Steps to New Home Construction

Steps to New Home ConstructionBuilding Your Dream Home?

Prepare for your new home build with these 6 steps

Building a new home can be exciting, exhilarating, overwhelming, and at times, unpredictable. You’ll need vision, focus and planning as well as a hefty dose of fortitude.

Thinking about building a house and need some tips to get started? Let’s go over some of the steps to help give you a general understanding of the process. Talk to your builder when it’s time to discuss specific processes for your custom build. Most of these steps can be handled by your builder, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your dream home. Be sure to choose your builder wisely.

Step 1 – Determine your budget

How much house can you afford? Financial and lender websites offer online calculators that do the math around monthly income versus expense and debt. But what is your personal preference? For personal, investment or lifestyle reasons – some opt to live beneath their means instead of within their means. No matter how you work the margins, discuss loan options and qualifying requirements with a custom home builder that will allow you to choose from multiple lenders.

Step 2 – Find a location and pick your lot

Location is so important! Not only does it determine property values, your family will most appreciate a home site that is close to work, favorite amenities, and the most desired school districts. You will also want to investigate zoning issues to uncover any proposed developments or upcoming projects in the area, as well as determine any restrictions you may face during the construction phase.

Step 3 – Enlist a team

Constructing a home takes a team of professionals. The ‘who’s who’ in home construction will likely include a developer (land), architect (plan), builder (construct), design consultant (stylize), construction manager (project manage), contractor (install), and inspector (approve). Select professionals that understand your goals and have a portfolio of work that complements your own needs and wants. Research custom home builders in your area, there are many that serve as a one point of contact that will help you through the process, often working with a list of architects and other professionals local to your area.

Step 4 – Decide on a blueprint

Start from scratch and sit down with an architect, purchase a pre-drawn plan from a reputable design firm, or opt for something in between the two and modify an existing plan to better suit your unique and specific needs. Consider your must-haves and don’t wants in advance, and make a list. The more you plan, the smoother the process will be once you break ground.

Step 5 – Stay sane through the build process

Building a new home is an involved process that can take 6 months to a year – sometimes longer, depending on the home size, design complexity, and even weather conditions. Having choices leads to the custom home that you love, but sometimes the decisions can feel overwhelming. Choose a custom home builder that can help you through the process every step of the way and help alleviate some of the stress.

Step 6 – Enjoy your new home!

Congratulations! Starting with an idea and the turn of a shovel, you created a home of your dreams. The new home build endeavor gave you stories to tell before you even moved in. You already have a special sentimental connection to this space. Settle in, enjoy and continue to make memories in only the way you can.

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