Building a home is one of the most satisfying things you can do as an adult. Not only does it allow you to be in control of your living space from top to bottom, but it provides a place for family and friends to gather and spend time together. There are many factors that need to be considered when going about this undertaking, and if you’re not careful, it can end up being a very costly mistake.
In order to ensure that your first house building experience goes smoothly, here are some things you will want to keep in mind: We will cover everything from deciding on the location and budgeting for materials to hiring an experienced contractor and choosing a design that fits with your lifestyle.
Home Building Location
Choosing the perfect location for your new home is a difficult and important decision. The first step of this process is to decide what type of property you want: house, apartment, or condo. Once that has been determined, then it’s time to find the right neighborhood in which to build. The decision of where to build your home is a big one. It will affect the resale value, it can impact your budget and it can have an effect on what you are looking for in the area that you live in.
Budget
As a first-time home builder, you may be wondering how much of your budget should go towards the actual construction and how much should go to other parts of the process. You’ll need to set aside some money for the actual construction and additional expenses like property taxes, mortgage payments, and utilities. Whether you are building for yourself, or as an investment property, there is a lot that goes into the process. First off, it takes money. On average, homes cost about $100k to build in today’s market of fluctuating prices and materials. So obviously before even starting your design process you need to know how much money will be available for the project.
Hiring a Contractor
Trusting someone with the task of building an expensive new home is nerve-wracking and worrisome, but you can make the building process less stressful through careful contractor selection.
Talk to several contractors and get written estimates from at least three. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples when you get multiple estimates. Be cautious of estimates that are too high or too low. Be cautious of estimates that are too high or too low.
Secure a comprehensive contract before work begins. Get everything in writing, and make sure the contract is clear and well written.
Choosing a Home Design
When looking for a home, many people focus on the exterior and neglect to consider how it will fit with their lifestyle. It is important that you find a design that matches your personality and goals in life. A new house can be an exciting time of growth and change as well as a means to make memories with friends and family.
Choosing the right floor plan begins by deciding what size house best suits your family. When having a home built from scratch, you have to think not only about where you want to live but about your lifestyle needs are.
Think about your lifestyle. What are you looking for in a home? Do you want something that’s open and airy, or do you prefer smaller spaces that feel cozy and intimate? Are you looking for a lot of outdoor space to entertain guests, or is spending time inside more your thing? Once you know what you’re after, it will be much easier to find homes that fit the bill.
To ensure a successful outcome, preparation and research are critical. You may avoid common blunders when constructing your house by following the advice of specialists.