Building a home can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life—but it can also be one of the most stressful. There are so many moving parts that it’s easy for things to get disorganized, and when you add working with your spouse into the mix, it’s important to be prepared for how to navigate this process together. Trust me, I know—hold on tight! 😂
The key to making the new build process smooth and less stressful is to communicate expectations and responsibilities with your partner early on. When roles are clear, it’s easier to rely on each other and avoid confusion or frustration. Here’s how you can set yourselves up for success!
Divide and Conquer
One of the best ways to keep the process running smoothly is to divide responsibilities based on each person’s strengths. This way, no one feels overwhelmed, and each of you can manage a piece of the puzzle.
For example:
– Budget Management: If one of you is more numbers-oriented, this person could take the lead on managing the budget. This means tracking expenses, keeping an eye on costs, and making sure everything stays within the agreed-upon financial limits.
– Point of Contact: If the other person is great at staying organized and quick to respond, they can be the main point of contact for the builder and vendors. This involves fielding calls, texts, and emails, and making sure any important updates are communicated clearly.
While each of you may be taking on specific responsibilities, this doesn’t mean one person is solely in control. The idea is to have one person stay on top of things while keeping the other partner informed and involved. Communication is key!
Set Up Regular Check-ins: “Design Dates”
Building a home is a team effort, and it’s important to check in with each other regularly. That’s why I’m a huge fan of “design dates.” These are dedicated times for you and your spouse to sit down and go over decisions, updates, or challenges in the building process.
Use these dates to:
– Discuss progress and any upcoming decisions
– Review the budget and timeline
– Talk through any potential changes or issues
– Respectfully share your thoughts, opinions, and concerns
These dates will help you both stay aligned, and more importantly, they’ll help you respect each other’s roles and work together as a team. Plus, it’s a great way to keep the process fun and exciting rather than overwhelming.
The Importance of Communication
Clear communication will be your best tool throughout the entire new build process. By setting expectations early on, dividing responsibilities, and staying in regular contact, you’ll minimize misunderstandings and feel more in control of your project.
Remember—building a home is not just about the physical structure; it’s also about building something together. Taking the time to communicate openly and respect each other’s strengths will make a huge difference in your experience.
Design Dates: Lunch, Coffee, or Dinner?
With everything on our plates (especially with small children), I’ve found that lunch dates work best for us these days! But whether you’re more of a coffee, lunch, or dinner date couple, the important thing is making time to connect regularly.
I’d love to know—what kind of design date works best for you and your spouse? Comment below!
