Things To Consider Before Building a Home
Building a home from scratch is super rewarding since you get to choose each material and feature according to your taste and needs.
Well, it is not always as simple as it looks and there are so many things involved including getting a permit, hiring a good contractor, purchasing quality materials, and more. This is why you need to plan well.
Often, you will need to contact a project manager to walk you through all the stages of home building. That said, here is an easy-to-follow guide when building home on your own land and live happily.
- Sort the finances
Building a home is an expensive venture. As such, you might require a construction loan to aid with your project.
Luckily, there are several financiers out there willing to lend you the money. You can start by comparing various offers from different lenders and only opt for the best deal.
Your lender may ask for a fully priced plan before issuing the loan. Note that the amount granted is released in installments and you only get the money after a specific stage is complete.
- Have a schedule
If you want your project to be complete on time, then let your contractor know your schedule. It takes about 9 months to complete a simple three-bedroom house according to research.
This includes about one month for permits and building authorization, followed by 8 months of the actual work plus the final touches.
Still, it’s important to understand that things like bad weather can impact the timeline, therefore you should create room for any changes
- Hire a contractor
You will need a reliable contractor to help you get the job done. But before you opt for a particular one, make sure they are licensed and registered with the right professional bodies.
Also, the contractor should be well known in your area. Ask them to provide you with a list of previously completed tasks to establish if they are competent or not.
Keep in mind that expensive doesn’t always mean quality so get to know your contractor better. Read more here https://www.archute.com/important-factors-consider-building-new-home/
- Prepare a contract
Once you have found a good contractor, you will need to prepare a comprehensive agreement. Both parties should read the document carefully before signing it to ensure they fully understand its content.
You may even opt for a lawyer to ensure you are legally covered as well. The contract should include the name of the contractor, name of the homeowner, their contact info, the cost, a description of the property in legal terms among others
- Stick to the budget
The biggest mistake anyone can make when building a home is drifting from their budget. Having a well-planned budget and sticking to it is one of the most essential tips for building a home.
Make sure that you have everything in the book before the project begins including the full prices of the items. You should also avoid making unnecessary changes as this can disrupt the entire project.
- Design for future
When you are designing your home think about your future plans as well. If you are planning on getting married and starting a family, you might want a bigger house to accommodate your family. A three- or four-bedroom house might be ideal for a family of three or two.
- Finish before moving in
At times most people get impatient with the wait and end up moving in before the house is completed.
Well, the waiting might seem so long especially if you are living in a rented apartment, but it is always important to wait until the house is complete before moving in.
You might have finished building the house, but the backyard is still incomplete, moving in could mean spending extra money later to get the backyard complete.
- Go neutral
Experts advise on the need to have neutral colors for your home like white, cream, beige, and grey since they rhyme well with most home decors. Imagine having red seats and purple walls. It becomes more expensive to change the colors later after you have realized your mistake.
- Plan for storage
Storage spaces are integral parts of every home. When choosing your cabinetry and bath finishes, consider also your lifestyle and organization.
Getting a big closet is more important than a deeper bathtub especially if your family is huge. Also, carefully consider the size of your pantry when designing your house. Click here for more insights.
Conclusion
There is more to building a home than just the materials. Planning is the key if you want to succeed. Know how much it will cost you to put up your dream home and stick to the budget. Don’t be in a hurry to move in before the house is completed to avoid paying extra for the project. Be sure to give yourself plenty of storage as well put in a bit of sweat equity. Still, be a little flexible with your decisions.