Whether you’re building or remodeling, major home projects can come with major stress. With timelines, managing contractors, ever expanding budgets and lead times, the process comes with so many variables it can be hard to navigate.

Dirk Dallas, designer, filmmaker, photographer and the founder of FromWhereIDrone recently built his family’s dream home in California. Dirk chronicled the process on OurModernDwelling and features the ups and downs that came with his build.

We sat down with Dirk to get his thoughts on what he wishes he knew before starting his project, to save you the stress.

Swipe or click through our Q&A below!