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.