HERE'S A SAMPLING OF ITEMS YOU MAY HAVE TO ADDRESS . . .

Lot Considerations:

  • Location, Location, Location
  • Zoning
  • Wind-Velocity Requirements
  • Local Growth Trends
  • Concurrency
  • Access
  • Septic vs Sewer
  • Schools & Other Infrastructure
  • Future Road Expansion
  • Views/Lines of Sight
  • Grade & Soil Conditions
  • Drainage & Retention
  • Well/Water-Usage Regulations
  • Shore Maintenance (lakefront)
  • "Hardscape" Limits
  • Existing Trees
  • Age of Neighborhood
  • Nature of Neighborhood
  • Shopping Proximity
  • Nuisance Proximity
  • Tax Rates
  • Mailbox Access
  • Deed Restrictions
  • Easements, Setbacks & Rights of Way
  • Local Ordinances

House Considerations:

  • Style
  • Size
  • Number of Stories
  • Orientation
  • Views/Lines of Sight
  • How Many Bedrooms & Baths
  • Required "Fire-Egress"
  • Specialty Rooms
  • Ceiling Heights
  • Special Features
  • Building Materials
  • Appliance Types
  • Number of HVAC Zones/Units
  • Window Features
  • Climate/Weather
  • Construction Schedule
  • Certificate of Occupancy Date

Landscape Considerations:

  • Deed Restrictions
  • Climate/Weather
  • Existing Flora
  • Indigenous Flora Protection (lakefront)
  • Irrigation Requirements
  • Watering Restrictions
  • Well Restrictions
  • Tree-Cutting Permits
  • Maintenance


Contact us at:

316 Forest Park Circle
Longwood, FL 32779
407•788•7968
info@garywinterdesign.com


© 2011 Gary M. Winter
All rights reserved.


L E A R N I N G     C E N T E R

We're introducing this new page to help you decide with confidence whether or not having your dream home designed and built is right for you.  Frankly, we do not recommend it for everyone, (though this probably sounds surprising to you.) 

Why Do People Have Homes Designed and Built Especially for Them?

  • Most want homes tailored specifically to their needs and aspirations.
  • Many want a home that reflects their own creativity.
  • Many simply want to share in the creative process.

BUT, we honestly believe . . .

You Should Only Consider Having Your House Designed and Built IF:

  • you can work well with a team of people;
  • you are willing to treat all team members with fairness, respect and courtesy;
  • you are willing to do a fair amount of homework;
  • you like the kind of homework you'll have to do: examining options, making selections, etc.;
  • you can make decisions in a timely manner;
  • you have a strong marriage (if married); no, we're not trying to be flippant here;
  • you can amiably disagree with others ;
  • you can accept honest constructive criticism of your ideas;
  • you can articulate your wishes effectively;
  • you have a pretty good idea of what you want in your house at the outset;
  • you can read a "basic" Floor Plan.
  • . . .

TIP 1:  It is better to own the cheapest house in the nicest neighborhood, than the most expensive house in the worst neighborhood.

TIP 2:  Do your homework, but don't get ahead of yourself.

Getting ahead of yourself can be extremely frustrating and will drain you of much of the enjoyment you should have while designing and building your home. 

TIP 3:  Wider Lots Tend to Make Your House Look Larger

For the same square footage, houses on wider lots often look larger, and can be made to look more dramatic, than those on narrower lots.

TIP 4:  Disagreement isn't always a bad thing.

Disagreement often induces us all to look at a solution in a more realistic and open-minded way.  Often it is disagreement that ultimately produces superior solutions.



HERE ARE SOME "DOs" & "DON'Ts" TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE A SUCCESSFUL AND "MORE ENJOYABLE" PROJECT . . .


THINGS YOU SHOULD "NEVER" DO:

Never buy a lot without an up-to-date survey.
Never design your house before you have bought your lot.
Etc.


AVOID IF POSSIBLE: 

Having to walk through Laundry to go from Garage into House.
A "line of sight" from any main room into a Bathroom.
Plans with a "Great Room".
Any of the so-called "latest" fads.
"Change Orders": these can be very costly of time and money, and they can cause a lot of frustration.


MORE TO COME . . .

We're going to try to keep adding tips and insights to this page, as time allows.  If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to e-mail us at:  info@garywinterdesign.com




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