WHEN TO BUILD?

Most good builders are still busy right now, but it's sounding like come the spring and summer of 2010, it won't be that way,--there are fewer projects to go around as people take a breather and see how we come out of this economic downturn. The good news is that mid-2010 will be a perfect time to seek very competitive pricing from very interested and very available builders. They and their subs will be very attentive and hungry, a perfect buyers' market for building services. I believe that you will be able to build for less money in less time, a win-win situation. But just because you say that you want to build in 2010 doesn't get the attention of the builders. They want to see your drawings and, if you have none to show, they will know that you are not a realistic prospect. Why? Because good builders know that it takes several months to prepare and finalize a design, get approvals, if they are required, from zoning, conservation, planning, historic agencies. So, if you want to show your drawings to a builder, when do you need to start the process?

On average, it takes anywhere from 6 to 9 months to design your project and then prepare the construction drawings and specs. With a more ambitious client, we've 'flown' through this process in 3 to 4 months. I would rather our clients take more time rather than less time. You need to feel right about the many decisions that you'll be making about your project and you may need some 'pause' time to reflect about your project to make sure that you are headed in the right direction.

Back to the question, "When to Build"? For a 2010 spring/summer start of the bidding process, the time to start is now.

Set up an appointment with me to meet at our Cambridge office to discuss the planning process and its timing in more detail.

 

chris@design-associates.com