When thinking about what you need to know before building a house, there are so many factors to discuss. Between creating a budget, determining how large (or small) you envision your new home, and deciding if you want to create an outdoor space; you will have a lot to consider when designing your new place.
Ultimately, building a home can be time-consuming and overwhelming – but if you follow these strategies, you will feel less overwhelmed and can enjoy the process.
1. Create a Budget
It is important to know what you can afford before beginning to get excited. What you need to do before building a house is outline a clear budget so you know what amenities you can have – and also if you can afford the local taxes. Having a budget in place will also ensure you own (or can borrow) enough money to cover the cost of materials, labor, and down payments without going overboard with your dreams.
Be realistic. Carefully calculate your savings and current income, and always prepare for emergencies by adding on an extra 10-20%. Having “extra” money set aside is vital, and you should consider it before building a house. This will allow you to cover any unforeseen costs that could arise, and also any additional items (like fences, cables, letterboxes, and electric meters) that you may want to enhance your home.
2. Find the Right Building Team
Choosing the right team to build your new home is one of the necessary things to keep in mind when building a house. While many building teams can get the job done, not every team is going to put your wants and needs first when building your home – and disagreements in communication could end up with hurt and disappointment.
You will need to find a building team who works with you, keeps you in the loop, and is willing to make your dream home a reality. Choosing a building team like ValueBuild will ensure that your building experience is positive and that there is an ample amount of communication between you and the building team.
3. Know the Regulations
When thinking of what to know before building a house, remember to research any construction rules in the area that you will be building in. There can be rules regarding the materials you use or even the color of paint you choose. Many states have safety standards you will need to meet, like local zoning laws.
It is highly necessary to follow these regulations so you do not get fined, which can end up lowering your budget and harming your plans. To ensure that you are aware of the regulations required to build your home, carefully read through your contract with your builder, and choose someone who has a local provider for area-compliant materials.
4. Keep Resale in Mind
When building a new home, the last thing you want is to already be considering a resale. However, it is important to remember this as the future can be so unpredictable and you may decide you’d be happier in a different state, or want to move closer to family.
You will need to be open-minded and predict what a potential buyer might like and appreciate in your home someday. When keeping resale in mind, avoid adding too many upgrades to overprice your home way past the local market value.
5. Have a Plan
Having a plan is one of the most crucial things to consider when designing a house. You will need to have everything in mind that you want to add to your home. If you see a picture or design of a similar home you like, show it to your builder. Make a note of it. Plan properly.
When you plan meticulously, you will be ahead of the game and will save money and time. There are many considerations to keep in mind when building your new home – and planning will help you keep track of everything. Just don’t lose your notes!
Consider:
- The Size of Your House: You should know how many rooms you would like to have in your home. This usually depends on the side of your family.
- Details of Your Lifestyle: Keep your lifestyle in mind when designing your home. If you like entertaining guests, consider adding a larger space in the kitchen or living room. Be open with your builder about building a home that will suit your lifestyle. Floor plans like the Montgomery and the Anson are great options for entertaining guests.
- The Placement of Your Furniture: You should know where you plan on positioning your bed, chairs, couches, tables, and other items. This will help your builders design the house properly to meet your needs.
- Plumbing and Electricity: Let your builder know where you plan on positioning your appliances. By doing this, you will help your builders determine where they should place electrical outlets for your convenience. Also, think about where you want your bathrooms to be, which will be essential when it comes to drains and underground pipes.
- Outdoor Space: What to know when building a house is if you want to include a garden or nice lawn for your new home. Doing this will increase the value of your home. Adding flowers, shrubs, outdoor lighting, a patio, a deck, or a garage are also things that can increase the value of your home and they will also help you enjoy your outdoor space.
ValueBuild Custom Homes Is Here to Help
ValueBuild is here to help you understand what you need to know before building a house. If you are considering building a house or have any questions regarding building a house, contact us today! Our expert teams will be able to provide guidance and advice, from the first brick placement to the last.