Custom homes are a huge undertaking, and many people fantasize about owning their dream home. As we begin building a house, a word of caution is in order. For those without experience, it can be very costly, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. For those who are determined to build their own home, here’s your home building checklist.
Know Your Budget
Developing a rough budget is the first step in planning anything. There can be a wide range of prices for new homes, depending on where you live. In addition, you need to consider the costs of designing, engineering, permitting, and hiring a contractor. Local taxes and fees must also be considered. Even after your house is built, you will have to add on decorating and furnishing costs. Take the time to review and inspect your budget carefully before moving forward since this long list of expenses can add up quickly.
Financing
Obtaining external financing is likely to be necessary. Several options are available including:
- personal bank loans
- lines of credit
- credit card for a portion of the fees
Don’t apply for a loan without exploring all your options. Your financial situation and proposed budget will determine the best financing option.
Proposed Deadline
Certain regions will place more emphasis on deadlines than others. Avoid being too rigid with your deadline unless it is urgent. A highly intensive project like this should not be rushed. Setting a rough timeline is still important if your goal is to complete your build as quickly as possible. A lack of organization or other factors beyond a builder’s control have led to many new home builds taking years to complete.
Land & Location
Your fourth step in the process of building a new home is to find the right location. It can take quite a while for this process to complete. Your dream home’s lot must meet several criteria, including:
- Houses nearby
- The value of surrounding homes
- Cost of land
- The topography
- The orientation
Architects are ideal for this type of project. To determine whether the property is suitable for a new build, they can perform a site visit and recommend appropriate consultants, including a land surveyor or soils engineer. In addition, they can reveal any additional restrictions, such as if the desired location is within a designated historical area.
Design Inspiration
Your blueprints must be designed before you gather any materials and hire contractors. Getting your foundation right is one of the most crucial steps when building a custom home. Keep your wants and needs in mind. Plan big, then scale back. Consider the most important rooms and features for you. Prioritize them based on their importance. Use magazines and social media websites such as Pinterest to get inspiration.
Hiring a Contractor
A general contractor brings your plans to life after an architect inspects them. They’ll oversee your build throughout and be a constant presence when you’re not there. Building a house requires the expertise of a general contractor, which is an essential part of any checklist. You can find a variety of general contractors online. Get in touch with them and ask them about their experience. As part of this inquiry, you should ask for examples of previous builds they’ve managed as well as testimonials from customers.
The Bones of the Home
All work, including demolition, requires permits. Depending on the municipality, permits may be approved quickly or may take several weeks, or even months, to obtain. All the necessary permit applications will be handled by your general contractor. Construction will be reviewed and approved by building inspectors at every stage.
Installing Insulation
To save energy and maintain a comfortable home temperature, insulation is vital. New buildings should be built to maximize their energy efficiency. Cellulose, foam, or fiberglass will be used as insulation in most new homes. Additionally, your general contractor might recommend mineral wool, concrete blocks, or rigid foam as solutions to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Climate plays a significant role in determining the type of insulation to use.
Interior & Exterior
Installing trim, such as stair railings and door casings, is the ninth step on your home building checklist. The cabinets, vanities, and fireplace mantels will also be brought in at this time. The construction team will also lay your driveway and construct any exterior walkways.
Final Touches
As part of building a house, you will need to install fixtures, fittings, countertops, mirrors, and landscaping on the exterior. Final touches take a considerable amount of time, depending on how intricate your design is. Regardless, your house is close to completion, and it won’t be long before you can move in. An inspection of the building will also take place in order to issue the certificate of occupancy. It ensures compliance with local building codes and safety before moving in.
New Era Homes Helps You Build Your Dream Home Stress-Free
Although a checklist can give you a general idea of the home building process, New Era Homes can help carry out your vision from start to finish. Contact us today to get your dream home built today!
