Planning & Design
Next to the actual construction, the designing of your new home is the most exciting part of the home-building process. It's where you and your Nelson designer share your ideas, your wishes and your concepts. It's where the idea of the perfect home is spelled out before you; where your dream home becomes a reality. It's at this time when your communication with the designer is most important--your input becomes the designers chief planning guide

• Remember-- your needs are different from other homeowners, so your home should be different from other homes. When you work with Nelson Lumber & Home, you choose the home you want and the amenities you need. Your home is custom-built to your specifications. With a pre-built home, you are forced to live with someone else's idea of what a home should be.
  
  
• From your list of ideas, a Nelson Home designer will create preliminary plans, outlining general room arrangements and exterior concepts. For the first time, you'll be able to see your home taking shape.
  
  
• Final construction plans are prepared, combining your initial concepts with the technical information the builder will need to follow.
  
  
• Even as construction gets under way, the design process continues. Visual ideas are replaced with three-dimensional structures, and the design may be modified and enhanced on an ongoing basis.
  
  
• Familiarize yourself with the right products for the design of your home. This selection process combines a balance of affordability, esthetics and durability and consists of literally thousands of products you'll need for your home. But don't be overwhelmed--your Nelson project manager will be there to assist you with the right decisions.

Contractor selection

• Secure referrals from lenders, Realtors and material suppliers like Nelson Lumber & Home. Select three from this list, and evaluate them according to their homestyle, credibility and reliability. Your Nelson designer can assist you with this evaluation.
  
  
• Arrange appointments with your chosen contractors to discuss contract options and construction styles, as well as take the time to walk through various completed and under-construction projects. Review labor and material bid with the contractor.
  
  
• Get to know your contractor on a personal level. You will need to invest considerable trust in this person and you should know them well.