If your dream is to own the perfect house, your best option is to design your own custom home. There are, however, a few things you need to do before breaking ground. Building your own home is not as difficult to do as you might think, but it can get complicated if you don’t have a checklist to keep you on track.
Start with the Basics
Starting at the very beginning, you need to set a budget. At this point you want to take a hard look at your finances and what you can afford. It can help to speak with a mortgage lender—assuming you don’t plan to fund your home out of pocket. Seeking pre-approval gives you realistic expectations on what you can spend so that can factor in the design process.
Next, if you don’t have land already, you’ll need to find the ideal location. Be sure to research the lot you chose well—you don’t want any surprises down the line—like finding out the lot floods every spring or has contaminated groundwater. Spend some time in the area and get to know the neighbourhood.
Define Your Plan
Once you have laid out where you want your home and have a cost-cap, it’s time to start designing a floor plan. Sit down as a family and make a wish list.
What have you always wanted in a house? Consider things like, how many bedrooms? Bathrooms? Do you want lots of windows? An open floor plan? Do you spend a lot of time in the kitchen? Do you want your home to be eco-friendly? A lot of questions go into planning a home. Your goal with your wish list is to define in clear terms what your dream home is so that a builder can see your vision.
It can help during this process to look online for houses and floor plans you like for inspiration. You can even save pictures of homes or even interior design choices that fit your taste. Visual aids will help your architect hone in on your style.
Finding a Custom Home Builder
Wishlist complete, it is time to start looking at custom home builders in your area. Be sure to check references and find a builder you feel comfortable with. After you’ve chosen, you’ll need to sit down with the firm’s architect to draft your new home. Floor plans and a materials list will be created for your approval. From flooring to light fixtures, this is your chance to choose it all—just be careful to stay realistic to your budget.
Developing a property with a custom builder is an excellent opportunity to get input from the master builders themselves. They will be forthcoming about ifyour plans are achievable and provide you with an approximate date of delivery.
All that’s left to do once your plans are in hand is break ground and watch your dream become a reality.
