Building a custom home is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. It’s the place where you will raise your family, grow older and make a lifetime of cherished memories. The importance of building the perfect home for you and your family simply can’t be overstated. To make sure you get exactly what you want from your custom house, we’re highlighting some key tips and things to consider as you begin the process.
Start with a Budget
Approaching a project without a budget is a slippery slope. With custom homes, the upgrade possibilities are almost endless. You might make one upgrade here and another there, and before you know it you’ve added $100,000 to the project.
It’s always a good to set a rough budget before you start planning. Give yourself a range, but know your maximum. It also helps to prioritize your wish list. If something has to give, what will it be? Can you give up the gourmet range? Can you live for a few years with an unfinished basement? Read more at Domus Built…
The budget is the first thing you should think about; probably even before you decide on the design of your house. “Budget first, everything else later,” is something we love to say at Oz Custom Home Builders. Even if you have the biggest dreams for your home, your budget is the reality, so figure that out first.
Think About the Environment
Make sure you do your research to maximize energy-efficiency in the design of your new home. Your architect and builder can help ensure that your windows are South-facing so you get as much sunshine as possible heating your home. You’ll want to makes sure that bathrooms, laundries and garages are on the south side of your home and have small windows to minimize heat loss. Spend time choosing your insulation and HVAC systems, as well as energy-efficient appliances and WaterSense faucets and toilets. Read more at The House Designers…
Everything from the size of certain windows in your home to where they should face for optimal lighting is in the hands of your builder. Be sure to ask about the latest technology that is efficient but also environmentally friendly. Remember, it is easier to go green before building a home than after.
Work with the Right People
Hire the right people. I really can’t stress this enough. Especially if like us, you have no previous experience building. This is the single most important decision you will make because you will be working so closely with your builder/architect throughout the process and your overall building experience is largely determined by your relationship with them. Do your homework before you make your decision. Interview and meet with lots of builders and ask for referrals. It’s also smart to ask for names and numbers of the last three people they worked for to get an accurate view of how people felt about their building experience with that builder. Look for clues that tell you what they will be like to work with. Read more at The Sunny Side Up Blog…
Your builder will make or break your project. Ask for referrals from close family and friends whose homes you love. Be sure to have as many meetings as you need before finally settling on a custom home builder. This way, you are absolutely sure your builder understands your needs and has met with the architect.
Finally, check online for reviews and ask for pictures of the immediate project your potential builder has completed. If it’s close by, ask if you can pay a visit to see the work up close.
These tips are by no means exhaustive. Get in touch with us at (803) 242-0050 for more detailed information on how to get started on your custom home construction project.