Even the thought of building your own home is exciting. Think of all you can customize and get just right—like you’ve always wanted!
We know firsthand that the home-building experience can induce as much stress as excitement, though. If you aren’t prepared with what to expect, it’s all too easy to get overwhelmed.
In this guide from the semi-custom home-building experts at New Era Homes, we distill the most valuable and practical tips for first-time home builders. These insights will empower you to make confident decisions and build the home of your dreams with less stress—and a lot more enjoyment.
Top 9 Tips for an Enjoyable Home-Building Experience
These nine tips are crucial for helping you have a more pleasant first-time home-building experience.Â
- Understand the building process
- Set a realistic budget and monitor expenses closely
- Choose the right location or long-term value
- Decide between custom, semi-custom, or pre-designed homes
- Hire a reliable team of true professionals
- Plan for future needs and lifestyle changes
- Be prepared for delays
- Get involved in the process
- Focus on quality over quantity
While you may never be able to remove all the stress from such a large project, getting prepared goes a long way!
1. Understand the building process
Once you have a builder and location (more on that below), the process usually begins with design. Builders may offer different levels of customization, but every option should include your vision.
After the design is finalized, securing permits is next to ensure your plans meet local building codes and regulations.Â
The construction phase follows, where your home begins to take shape. This phase takes the longest and is prone to encountering the most hiccups. Having the right expectations from the beginning will help keep you sane! Regular inspections throughout construction ensure everything is built to code and quality standards.
Toward the end, the home-building process generally concludes with a walkthrough to address any last-minute details before move-in day.
At New Era Homes, we aim to make the home-building process as seamless as possible for you and your family. We manage every aspect of your build from start to finish.Â
2. Set a realistic budget and monitor expenses closely
Building your first home requires a realistic budget. Always remember that materials and labor only account for part of your budget. You’ll also need to account for land acquisition, permits, utility hookups, landscaping, and more.Â
Once your budget is set, it’s wise to track expenses with your builder to stay within your range. Don’t forget to be proactive! Set wiggle room as a safeguard. Scope creep, your own design changes, and other unexpected costs are bound to come up at some point. It’s best to plan for them from the beginning and not max out your budget.Â
3. Choose the right location for your needs and long-term value
Consider factors like proximity to work, schools, and amenities when choosing where to build. Research the neighborhood’s development plans and growth potential; these will impact property values over time.
Think about the type of community you want to live in. Driving occasionally to scout lots is different from everyday commuting and running errands. You may want to consider a smaller lot and a smaller home with proximity to your amenities rather than a more isolated home that’s further away. On the other hand, if your lifestyle allows for longer commutes, you may want to look further out for a spacious build.
4. Decide between custom, semi-custom, or pre-designed homes
You’ll need to make an early decision to build a custom, semi-custom, or pre-designed home.Â
- Custom homes offer the highest level of personalization but come with higher costs and longer timelines.
- Semi-custom homes strike a balance, allowing for customization within a predefined framework.
- Pre-designed homes are often more affordable and quicker to build but offer limited design flexibility.
At New Era Homes, we create semi-custom homes with pre-existing floorplans that still allow plenty of customization. This middle option is an excellent choice for most first-time home builders.Â
5. Hire a reliable team of true professionals
The team you hire is crucial for a positive home-building experience. Start by selecting a reputable builder with a strong track record of quality work and satisfied clients.Â
Not sure where to begin your search? The National Association of Home Builders lists local associations. Locate the association nearest you and inquire about reputable builders. Don’t be afraid to ask for references. Any reputable home builder would be glad to provide testimonials from satisfied clients in your area.Â
Communication is also crucial for home-building projects. Ask about how the builder updates clients through the building process and ensure that their expectations match yours.Â
6. Plan for future needs and lifestyle changes
When building your first home, it’s important to think beyond your current needs. How might your lifestyle change in the future?
- Will you need more space for a growing family?
- Do you plan to work from home and require a dedicated office?
- Are there aging-in-place features you should incorporate early?
While you can never prepare for every contingency, some initial planning can go a long way to ensuring you end up with a home that meets your family’s long-term needs.Â
Additionally, talk to your builder about flexibility and adaptability. For example, you might collaborate on an open-concept floor plan with spaces that can serve multiple purposes over time.
7. Be prepared for delays
Construction projects rarely go exactly as planned. Weather, supply chain issues, and unforeseen challenges can all impact your timeline.
Set realistic expectations from the start, and build buffer time into your schedule. Never hinge your plans on a projected build date. There are simply too many factors that can inhibit your timeline. It’s much better to allow extra time and be pleasantly surprised by an early completion date than to be frustrated by delays.Â
8. Get involved in the process.
You don’t have to take a hands-off approach after the initial design and planning phase. While you’ll want to give your builder space to complete their work, there is absolutely nothing wrong with regularly visiting the site to ensure your plans and vision align with the build.Â
Cultivate a cordial relationship with your builder—one of mutual respect. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns. Being actively involved early and regularly can avoid misunderstandings and even save money in the long run.Â
9. Focus on quality over quantity
Investing in high-quality materials and craftsmanship will pay off in the long run with fewer repairs, better energy efficiency, and higher resale value.Â
While it may prove tempting to opt for higher square footage or additional features, we recommend prioritizing what truly adds value to your home. Choose durable materials, energy-efficient systems, and professional craftsmanship to ensure your investment stands the test of time.Â
At New Era Homes, we follow 174 uncommon standards to ensure you have the best, highest-quality build from the start.
A Few More Considerations for First-Time Builders
Financing Your Home Build
Construction loans differ from traditional mortgages—they cover building costs and are typically converted into a permanent mortgage once construction is complete. It’s essential to work with lenders who have experience financing home builds.Â
Exploring your options in the Beaver State? Check out our guide to your financing options in Oregon.
Understanding Building Codes and Regulations
Local building codes and permitting can get complicated quickly. It’s imperative that you partner with professionals who know the regulatory landscape in your area. You don’t want to get stuck in a never-ending regulatory maze.Â
At New Era Homes, we manage permitting and compliance completely on your behalf, so you never have to worry about all the red tape involved in building your dream home.
Make Your First Home Build Worth the Journey
With careful planning, the right financial approach, and a focus on quality, there’s no question you can construct a beautiful home that meets your family’s needs for years and years to come.Â
There’s nothing quite like that new-construction smell. Isn’t it exciting to ponder the possibilities?
If you’re ready to embark on your home-building journey after considering these tips, New Era Homes is here to help. Let’s start talking about your New Era Home.
