What Are The Steps Of Building A House?
Building your dream home is an exciting thought. Nevertheless, the entire process of building your new home goes beyond designing and pouring its foundation. There are some fundamental steps you need to take care of beforehand.
Before you begin looking around for a build, you must have a precise idea about your budget and the location you prefer. Also, you need to know the extent of your involvement during the construction process.
Developing a solid plan will make everything efficient and a very exciting journey for you and the entire family. So to avoid any mistakes that can hurt your pockets when turning your dream home into reality, here are the proper steps on how to build a house.
Know Your Budget
One of the most vital things that will determine the success of your house-building project is knowing how much you can afford. Giving time to plan and calculate your budget is essential since it'll have a massive impact on all your decisions. Hence, it should be your priority at the very start of your planning and research.
The budget you'll set will cover the size you have in mind for your home, location, material types, and the builder's quality. Additionally, calculate what kind of mortgage scheme you can qualify for and afford. This will also involve all funds for the down payment and any income that will come in while you're building your house. You may also want to consider sitting down with an expert lender who often deals with loans on new home constructions.
Moreover, consider how much it takes to run your house every month. So make sure to include utilities, maintenance, and taxes in your calculation. Keep in mind that all of these are just estimates until the completion of the design of your home.
Budgeting Tips
- Be careful when choosing banks for your loan. Some are more than willing to lend you more than you can afford to pay. But in reality, you don't have to construct a home that maximises the bank's loan amount. It's always better to stay below the amount.
- Have a plan set for overrun costs. Most constructions will usually end up costing more than the initial budget plan. The reason for this is the change in the cost of building materials or any changes and requests you may have on the design and during the construction stage. Make sure to create a buffer to the resources you have to prevent the unavoidable overruns from putting a dent to your bank account.
- Compare building materials. Although your general contractor usually selects the majority of materials, amenities, and appliances, you will still be involved in the selection process. So if you have a material in mind for the walls or flooring, make sure to communicate it with your contractor from the get-go. Doing so will avoid any costly changes along the way.
The Right Location
There are many factors involved in finding the ideal location for your new house. Aside from choosing the area where you want the family to settle in, you also want to list down every facility you need that area to have. This may include anything from schools to shopping facilities and easy public transport. Make sure to write down on your list every location that interests you.
If you'll construct in an old, mature neighbourhood, find out the guidelines of the municipality or city in terms of demolishing old homes. But if you're considering a subdivision property, check if there are architectural guidelines you need to follow.
Another thing you have to consider is the shape and size of the lot. Are you looking for a square-shaped lot and create a huge backyard or a corner lot with a beautiful front garden area? You also think about the size of your family. If you have young children, it's a good idea to look for a location with playgrounds and green spaces.
And one of the things that you need to check out is the taxes on all those locations. This is one aspect that will greatly affect your budget and decisions.
Find The Best Home Builder And Contractor
Choosing a reputable home builder is vital to turning your dream home a reality. So don't just settle on the first contractor that comes your way. Consider interviewing several. Keep in mind that you'll deal with this company or individual for numerous months and the entire process of construction.
Do not forget to do your research about them and check references. Also, do not hesitate to ask if they offer warranties and any fees for change of orders or upgrades. Moreover, consider asking for a rough estimate of the cost per square foot. This can help you start to decide on a house plan.
Selecting The Perfect House Plan
Your house builder or contractor may present you with a few plans you can review. Typically, these come with a description of the features, as well as a price list. They may also provide you with an option to custom build or design your own house plan.
Whichever you choose, remember that the key here is to have a house plan that's not only aesthetically pleasing, but functional as well. The elements you need to analyse are the following:
- General layout
- Hallway width
- Room dimensions
- Storage space
- Considerations on special accessibility
Contract Negotiation
Always ask for a written contract, which should be signed by every professional involved in the construction of your house. Obtain a signed contract from your home builder or contractor and architect at the very least.
Here's what should be included in your house construction contract:
- A detailed description of the project.
- The specs or a list of every part that will be included in the construction of your house.
Make sure to clarify the specs during the negotiation before signing anything. The last thing you want is for your dream home to end up with builder or contractor-grade materials. These materials are low-grade and inexpensive. Remember to make revisions on the contract if there will be any changes to the project later on, whether made by you or your contractor.
Conclusion
Building your dream home is an exciting time for anyone. Nonetheless, the process involves plenty of hard work on your part and may disrupt your normal routine. Following these essential steps for building a house can help reduce any stress and headaches that usually come with the entire construction process.