Looking for a new home? Have an Initial Design Consultation before you buy

design

3 Apr

I've been doing a lot of IDC's recently for people looking to buy a new house. I love doing them and having had some really positive feedback, its made me reflect on why more people don't seek professional advice prior to purchase.

Buying a house is one of the most significant investments you'll ever make. Beyond that, creating a home takes an investment of emotions and time. As the idea of home is such a personal thing, you're likely to want/need to adapt an existing property to make it right for you - to make it your home!

Whether you're looking to renovate, extend, or even knock down and re-build, the early decisions you make will shape your experience for years to come. But how do you ensure that your dream home is achievable before you commit to making an offer? The answer lies in our Initial Design Consultation (IDC).

Why an Initial Design Consultation Matters

Our IDC is designed to provide you with expert architectural insight at the most critical stage; before you buy! Too often, we meet clients who have already purchased a property, only to discover that their grand ideas are constrained by planning limitations, structural challenges, or budgetary realities. By booking an IDC early, you gain clarity on what’s possible, practical, and worthwhile before making a financial commitment. A lot of our clients do this before they even make an offer or as soon as an initial offer is accepted (before solicitors are instructed).

Our advice has previously;

shown a house isn't/can't be quite right for the clients;
indicated that they should limit their offer (to save more money for building works);
given confidence that they can increase their offer if needed (due to unforeseen potential)

What to Expect from an IDC

When you book an Initial Design Consultation with Barefoot Architects, you’ll receive:

Expert Guidance - A tailored conversation with one of our experienced architects, who will listen to your ideas and assess the potential of your prospective property.
Feasibility Advice - An informed perspective on planning constraints, design opportunities, and any red flags to be aware of.
Creative Vision - Initial design ideas that explore the alignment of your aspirations with the constraints/opportunities of the house/plot, considering the character of the site, context, natural light, and energy efficiency.
Financial and Timeline Insight - A realistic understanding of budget expectations and project timelines, helping you avoid costly surprises or disappointments down the line.
Summary Report - We cover a lot of ground in the meeting and its often too much to absorb in the moment so we provide you with a pdf summary report that documents the things discussed and ideas sketched out.
Quick Turnaround - We recognise that a swift response is vital so we can usually turn around the process in less that 10 days.
Flexibility - These IDCs are obviously best done in person, on site, but we can do them remotely via Zoom or as hybrid meetings if that suits you better.

The Power of Early Knowledge

Imagine falling in love with a property, only to later discover that the extension your dream was based on is unachievable due to local planning restrictions. Or realising too late that structural changes will demand a budget far beyond your expectations. An IDC helps you move forward with confidence, ensuring that your purchase is a solid foundation for the home you truly want.

A Small Investment for a Smarter Future

Compared to the cost of unexpected design hurdles, an IDC is a small but invaluable investment. It equips you with the knowledge you need to negotiate your purchase with confidence, knowing exactly what’s possible - and what isn’t!

If you’re considering a property and have aspirations to transform it into your dream home, don’t wait until after you’ve signed on the dotted line. Click here to book an Initial Design Consultation today, and take the first step towards a home that truly works for you.