Blueprint for Success By Greg Jordan    When a family decides to build a home, add on to an existing house or remodel their present structure, a clear and precise goal should be established. The most efficient way to achieve this goal is to provide your potential builder with a complete set of blueprints and specifications.    The blueprints and specifications provide the contractor with the information necessary to bid and complete a project. Wall dimensions, placement of cabinets, mechanical systems, everything the general contractor needs in order to construct a home is included in the blueprints and specifications. Without this detailed roadmap it would be like attempting to hit a target where none exists. The blueprints and specifications should be carefully crafted by the family who will live in the new home or addition. When a family decides to build a home they should take full advantage of the opportunity to customize the structure based on their individual needs. The only way to insure this is to have detailed plans and specifications.    A complete set of specifications should detail every material that will be incorporated into the house along with the quantities of each. Determining specifications takes time and consideration. This is where the homeowner can identify the small details that will make their home unique. This will include everything from materials to be used in framing to what kind of cabinets, doors, windows as well as the countless additional systems used in the construction of a building.    A general contractor must have a complete set of blueprints and specifications in order to estimate and build a house effectively. Some builders are set up to do this kind of design work, many are not. If your builder cannot provide this crucial service then an architect must be hired to produce the blueprints and specifications. Every single aspect of a construction project, including budget and scheduling is tied to blueprints and specifications. A qualified builder can help guide a family through this maze of decisions helping to make the experience of building a home an educational and fulfilling experience. Greg Jordan is the owner of Omountain Homes and has been building & remodeling homes since 1986. He does projects throughout central Texas. Omountain Homes can be reached by calling 557-4790 or you can e-mail them Close this window