Plan a New Home Project

The goal of this project is to help you understand everything you need to know about windows and doors when planning to build a new home. We know the choices can seem overwhelming when you’re faced with turning an empty lot into your dream home.

Step 1: Choose Your Team

You may already have an architect, builder or developer. If not, then consider hiring a professional architect to help put your ideas into perspective and transform your aspirations into reality. You may start out with a specific outlook and your architect will help walk you through every detailed decision and assist you in making your new home project a success. An experienced architect will want to know every important detail about what you want from flooring to roofing and windows to the garage door.

Complete a written contract. Plan a meeting with everyone involved in your new home project team, including contractors and subcontractors. Whether it is your architect, builder or contractor, everyone will need to sign a contract so there are no surprises later.

Step 2: Research

Start by researching home construction in general, and then focus on specific topics such as windows and doors. Explore every available resource, including books, magazines, websites and showrooms. Learn from other homeowners who have experienced constructing their own home from scratch. Many websites offer forums and blogs to ask questions and offer feedback. You will find articles in books, magazines and on the internet. The more resources you have, the more you will know about constructing your new home project.

Step 3: Budget

Do you know your budget? Always expect the unexpected and set aside funds for unanticipated costs and those “must-have” upgrades you can’t live without. Energy efficient windows and doors may cost a little more upfront but, with lower utility bills, they pay for themselves over time.

Know how to budget specific costs. For instance, if you are planning on purchasing every window and door in your home, expect to pay on average between $4,500 and $7,000. Depending on your styles and needs, the cost will increase or decrease. When setting a budget, graph a chart and include every section for your home. For instance, label the costs for materials, electrical, plumbing, appliances, windows and doors. This will give you a good idea of what to budget in each individual area for your new home project.  Once you have an overall cost for your new home, you will be able to figure a percentage for each individual cost. This will help insure you don’t exceed your budget.

Step 4: Energy Efficiency

All across America, communities and families are taking steps to become more energy efficient. Energy efficient windows and doors lower energy costs by helping homes stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. By improving your home’s efficiency, you can reduce your energy consumption and environmental impact. You can reduce your impact even further by choosing home products made from environmentally sustainable materials, like our juniper wood doors.

Step 5: Choose your Style

Make your home unique with accents that complement its architectural style and reflect your personality.

• Windows: Windows have a wide variety of material and style options to choose from. Consider climate and weather when making your choice. If you live in a wet area, choose a wood that has superior resistance to water saturation. For instance, AuraLast^® Wood has superior water repellence and also protects against wood rot and termite infestation. Windows may get more sunlight on a particular side of the home instead of another. If your windows are subject to sunlight damage, choose a wood species to accommodate your design needs.
• Doors: Choose a door style that works for you. Make a first impression with a front door that’s welcoming, intriguing and perfectly enduring. You may want to choose a Custom Wood exterior door that makes a beautiful statement of individuality or select something more contemporary and cost effective. Either way, there is a huge selection of interior, exterior, and patio doors to choose from. Consider the atmosphere you would like to create for your new home and the doors that will work best for the geographical area you live in. Doors with weather protection are increasingly demanding. If you live in a high-wind hurricane zone, we have a door for you. Enhance the luxury of your home with a door engineered to withstand weather or one of today’s most popular interior door choices.

Step 6: Keep a Journal and Photo Album

Start by photographing the empty lot before construction begins. Take weekly pictures to record the progress. Your family will have a lifetime of memories in your new home and you will have them documented from the very beginning. This will be valuable and cherished for years to come.

• Share it on Facebook: Create an album on Facebook to share your new home photos. Keep your friends and family informed with regular posts, or to get their opinion when you’re having trouble deciding between different options. Finally, send them an invitation to your housewarming party!