Follow These 4 Steps Before Building Your Custom Home
Building a custom home from the ground up is something many people dream about. However, even I you have the money and a large plot of land, there is a lot to think about first. Here are some of the first steps you should begin with when you intend to build a custom home.
Start With a Realistic Budget
You first need to come up with a budget that your contractor can work with. Make sure you are aware of the approximate costs of building a custom home, beginning with purchasing the land if you have not done so already. With a custom home, you need to consider the costs provided by your contractor, including all labor costs associated with building the home, and the costs of helping to plan the design of the home. You also need to pay for all building materials, ending with paying for things like plumbing, electrical, roofing, and landscaping. If you have already chosen a contractor, they can help you with your budget since they know approximately what the costs might be.
Choose a Reliable Contractor
Your contractor or builder can make or break the success of your custom home building project. Make sure you have done your research and take time when choosing someone to take over this type of job. This is not a simple remodel, and should not be treated as such. It is essential that you look at homes that the builder has helped to create for other clients and ask the important questions. Find out about their expertise, who they work with, how long they have been in business, and if you can speak to other clients of theirs. Providing business references and a strong portfolio is a great start.
Look For Ways to Save
In order to get a beautiful home that fits within your budget, you may need to compromise with some of the things you want. If you are intent on having a large walk-in closet for your bedroom with built-in storage already included, you may need to do without the soaking bathtub with the jets. If you know you want enough of your budget left for a hot tub on your patio, you may need to re-think some of the expensive appliances or choose less expensive plumbing fixtures and hardware. Make a list of things you absolutely need, a list of things you want, and a list of things you are willing to either give up or compromise with the brand and type of material.
Know the Required Codes and Permits
Also make sure you have looked into local building codes and that your contractor is aware of the permits you need before you get started. The building codes let you know what you can build and where. Some areas might not allow you to have a second or third floor in your home above a certain height because it would get in the way of your neighbor's views. Other codes have to do with the size of your home compared to the size of the yard, whether or not a basement or attic is warranted, and the size of the bedrooms or bathrooms.
By following these steps first, you will be able to get through the design process more easily since you have a good place to start. You know the rules and permits required, have a contractor, and your budget is already set in place.