

By Susan Whitson. Here in Rappahannock County, Virginia and in the surrounding Shenandoah National Park, the autumn leaves are just starting to turn to brilliant shades of gold, orange and red. However, if you want to break ground next year on your building project or start a renovation, now is the time to start the planning process.
FIND AN ARCHITECT: You might want to meet with a few architects whose work you admire and get an idea of how they work with you. Additionally, if you are trying to restore native grasses, remove invasive species or create a wildlife habitat, you might also meet with a landscape architect to help create the desired environment around your home or structure.
FIND A BUILDER: It's important that the builder be a part of the planning process from the beginning. The most successful projects are those where you, the architect and the builder collaborate, listen to each and exchange ideas. The builder can give valuable guidance on site prep before you even start putting down a foundation and putting up walls, as well as ideas about the finishes your home will have. The builder will also lay out a timeline of when the project will start and end.
START THE DESIGN PROCESS: Once you have an architect and builder, you can begin the design process. This process can take several weeks or months with the exchange of ideas.
BREAK GROUND: Here in Virginia's Piedmont, we recommend breaking ground in the spring when the weather and temperatures are more conducive to starting the building process. Once designs are finalized and drawings are completed, you can start building.
If you have questions about the building process, email us at susan@efletcherconstruction.com.