Building a home is a major decision in anyone’s life. It determines the neighborhood in which you live, the way you interact with family and friends, and has a major impact on future financial security. It’s important that it be done right. So how do you choose the right design, the right neighborhood, and the right builder?

It all begins with design
The design is the intellectual conception of your home, your aspirations and desires for the way you would like to live. You may already have a plan you like, either designed by an architect specifically for your needs, or selected from one of the many plans available through plan services. If you do not have a plan, you can work directly with a builder having a design/build capability, such as Congressional Design/Build. This provides the best of both worlds – a sensitivity to the design and aesthetic concerns of homebuilding, with the practical considerations of construction. Design/build firms can help you avoid many of the common problems associated with home building, such as designs that are impractical or overly expensive to build, or materials and techniques that will lead to problems later on.

Even if you have an existing design, a design/build firm can give you assistance in modifying the plan to fit your lot, or to meet the specific needs of your family. They can guide you in choosing the best materials to enhance the beauty of your home, without compromising on durabilty or cost effectiveness.

By combining both the design and construction responsibilities in one organization, you avoid the conflicts and finger-pointing that often arises between the architect and the builder. Where an architect is already involved, an understanding of design issues makes it easier to ensure an effective collaboration between these two disciplines.

Where do you want to live?
If you already own a lot, then this decision has already been made. Congressional Design/ Build can visit your lot, discuss the siting of your house, and assist in landscaping and tree preservation decisions. If you don’t have a lot, we can assist you in selecting one that is suited to your design, or design a house suited for your lot. We can build in existing neighborhoods, either on bypassed (infill) lots, or by replacing existing homes.

What does quality mean to you?
Quality is one of the most overused phrases in the building industry. Every builder, regardless of their skill level, claims to build a “quality” home. But what, exactly, is quality, and how does it impact you and your family?

Quality begins with design. Many future maintenance problems can be avoided through simple changes and judicious construction practices. But quality is more than the absence of flaws. It includes the delight that comes from interior spaces that are light-filled, well-proportioned, and serve the social needs of the family. It includes the attention to detail that adds simple, yet elegant elements that enhance the beauty of the home – moldings and trim, focal points, built-ins and special spaces, and the finest of materials and finishes.

When a builder talks about quality, ask yourself what does it mean to him? Does it mean that he complies with the minimum standards required by the building codes, or does he go beyond that to include the details, the aesthetic concerns, and the construction practices that will ensure a home that will be a joy to live in, and a solid investment for years to come.

It’s never easy to turn dreams into reality
Because you have such high expectations for your dream home, the process of building a home can often be traumatic, filled with conflicts between expectations and reality, between our unlimited wants and our limited financial resources. What you need is an experienced guide to steer you through those inevitable conflicts, and help you choose wisely how to allocate your resources to provide the most value.

At Congressional Design/Build, we work hard to make this process as easy and enjoyable as possible. Selecting the materials and components of a new home can be a delightful experience, as long as you have a reasonable confidence that the choices you make are the right ones, based on your needs and budget. The design/build combination of skills can add an aesthetic dimension to that process, to ensure that your choices add to the beauty and delight of your home.

Once the design and selection decisions are made, the construction process begins. At Congressional Design/Build, we take the time to address the home owner’s concerns from the very beginning, and then keep them informed of progress throughout the construction process. We know that anxiety comes from uncertainty and a lack of information. By working closely with them, guiding them through every step of this adventure, we can help them realize those dreams, and make the journey itself, as well as the finished product, an experience to treasure.

What are you waiting for?
If you’ve reached the point in your life where you’re impatient to turn your dreams into reality, then give us a call. The rest of your life is in front of you. You can spend it as things are now, or you can shape your future, creating an environment that reflects your personality and achievements in life.

Congressional Design/Build understands that dreams can only become reality if they are nurtured and guided to fruition. That’s what we do. If you’re ready to take that journey, call 240.744.0009 and ask to speak to John Thompson.