How to apply "SMART" Goals toYour Custom Home Design

Jack Baldwin
2 days ago
4 min read

Modern house with solar panels, surrounded by trees. Text reads "SMART" with icons for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Bound. Reynard Custom Homes helps clients set SMART goals to design their dream homes.

Plenty of information exists about setting SMART goals and how they can benefit both business and personal growth. But let’s take this concept and apply it to the exciting yet sometimes overwhelming process of designing a custom home design from scratch.

Vision casting, which includes creating a clear and concise vision statement, is a critical step, but it can feel daunting without a starting direction.

That’s where this framework comes in. While the acronym may not be new, I hope its application to custom home design offers you a fresh perspective to help simplify the journey and give some direction as you create your own VISION STATEMENT for your home.

How to apply "SMART" Goals to Designing Your Custom Home Design

S: Specific

The first step in setting SMART goals is to be clear about what you want. Subjective terms are helpful but it's important to get more specific than statements like "a nice house" or "something modern" and "timeless design" won't cut it. Instead, get specific about your priorities.

Ask yourself:

What architectural style do you love? Do you like mid-century modern, farmhouse, minimalist, are you more rustic or contemporary? Also get specific about what these terms look like and even do some research to attach imagery to design terms.
What features are non-negotiable? Are your must have's an open floor plan, energy-efficient windows, a home office?
How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? This helps you think about how many people will live in the home permanently as well as what hosting and guest experiences can be like.

A good example of a starting point that is "Specific" might be: "I want a 3,000-square-foot mid-century modern home with three bedrooms, an open-concept kitchen, and a dedicated workspace."

M: Measurable

Once you've identified your specific goals, make them measurable. This ensures you can track progress and make informed decisions throughout the process.

Key measurable factors include:

Square footage: Define the size of your home. You don't have to be exact. Just think about how big your space will be and how the layout will Function and Flow.
Budget: Set a realistic financial limit for your project. Applying for pre-approval can help with identify your spending power and it's a great low-risk way to set limits on what you can afford to build. Also, do some simple research here and get an idea of what the median cost per square foot for custom home single family construction in your area might be. Narrow your research to your specific area. It doesn't matter what construction costs in Nevada are if you're building in the North Georgia mountains.

For example: "Based on our income and credit we are pre-approved and will allocate $800,000 for a 3,000 square foot home while aiming to keep our building costs to $270 per square foot to build in the North Georgia mountains."

A: Achievable

Dream big, but keep your goals grounded in reality. Consider your budget, the size of your lot, local zoning regulations, and your timeline. Work closely with your architect to ensure your vision aligns with what's feasible.

Pro Tip: Break larger goals into smaller, actionable steps. For instance, instead of saying, "I want a fully sustainable home," focus on achievable elements you can afford like solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, or high-quality insulation. These are also ways to think long term and reduce cost of ownership.

R: Relevant

Your custom home should reflect your lifestyle and values. Think about how you'll use the space now and in the future. Also is the type of home you're envisioning appropriate for the neighborhood and it's guidelines? Will it your design work on the site you've chosen or is it too ambitious?

Ask yourself:

Do you need room to grow if your family expands?
Are you prioritizing sustainability or energy efficiency?
Will the design accommodate your hobbies or remote work needs?
Do you want to age in place? Host parties? Enjoy the outdoors?

For example, a spacious kitchen and outdoor living area might be essential if you love entertaining. If you value privacy, you might prioritize a secluded master suite and quiet places.

T: Time-Bound

Without deadlines, projects can drag on indefinitely. Setting a clear and realistic timeline keeps everyone accountable and ensures your home is completed on schedule.

Pro Tip: Timelines and goals are important but build margins into your expectations. Often things take longer than expected or than they should but there are only so many things you have direct control over.

Work with your project team to establish realistic deadlines for each phase:

Conceptual design
Permitting and approvals
Construction start date
Move-in date

For example: "We'll aim for a 3-4 month design process that we hope to complete by July, secure permits by September, and break ground in October."

Why SMART Goals Matter

Setting SMART goals for your custom home design isn't just about staying organized—it's about reducing stress and ensuring your dream becomes a reality. With a clear roadmap, you'll feel confident in your decisions and avoid pitfalls like budget overruns or missed deadlines. So, remember, SMART goals are your key to a successful and stress-free home design journey.

At Reynard Custom Homes, we specialize in helping clients turn their visions into beautifully crafted realities. By combining your SMART goals with our expertise, we'll create a home that's as unique as you are.

Ready to start designing your dream home?

Let's make it happen!