Designing Your Dream Home

Contents

Acknowledgments

1: Getting Started and Staying Organized

What You Will Need to Get Started

How to Use Your Tote Bags

How to Organize Your Binders

How to Use Your Wheeled Luggage

2: Hiring Your Team

Hiring Your Architect

Hiring Your Interior Designer

Hiring Your Builder

3: Purchasing Land, a Home, or a Condominium

What Is Due Diligence?

Due Diligence before Buying Raw Land or a Home

Due Diligence before Buying a Condominium

4: How to Be Prepared When Working with Your Architect

Binder 1: Blank Forms

Binder 4: Design

Binder 5: Team Meeting and Communications

Binder 6: Existing Content/Wish List Photos and Tear Sheets

5: The Rooms in Your House

Bedroom Closets

Butler’s Pantry

Exterior Front Entry

Living Room/Great Room

Mechanical Room

Morning Kitchen

Playroom/Game Room

Porch, Patio, Deck, and Balcony

Powder Room/Half Bath

6: Ceilings, Doors, Floors, Lighting, Walls, and Windows

Ceiling Options

Lighting Fixture Options

Interior Wall Options

7: Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing

8: Hardware and Stone/Tile

Cabinet Door and Drawer Hardware

Bathroom Hardware

Bedroom Closet Hardware

Kitchen Hardware

Laundry Room Hardware

Hardware in Miscellaneous Rooms

Miscellaneous Exterior and Architectural Hardware

9: Special Considerations

Infants and Toddlers

Children of All Ages

Noise Checklist

Christmas Decorations

Protecting Your Home and Family

10: Reviewing Architectural Plans

Electrical Plans: Do an Imaginary Walk-Through

11: Shopping Forms

12: Entire-Home Selection Forms

13: Building Basics

Builder’s Budget

The Building Process

Additional Backing

Photos and Videos

Trees and Excess Dirt

Going Over Budget

Appendix 1: Forms and the Binders They Go In

Appendix 2: Standard Measurements and Dimensions

Appendix 3: Abbreviations Used in Architectural Plans

Appendix 4: Basic Architectural Symbols

Suggested Readings