Finding the right people for your project team – whether they are an architect, builder, or another professional – is crucial to a successful project. So, how do you find the right people, the ones best suited for you and your project?

It’s not hard to find a designer or builder for your project. What’s hard is finding YOUR designer and YOUR builder.

The problem is: many people think all designers design the same and all contractors build the same. But that isn’t the case. Everyone has their own way of doing what they do and their own reasons for doing them the way they do.

Yes, designers and builders are expected to have a certain level of competency and expertise. But beyond that, many people see the work as a commodity and something that anyone can replicate. In the eyes of many first-time homebuilders, we’re all the same… unless we do something that stands out from the rest and makes you think, “They are the one for me!”

Here are important tips for selecting the right project team for your project and ensuring they are the best fit.

1. Do your research

Your home is important, and you’re making a big investment. It’s not just a house, it’s a home. How you spend your time, energy, and money has a significant impact on you and the life you want to lead. So finding trusted partners to support you in this once-in-a-lifetime journey takes time and effort.

So, when doing your research:

• find qualified professionals
• get to know them – meet in person, talk on the phone, or email them – whatever works best for you
• ask for references & check them
• review their previous projects for style congruency
• review their career history, training, and licensure (if that’s important to you or required for your project)

2. Narrow down your search based on project fit

And by this I mean: find someone who has similar design/building styles, core beliefs, or specializations that you’re looking for.

Many people choose designers and builders for the wrong reason.

Wrong reason = They are the cheapest.

Cost is not a good indicator of quality, professionalism, experiences or talent.

Also, most designers and builders have things they specialize in whether it’s style, project types, performance criteria, codes, historical preservation, or type of services.

Don’t make the mistake of working with someone because they’re a friend, they’re the cheapest, or they call themselves the best. Choose someone based on the characteristics that are important to you and your project.

3. Trust your intuition

If you’re hiring a designer or contractor, they’re going to contribute to a project that’s very important to you. You’ll be spending a lot of time communicating with them, taking a lot of time to talk about your goals and dreams, how you want to live in your new home, what you want for your home, and what you like and dislike.

The better your project team knows you and how you live, the better they can help create a home that will support you in the life you want to lead.

So as you start to get to know potential designers and builders, get a feel for whether you can get along with these people and connect with them. Can you trust them? Do they listen to what you’re saying and not saying? Do they get you? Do they want to create this unique project with you, and more importantly, are they interested in helping you?

Conclusion

Our instincts and gut are good measures for this kind of thing, but also remember to do your homework.
By doing your research, trusting your gut, and choosing someone who delivers on the criteria you’re seeking, you’ll be able to find a designer or builder that suits you and will help create the home you’ve always wanted.