Building a home can be stressful, intimidating and confusing for those who are unprepared. Below are few tips that can make the process more enjoyable and ensure your home will meet the needs of your family for years to come.
- Know what you can afford – Building a home will probably be the most expensive thing you ever do. Learn all you can about the home building process before choosing a builder, set a budget and ask everyone involved to help keep you in line. Remember that the structure is most important for resale and finishes can always be upgraded down the road. It’s also good to hold back a percentage of your total budget and assign it for the unexpected.
- Check the reputation of your builder – Listen to your gut and find a builder that feels like a good fit. Do your homework and interview them to see if you get along. Make sure to check references, online reviews, state licensing boards and local court records to make sure your builder is reputable and honest. Many builders will take care of all municipal codes and laws, but visit your local building department to check on things including the builder reputation.
- Choose the right design – Most home builders have a supply of pre-drawn house plans to choose from or you can look online for various designs. The other option is to hire an architect who can create something truly unique especially if you’ve purchased an unusual site that may have very specific requirements or constraints. Either way, a home design is very personal so take the time and choose wisely.
- Choose the right location – Before you purchase any lot, research the community and find out as much as you can about the area. Visit different times of day, and talk to residents about what they like and what they don’t. Research the school system, property tax rate and whether the location is convenient to popular places, shops and restaurants. Always remember, you can’t move a home!
- Resale should be important – Choose a home size and options comparable with other homes in the neighborhood. Don’t price yourself out of the local market with things that no one else has. Trendy and innovative cosmetics and decorations are okay, but when it comes to construction features, stick to traditional.
If you ever decide to sell, buyers will appreciate the fact that you’ve planned for and built a beautiful and efficient home. Plus, planning wisely will ensure you’ll get the best return on your home investment.
