You've decided you want to build a custom home, but you're not really sure what to expect. The process of building a new home can be a bit daunting, especially as a beginner. Below you will find our beginner's guide to custom home building to help show you what to expect.
Everything Starts and Ends with the Budget
When building a custom home, your budget will dictate many of the decisions. This is where you want to start. You want to find out how much you can spend and what the total budget will be.
Once you have a budget, you want to make sure you take the time to consider what's most important to you. When it comes to upgrades, the actual property your home will be on, and anything else that needs to be factored into the budget.
Choose Your Land
After you've set a budget and you know what a lender will approve, you can start shopping for the right lot. You want to consider the neighborhood, the overall location and the actual land you will be building on. The slope/flatness will play a factor and some lots may be more expensive to prepare than others.
Builder and Design Comes Next
Next, you need to select a builder and get your custom home designed. There are several things to consider with the builder and the design of your new home.
Selecting a builder should include plenty of time researching and finding the right builder for your needs. Consider the size, layout, features, upgrades and overall design you want before you select a builder. Some builders may not offer exactly what you want.
Consider all the Details
Your new custom home will be your home for many years, so you want to consider all the details. Look at the design all the way from layout to the different features of each room. Make sure the home you've designed is just as you would like it and will serve you and your family well for many years.
Go Through the Building Process
Once you've handled all the above details, it's time to start building. The building process will include the following steps:
Site preparation and foundation pouring
Rough framing construction
Rough plumbing, HVAC, and electrical installation
Insulation installation
Drywall and interior textures installation
Install exterior finishes
Finish interior trim
Install driveway and walkways
Install flooring and countertops
Install bathroom fixtures, mirrors, and shower doors
Finish all interior and exterior trim
Finish exterior landscaping
Once everything is completed, you will do a final walkthrough with the builder before moving in. During the walkthrough, you will receive your warranty information and have the opportunity to have anything fixed or adjusted that isn't correct.
Building a custom home can seem overwhelming. However, with the right builder, you'll be a part of every step of the process. This can make it much easier to understand what's going on and what to expect next. Make sure you take the time to hire the right builder for your new custom home.