The decision to build a custom home is exciting! For some, it can also be overwhelming. Flair Builders is here with a helpful guide to ensure that you know what to expect in the beginning stages of building you dream home.
Know Your Budget and Timeline
It’s important for you to sit down and figure out what is realistic for you and your family before beginning the building process. Keep in mind that the construction cost is just one part, and that things such as the cost of the land, landscaping, design fees, and local fees and taxes should all be considered as well. Factors of the house itself affect the overall cost, as well. Things like the size of your home, the materials used, and finishes all impact the bottom line.
Knowing your timeline can help save you headaches down the road because building a home takes time. Custom homes can take up to 2 years when you include the time spent designing, planning, and preparing the lot before the construction itself, which can take around a year to complete.
Choose the Right Builder
The builder you choose can determine not only the quality of home that is built, but also the quality of the experience. Your builder is your partner through the process, and a good builder will be able to guide you through the designing, the land acquisition, the build process, and all the other decisions that come along with a custom home. Do your homework to search out a builder’s team, experience, quality levels, and values before making an informed decision.
Find the Right Spot
There are a few major things to consider when choosing the lot you want to build on. The first, and possibly the most important, is the location of the lot. Take into consideration the proximity to shops, work, schools, and the neighborhood that the lot is within. Your builder can help you understand how the slope and shape of the lot will affect your building plans and any additional costs that may come with that. The builder can also look into the zoning and development plans for the area as well as any restrictions that may have an impact on the final product.
Consider Your Needs and Lifestyle
Once you’ve chosen your builder and found your piece of land, it’s time to start dreaming up your home! Start by looking at your current home and writing down what does and doesn’t work in it. If you love a cup of coffee on the front porch every morning, make sure you communicate that to the designer. If you hate the way you can’t see your kids in the living room when you’re in the kitchen, an open floor plan might be your answer. You can also have a list of design and architectural elements that you would love to incorporate into your new home. Pinterest is always a great resource for dreaming and compiling visual examples of what you like. Finally, go through all of these things and separate the wants from the needs. Of course it would be nice to have a bowling alley in the basement, but maybe your family would use a pool much more often. The best question to ask yourself is if you would miss it if you didn’t have it. If not, then it’s a want and not a need.
There are so many things to consider and choose when building a custom home. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a builder who will walk through it with you and help you make informed decisions. Your dream home is closer than you think. Contact Flair Builders today to get started!