Having a new home built for your family can be an excellent decision. But before you decide to go all in and start working with a builder and dreaming about building a house, it’s best to have a good idea about what to expect.
We work with many new homeowners from all over the country who come to us with past horror stories. They tell us about error after error that could have easily been avoided with the right home builder or construction company. To help you avoid the possible pitfalls, we put together this quick list of do’s and don’ts to consider before starting the custom home journey.
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One of the biggest advantages of building a house rather than buying an existing home is getting to decide the details that make your house perfect. Make a list of your ideas and the features you can’t live without. Walk around your current house. What do you love? What do you wish was different? Why? Do you have any specific needs for what type of lot (corner, lakefront, cul-de-sac, etc.) you would like to live on?
In addition to location, think about other aspects like size, indoor and outdoor design features, storage space, windows, even lighting to get an idea about what you’re looking for in your next home. Whether you buy or build, it makes sense to have some idea of what you lack in your current home so you will know what to be on the lookout for.
The home building process may appear intimidating on the surface, but it doesn’t have to be. Just take it one step at a time and don’t feel like you have to have all the answers about your project today. Don’t get overwhelmed thinking about the decisions you’ll need to make, hiring an architect or contractor, sourcing construction materials. Instead, choose the right home builder who will walk you through the steps, making the process easy and exciting.
Building your dream home on the right sized lot might sound like all you need to be happy in your new residence, but it’s best to consider the community as a whole. Choose a community that will meet your family’s needs now and in the future. Does it have opportunities to meet like-minded people? Are you near to essentials like healthcare and schools? Are there on-property activities for everyone? For example, if spending more quality time together is something that’s on your wish list, consider a resort community with onsite amenities like lake and boat access, walking trails, dining options, and a community pool. The easier access you have to those amenities, the more likely you’ll be to carve out time to enjoy them.
If you’ve found a community that you love with multiple lot options, narrow down your purchase decision by asking which one you can see yourself living in the most. Would you prefer to gaze out over a community pond in a tucked-away part of the community, or would you rather be close enough to the action that you can walk to the pool or clubhouse? You’ll want to choose a location that fits your unique preferences.
[Architect Building Joy - Free photo on Pixabay]
You might think you have your heart set on designing and building a home from scratch but don’t be afraid to check out a spec home or existing property that’s in a great location in the community.
Or maybe you’re thinking a single-story house is all you need when in reality, you can make the most of your money by building a two-story house instead. Work with a specialized real estate agent or custom home team for a particular community, like those we have at Tennessee National. They can help you understand your options so that you can make an informed decision about your building site, house plan, and how to maximize your space, lighting, views, and resale value opportunities.
It’s important to have an idea of what you’re comfortable spending when considering a new home. At Tennessee National, for example, a custom home representative will discuss your needs, budget, and home design ideas. They’ll take those requirements and wishes and help you work with an experienced architect to draw a plan or modifying one of our custom floor plans to help you build within budget.
When it comes to loans, you don’t necessarily have to buy a lot, then in addition to land costs, take out a new construction loan to pay vendors and contractors. Talk with a lender about your construction loan options. Many loans can include your land and construction costs to build, so you save in fees by having to close just one time to get started. Some lenders even offer construction to permanent loans, which roll over into a permanent mortgage once the project is complete, saving you even more money.
Choose a home builder who listens to you and whom you feel has your best interests in mind. There are several style and design choices that can impact the per square foot and overall cost to build. You need a home building team who can help guide you in choosing the right lot, present you with sample floor plans, who will advise you on things like design and feature trends, and who will deliver a beautiful home - all while helping manage your building funds wisely.
The construction process can be confusing, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Get a feel for how communications will happen, how to submit requests and change orders, and gain an overall understanding of the building timeline. A home building project has many moving parts but the good news is it’s not your job to keep up with them!
Enjoy the process. Find a community you can see your family thriving in. If you don’t want to have to make all the decisions, spec homes can give you some choice in your plan and features without overwhelming you. If custom homes are more in line with your preferences, work with a team that has you covered. A great builder can help you everywhere you need them. Maybe it’s in helping you find the perfect floor plan or giving you time with an experienced interior designer, or maybe it’s in managing the last landscaping details, or all of the above, the best companies have a team of people in place to keep everything on track so you don’t have to.
There are a lot of companies that can build a house, but they’re not all right for you. If you want to love where you live, request an appointment to visit Tennessee National and meet our building team today. CTA
