The Brief

This is your list of needs and desires for the home you want to build or improve. It becomes the guiding light for the end result you want - the home of your dreams. The sooner you start the thinking process about what you need, the earlier it can be tested. ‘Can we afford this? Is it a priority or just nice to have?’

‍

Where do you start?

Potential homeowners often start with the number of bedrooms and bathrooms they want, how much living space. Or in an existing house, what can fit within constraints such as wall positions. I like to take a step back and explore what exactly my clients want to feel in their home. One homeowner spoke about time with friends; being outdoors at the BBQ, chatting around a fire pit, relaxing in the jacuzzi. Another wanted a maximalist feel, with dark colours and bookshelves, for regular book club meetings. So allow your passions to drive the brief.

‍

‍

Questionnaire

We give clients a list of questions gets the ball rolling, first of all to gather facts about the site or property. More open ended, descriptive questions are useful to get a bigger picture feel, such as ‘What materials and finishes, both internally and externally, do you love? And what do you dislike?’ Then, rate on a scale of 1 to 5 things that are important. Some people love to cook and entertain, others see the kitchen as place to grab a quick bite. A dog owner might want a wet room to shower the dog after a muddy walk. Parents of school going children will love storage for coats, shoes, schoolbags, sports gear.

‍

The Decision Tree

One way of making this process a bit easier is to use a decision tree. A basic one gives ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, such as ‘Do I want to live in an urban setting or the countryside?’ However, you’ll find that you quickly run into questions that demand a more ‘If this, then that’ answer. ‘Although we want to build a house, if we buy one to renovate in this area, the schools are better’. A decision tree software can give sliding scales that help to give a more accurate picture of your brief.

Money, money, money

Budget is always a big driver, but I encourage people to develop their wish list first. If something is too expensive, the kernel of the idea can inspire a more cost effective

solution. A client wants a dramatic stairs in a semi-detached house? We create a small double height hall space that still makes a special feature of the stairwell, and gives a wow factor.

Takeaway

Start with your dreams in mind, but be open to seeing them realised in a different way. Then when you have created your brief, stick to it.

‍