Custom Home Pre-Design Questionnaire
We have put together a list of questions to help you articulate your vision for your new home. You can print these questions out (click here for PDF file) and answer them as a starting point to the planning process, or just use the list to help clarify your needs and goals are. Think of this form as an “icebreaker.” We crafted it to help you navigate initial conversations with your Home Designer and Builder.
As you go through the questions, keep a few things in mind:
Dream big, then scale back
Don’t be afraid to think about and describe what your “perfect world” would be like. As things move forward you can adjust these ideas to the budget, zoning, timeframe, land, and other realities.
Separate the “needs“, “wants“, “dreams“, and “don’t wants“.
Rank your desired features in order of importance.
Don’t try to solve the problem, just express your desires.
Even if your problems and desires seem at odds with each other or impossible to obtain, keep moving with your design and focus on what you want. If there are differing opinions between you and your partner, include all of the opinions. It’s important to address everyone’s concerns in order to create something that works for everyone.
Describe what and why you like or don’t like.
Collect some images of features or things that you’re drawn to.
Houzz and Pinterest are great places to find inspiration. Magazine clippings work great too. Consider floor plans, architectural features, and building materials that you like, or ones that create a certain mood or feeling.
If a question is not relevant to your situation, just skip it.