Article currently running in the Feb/March issue of Sioux Falls Woman Magazine.

Your home is a big part of your life. It’s where you raise your family, take pride in your surroundings and spend some of your best quality time. So it’s no surprise how much emotion is involved with home ownership. Whether you’re in the market to buy or build a home, are a current homeowner or first-timer, a person’s home can be a source of pride and personality when projects turn out perfectly. It can also be a source of dilemma and disagreement when expectations are not met. With this said, you don’t need to be an expert in building, remodeling and additions. You just need to hire one and understand what type of emotions you may experience before you dive into your project.

One way Rachael Schwebach-Weissenburger and her husband Lawrence, owners of Rosewood Homes Inc., suggest to avoid home hassles is through security. They’re not talking about alarm systems, but rather having the confidence you’re making the right decision and trusting the right professionals. “Homebuilding projects have a great deal of emotional impact,” Rachael says. “Some of the biggest mistakes, regrets and problems often times are avoidable.”

Signatures, proposals, renderings and budgets can sometimes consume a customer’s life. Rachael suggests putting your homebuilding or remodeling plans on paper before digging in. Just knowing the importance of security and peace of mind, Rachael and Lawrence created what they call the “stress-free homebuilding process.” Everything from living with sawdust to picking out hinges, from fair market value to staying on budget is organized in a trusty binder and given to each customer. “There’s nothing worse than not understanding the process or the importance of communicatingwith your builders – it’s frustrating for both the customers and the contractors.”

Rachael and Lawrence also stress the importance of getting to know your builder. “We suggest meeting with your builders frequently to really make sure your goals, desires and needs are understood,” Rachael says. It’s also important when discussing the budget, not only financially, but also when budgeting a customer’s time commitment to the project. Rachael adds that homebuyers can often avoid unnecessary stress and disappointment if details are reviewed and discussed in advance– something even before the location is determined.

There are a lot of important decisions to make when taking on a remodeling or new construction project – and we don’t mean picking out colors or cabinets. The first step in a successful building project is finding the right builder. Developing the right relationship can reinforce a sense of security and avoid mistakes and emotional mishaps down the line. Thankfully, homebuilding experts Rachael and Lawrence are here to help guide you through the process with insightful tips of the trade. Be on the lookout for more fact-filled topics in upcoming issues, or send your specific questions or story ideas to Rachael and Lawrence by emailing rachael@builtbyrosewood.com.

By Jennifer Dumke