The Chicken or the Egg?

So, which came first- the chicken or the egg?

For many, it’s a similar conundrum when building a new custom home or undertaking a major reno. Which comes first- The designer or the builder?

Last weekend, I took a very official survey over a glass of wine at a friend’s place. I asked ten adults who had never built or renovated before who they would contact first should they decide to build their dream home. After each cracked a joke about contacting me first, 9/10 said they’d start with a builder.

Now, that’s interesting.

Because a builder can’t build your new home until the design has been prepared, permitted and documented. But having said that, it isn’t such a silly notion because the right builder might guide and direct you to design and consulting professionals.

But if you start with your architect or building designer, they could access their network of builders. And if the design is developed, builders will have something tangible to give construction and pricing advice on.

Ugh. There it is. That conundrum.

Just as you can’t have a chicken without an egg, and an egg without a chicken. You can’t have a successful home-build project without a builder and a design team. The order and type of engagement will depend on your project’s scope and intended strategy.

P.S. I’m working with an awesome family who had this very experience. They went to a builder who referred designers. Then they went to the designers, who referred other builders. And the cycle continued. They tried hard to be organised and proactive but went around in circles. Together, we established their scope and strategy and engaged their team in the appropriate order. What will be your project strategy? Let’s chat about the options in a free ‘Discovery-20’ call. I’d love to hear about your big plans.