When it comes to building a home, the journey can be both exciting and overwhelming. At Welbilt Homes, homeowners have the chance to work with Olivia Hunsinger, a member of the drafting team who makes the entire process a breeze. With her background in Architectural Technology and her talent for visualization, Olivia helps families bring their dream homes to life, one decision at a time.
A Guide Through the Process
At Welbilt Homes, the decision-making process for designing a house can feel daunting, but Olivia is there every step of the way during the Selections process, with Abby, to ensure you feel comfortable and confident. As Olivia explains, “When customers come to meet with us, I treat it like I’m buying a home myself. I guide them through every option so they don’t feel lost.” The process is meticulously structured, starting with exterior elements and moving into the finer interior details.
“We always start with windows and doors,” Olivia shares. “These elements are the foundation for the exterior design. From there, we guide homeowners step-by-step through siding, roofing, shutters, and corner posts to give the home its full exterior personality.”
Visualizing Your Home’s Personality with Windows, Siding, and Roofing
The first step in the design process is where Olivia focuses on windows, siding and roofing. Olivia sets the stage by using your Chief Architect Files. This is a 3D design tool that will showcase various configurations of your home in real time. “We call it the HGTV experience,” she laughs. “The homeowners can see six-over-six or four-over-four grid windows right on their house and compare them.”
Once you are satisfied with the look of your windows, Olivia and Abby will walk you through selecting your siding and roofing. She emphasizes how crucial these elements are in defining the home’s personality. “We have samples available, but I always tell customers that what they see on-screen might look slightly different in person. It’s important to visualize both ways.”
Through Olivia’s guidance, you will be able to see how different siding styles—like clapboard or cedar shake—would look on your future home. If you aren’t sure, Olivia encourages you to experiment: “We’ve had clients swap roof and siding colors back and forth just to be sure. I always remind them, ‘Take your time—this is your dream home!'”
From Shutters to Garage Doors: The Exterior Comes First
After selecting the primary windows and exterior colors, Olivia will shift the focus to selecting your shutters, doors, and garage doors.
Choosing the front door is another critical part of the process. “We’ll double-check with the homeowners to make sure the model in their contract matches what they envision. If they want to see it in red or with sidelights, we can paint it virtually and see how it looks,” Olivia explains. Garage doors are also customizable, with options to adjust paneling and add decorative windows.
Exterior accents like soffit, fascia, and corner posts are also reviewed during this stage. Olivia explains how small details can make a big impact: “White shutters, for example, give a nice pop of definition. It’s all about creating a design that reflects their style.”
Lighting the Way: Bringing the Home to Life with 3D Lighting Simulations
One illuminating moment with Olivia is when you visualize the lighting that will enhance your home. Using the 3D tool, she can simulate how exterior lighting will look at night, taking into account unique factors like wooded lots or open neighborhoods.
“I ask, ‘Do you have pets you let out at night? Are you near woods or in a neighborhood?’ These things help us decide if floodlights or porch lights would work better.”
Olivia’s ability to customize lighting setups—even adding stars to the night sky in the simulation—makes this stage particularly enjoyable. “It’s fun to show how recessed soffit lighting or a ceiling fan could change the atmosphere. This is where the house really starts to feel personal to the homeowners.”
Planning for the Future: Designing the Basement and Main Floors
As the design progresses, Olivia ensures the layout is practical for you both now and in the future. “If the homeowners want to finish their basement later, we always try our best to place all the mechanical components in one area. That way, it’s easy to section it off when they’re ready.”
Using a dollhouse view, Olivia and Abby show you where your closets, windows, and doors will go. “Sometimes it’s as simple as moving a door to give them more wall space. Even small adjustments like these make a big difference,” Olivia notes.
Thinking of finishing your basement with features like a weight room or man cave, Olivia offers insights based on the personal experiences of past clients. “We had a customer planning to hang deer heads in the basement. Knowing how much space they’d need, we recommended upgrading the ceiling height. These little decisions make all the difference.”
Flexibility and Support Every Step of the Way
Throughout the design process, Olivia emphasizes flexibility. Yes, you will have the freedom to make no-cost changes along the way, and Olivia is always ready to help you visualize adjustments. “If a homeowner wants to move a closet or reposition windows to make room for a TV or furniture, as long as there are no issues concerning the structural integrity, we can make that happen.”
This adaptability extends to interior layouts as well. “We had one family that wanted to add a larger pantry in their kitchen,” Olivia recalls. “We moved some cabinets around, and they could see exactly how much space they’d have for stools at the island.”
Olivia’s commitment to making your experience enjoyable shines through at every stage. “I tell homeowners, ‘This is your home—don’t hesitate to ask questions or make changes. We’re here to make sure it’s exactly how you want it.'”
An Encouraging Process That’s Fun and Exciting
For Olivia, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing your reaction when you see your house on the screen for the first time. “They’ll sit down, see the 3D model, and say, ‘That’s my house!’ It’s such a great feeling to help them visualize their dream becoming a reality.”
Olivia encourages those going through the process to take your time. “Some customers spend hours exploring different options, and that’s perfectly fine. It’s important that they feel comfortable and excited about every decision.”
At Welbilt Homes, the design journey with Olivia is about more than just picking out fixtures and finishes—it’s about bringing your vision to life. With her expertise and passion, Olivia ensures the process is smooth, enjoyable, and tailored to your needs.
“It’s not just about building a house—it’s about building a home that reflects who you are and how you live. And we’re here to make that happen,” Olivia says with a smile.
Looking Forward to Your Time with Olivia
Working with Olivia at Welbilt Homes is not just a meeting—it’s an experience. With her guidance, you will feel empowered to explore every detail of your future home, knowing that each decision will reflect what you envision your home to look like when completed. Olivia’s ability to make the complex process simple and enjoyable is what makes the journey so special.
So, when you’re ready to design your dream home, rest assured—Olivia and Abby will be there to guide you through every step, helping you envision, explore, and create a space that truly feels like home.
“At the end of the day, it’s your home,” Olivia says. “I’m just here to help you see it before it’s even built.”