But as the saying goes, "assumption is the mother of all mistakes." While I’m proud of the home I delivered, I’d be lying if I said it was smooth sailing. The challenges I faced boiled down to one major issue: lack of collaboration, understanding the client’s vision, and detailed planning.

At the time, I thought, It’s not complicated – the designer draws the plans, and the builder builds them. Simple, right? Wrong.

A set of plans and specifications doesn’t tell the whole story. What I didn’t realise was that months of discussions had taken place between the homeowners and the designer – conversations about their dream home, the small but significant details, and how they envisioned living in the space. I wasn’t part of those discussions, and I didn’t dig deeper.

When there were unclear details during quoting or building, I made assumptions. I assumed clients wanted certain finishes. I assumed unspecified details. And those assumptions led to hiccups throughout the project.

The lack of a clear process meant my clients didn’t have a solid understanding of what the final product would look like, what it would cost, or how long it would take. And honestly, neither did I. This led to constant back-and-forth during the build, on-the-run decisions, and unnecessary stress for everyone involved.

It wasn’t a great experience – not for my clients, and definitely not for me.

Photo Credits to: Future Builder

What Changed?

Over the years, I’ve completely transformed the way I approach building. Today, by the time we break ground on a project, I’ve already been working closely with my clients for months. Together, we dig into every detail of their vision, ensuring I fully understand what they want – not just what’s on the plans, but how they want to live in the space.

My clients know exactly what to expect – from costs to timelines to how their home will look and feel once complete. There are no surprises, no assumptions, and no stress-inducing guesswork.

This collaborative process has revolutionised my work and the experience I deliver. My clients can build their dream home with confidence, knowing they’re in safe hands from start to finish.

The Takeaway

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s this: collaboration and planning are key. A beautiful home doesn’t come from just a good set of plans – it’s the result of clear communication, mutual understanding, and a solid process.

So, if you’re planning to build your dream home, work with a builder who takes the time to know you, your vision, and your priorities. Trust me, it’ll make all the difference.