Avoye Design

My clients ask me “what is it like to design a custom home? How does the process work?” I use the analogy of buying a suit; there are many ways to do that. You can buy a used suit at a thrift store, but it was never made for you. It may have been bespoke, or it may have been an off-the-rack. You can have it tailored, but options are limited and the style and material is outdated. You can hire a bespoke tailor to make one just for you. It will fit like a glove, and you will feel good wearing it. You will get your money’s worth and it will be the feature of your wardrobe. Your tailor will help you choose the materials and style. What Others Do: Some companies sell plans online, but like the thrift store suit, the plan was never made for you. Changes are limited or costly, and the style and layout may be outdated. It is hard to fit on your lot and meet building codes and bylaws. In my opinion, these should absolutely be avoided. Some companies offer spec plans with a building package. Like an off the rack suit, the styles are modern, and changes can be made but are limited or costly. It is meant to be built repeatedly, allowing for speed and efficiency. Some offer a custom design, asking for the entire fee up front. If you build with them they credit the design fees. (This shows you how they value the design process.) This is more flexible than buying a completed home. There are freelance draftspersons who will develop a client’s sketch or a plan they Googled, and like a made to measure suit, this is more expensive but offers more flexibility in fit and style. For clients looking for a custom design, this often lacks critical early preparation, and a construction estimate will inform the client they are over budget, perhaps by up to 40%. Thus begins a painful process of reducing the plan and letting go of things you have become attached to. What I Do: I approach design like a bespoke tailor. Before I draw a plan, I establish a program to guide the design so that the builder’s estimate will be on target, or maybe give room for extras. You won’t grow attached to a plan, only to cut out what you can’t afford. Like a bespoke tailor, my job is to take your measurements” and make it fit right. Is this for you? If you are looking for a custom home that fits your lifestyle and tastes, I would love to schedule a free consultation with you. Rod Avoye, Avoye Design