Designing Your Dream Home: Every Question to Ask, Every Detail to Consider, and Everything to Know Before You Build or Remodel

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Designing Your Dream Homeevery question to ask, every detail to consider, and everything you need to know before you build or remodelBy SUSAN LANGThomas NelsonCopyright © 2008 Susan LangAll right reserved.ISBN: 978-1-4016-0352-6ContentsAcknowledgments.................................................................ixIntroduction....................................................................xi1: Getting Started and Staying Organized........................................1What You Will Need to Get Started...............................................1How to Use Your Tote Bags.......................................................2How to Organize Your Binders....................................................2How to Use Your Wheeled Luggage.................................................82: Hiring Your Team.............................................................27Hiring Your Architect...........................................................27Hiring Your Interior Designer...................................................31Hiring Your Builder.............................................................333: Purchasing Land, a Home, or a Condominium....................................51What Is Due Diligence?..........................................................51Due Diligence before Buying Raw Land or a Home..................................52Due Diligence before Buying a Condominium.......................................554: How to Be Prepared When Working with Your Architect..........................63Binder 1: Blank Forms...........................................................63Binder 4: Design................................................................64Binder 5: Team Meeting and Communications.......................................66Binder 6: Existing Content/Wish List Photos and Tear Sheets.....................665: The Rooms in Your House......................................................87Apartment Area..................................................................87Attic...........................................................................88Bar.............................................................................89Basement........................................................................90Bathrooms.......................................................................92Bedrooms........................................................................98Bedroom Closets.................................................................101Breakfast Room..................................................................102Butler's Pantry.................................................................102Control Room....................................................................103Dining Room.....................................................................104Driveway........................................................................105Entry Foyer.....................................................................106Exercise Room...................................................................107Exterior Front Entry............................................................109Family Room.....................................................................109Garage..........................................................................110Kitchen.........................................................................111Kitchen Pantry..................................................................116Laundry Room....................................................................117Library.........................................................................118Living Room/Great Room..........................................................119Mechanical Room.................................................................120Media Room......................................................................12