Constructing a house from the ground up involves many aspects, such as hiring building partners, managing documents, planning designs, overseeing your budget, and finding temporary housing. While a new build’s multi-tiered nature can be complex, knowing and understanding a few things will help you approach each phase better.
This guide presents valuable insight if you’re planning to start a new residential project. These tips will help you with many aspects of the process, such as planning how to choose your construction partner or deciding where to start to build your own home.
Finding a Builder
Before you start a residential project, choosing your custom builder is one of the most critical decisions you’ll have to make. Your selection affects several factors throughout your process and determines your build’s costs, timeframe, and quality of work.
Do Comprehensive Research
A quick online search will show you available custom home builders in your area. Pick two or three most qualified selections and research their credentials extensively. Here are some factors you should consider when creating a shortlist:
· Industry experience
· Diversity of portfolio
· Level of quality
· Skills of team members
· Organizational ability
· Communication style
Create a Budget
A custom home project’s price depends on factors such as the size, the materials used, and the location of your property. Determine these variables and discuss them with your potential builder to give them an idea of your budget’s scope. On average, most custom houses’ cost ranges from $350,000 to $1.5 million across the country, with each square foot costing between $100 to $500.
List Down Ideal Features
Before tapping a builder, take time to plan your dream home, including all the custom features you want to include in your house. These details should cover your house’s design, fixtures, size, and style. Write down all your ideas and bring them when you talk to prospective builders, as your specific notes will allow them to give you a more accurate estimate of your project.
Ask for References
To get honest reviews about residential builders, talk to family members, friends, or colleagues who had custom homes built in the past. Ask them for referrals, as well as advice and other relevant information. If you don’t know anyone who has gone through the process, reach out to your neighbors or employees of local hardware stores. You can also ask builders themselves for referrals.
Talk to Multiple Builders
Instead of settling for the one industry pro you know, opt to interview several custom builders to find the best fit for your project. Doing so lets you learn about their construction process, pick their brain about their building approach, and allows you to compare bids.
Choosing a Location
The site of your project is one aspect you shouldn’t take lightly, as it’ll serve as your permanent residence for the years to come. Here are some crucial questions you should ask before finalizing your decision:
· Does the community suit your income status?
· Is the location serviced with electricity, water supply, and roads?
· Are there schools in the area?
· Are there consumer supply services?
· Are there recreational facilities?
· Does the location have low or high crime rates?
· Does the community have low or high noise levels?
· Does the area have low or high traffic volumes?
· Is the air quality clean and unpolluted?
· Is the location far from dumping sites and contaminated water?
Factors That Can Affect the Progress of Your Project
On average, a custom single-family home takes around seven months to complete, though where you live, how big your house is, or what materials you use can affect this timeframe. Additionally, a few things can bring on unexpected project delays, such as the following:
Weather Issues
Forces of nature are often unpredictable, which goes for the weather throughout your building process. Rain, snow, and extreme temperatures can cause off days on your construction site and ultimately push your project’s deadline.
Design Changes
While building, certain factors can cause you to change the course of your project. This revision can be design-related, such as changing your mind about a structural feature or your builder’s suggesting a material change. It can also be due to city ordinance issues or landscape adjustments. Regardless, steering away from your original plan typically moves your end date and increases your costs.
While these tips can guide you to better decisions, collaborating with a licensed expert guarantees the best results. A quality construction pro can help you with anything you need, whether deciding where to start to build your own home or choosing the layout of your interiors. Reach out to a reputable custom home builder and get comprehensive services for your next project.
