Building your dream home is the experience of a lifetime, but without careful planning and consideration, a ton of things can go wrong, turning a pleasant experience into a sour money pit! In order to avoid making costly mistakes that will inevitably delay the construction of your dream house.
Check out these important tips for anyone who wants to design and build a home.
Where are you building?
Before you move anywhere, you want to know a little bit about the surrounding area. New homeowners and prospective builders are far too often caught by surprise when they find something out about their new neighborhood that they wouldn’t have seen in the brochure. Neighborhoods can be absolutely picturesque on the outside, yet they have a serious drug or break-in problem.
Before moving anywhere, look up news articles, talk to locals, and ask the police about crime and misbehavior in the neighborhood. If you have kids, are the local school systems good? Even if you don’t have kids, are the local amenities and facilities enough for you? If you’re a gym rat, but there’s no squat rack within 20 miles, is that location the right pick? Are there like-minded people nearby with whom you can socialize? For a social person or a couple, this is an important question. Your new home may be a lot less fun if you have to enjoy it in solitude. On the contrary, that may be just what you want!
How much space do you really need?
Sometimes, people can go overboard and plan a little too big when designing a house. A giant house sounds great, but there are a few disadvantages. If you’re not actually going to use all of that space, then you may end up with empty rooms that are nothing but a pain in the neck to dust. More space usually means more utility costs. In areas that rely heavily on heating or central air, those extra fuel and electricity costs can really pile up!
Local weather and geology
First and foremost, are the local weather patterns a good fit? Lovers of snow and skiing may be fine in an area that sees a lot of snowstorms. Others may not. Even more importantly, you have to take severe weather and hurricanes into account. Not all building materials are created equal, so you want to be sure that the materials that you use can withstand any local natural disasters.
What’s it going to cost?
It’s easy to get lost in the schematics and totally disregard the cost of your home. Pushing the limits of your budget is a surefire way to see delays, end up in debt, and ruin the whole process. https://www.novushomes.com.au/resources/home-building-guide/ is an awesome resource to help you figure out your costs and build the home of your dreams. Assume that things will cost more than they are projected to, and budget accordingly. You have to leave yourself a good cushion just in case something goes wrong.
Finding the right builder
Not all home builders are created equal. Thoroughly research the builders in your area, and try to reach out to folks who have used those builders. There may be a ton of stellar reviews online, but how many of those are real? By talking to a potential builder’s former client, you gain a better insight into the firm’s timeliness, professionalism, and general quality. You certainly don’t want to entrust the home of your dreams to a bunch of careless slackers!
Insurance
Unless you want to lose everything in an instant, you’ll have to insure your home. Your insurance rate will depend on a number of things, and if the insurance company considers certain aspects of your design risky, then you will have to pay more. Things like in-ground pools, high balconies, and other features will be perceived as a huge liability to insurance companies. You may be fine with bearing these extra costs, but it’s still a good idea to consult with an insurer to find a way to minimize your liabilities.
Potential resale value
The wackier your home design is, the harder it will be to sell. You may be fine with having a home that has very little resale value, but you shouldn’t forget to consider your children or heirs. When you pass, will they actually want your home, and will they have a hard time selling it? That may not matter at all to some people, but those who are invested in their home’s resale value should probably stick with a more traditional design.
Compliance
Every locality has their own unique laws and ordinances, and many of these govern the parameters by which a home can be built. Failure to comply with local building regulations can result in hefty fines, so you should consult with a professional who’s familiar with the local building codes before making any big moves.
Building your dream home is one of the most exciting endeavors ever. With these tips, you can avoid costly pitfalls and see it all come together. Good luck; we’re sure that you’ll love your new dream home!