuss, consolidate, and arrange file contents in order of
importance. In this way, you are prepared to make mutual decisions
about conflicting options, if necessary, when shopping for a
house.
The
best way to present your dream file is up to you. You can create a
collage or simply allow the clips to remain loose in a folder.
Another idea is to organize your collection by categories such as
exterior and interior features, types of materials, or by room. The
clarity of your vision will enable a builder or architect to provide
better service. If you have arranged your file in order of
importance, they will be able to suggest homes or create designs
that address your most important wants and needs first.
Professional
builders truly appreciate buyers who know what they want and can
effectively communicate those needs and desires. Documenting your
dreams with a collection of photos and articles will not only
crystallize your dreams for you and your family, but also provide
critical information for a builder as you begin your search for a
new home.
Warmest Regards,
 
Michael Baldwin
Baldwin Homes, Inc.
277 K
Peninsula Farm Rd.
Arnold, MD 21012
Office:
410-544-2200
Fax: 410-544-0980
Email: info@baldwinhomes.net
Website:
www.baldwinhomes.net
c. 2007 all
rights reserved
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