Building a new home is an exciting and challenging process. There are a lot of decisions to make and choices to be made. But with some planning and careful consideration, you can make the process go smoothly and have a home you will love for years.
Here are 13 tips to help you get started on the right foot:
1. Define Your Goals
What are features essential to your daily life and happiness in your new home? Write them down and refer to this list when considering floor plans or making design choices. Then, make a separate list of features that would be nice to have but that you can live without. This will help you focus on the most important things as you plan. A clear idea of what you want will make the entire process easier.
2. Know Your Budget
In addition to your must-haves, you also need to know how much you can afford. It’s important to have a realistic budget for your new home. But, it’s also important to remember that unexpected costs always come up. Add a cushion of 10% to your budget to account for these unexpected costs.
3. Do Your Research
Now that you know what you want and how much you can afford to spend, it’s time to start doing your research. Look at different neighbourhoods, compare builders, and check out various floor plans. It’s also a good idea to talk to friends and family who have gone through the process of building a new home. There are also lots of great resources online. The research will help you understand what to expect and what questions to ask.
4. Find the right team.
You’ll need a good team of professionals to help you plan and build your new home. Work with a reputable builder with experience making the type of home you want. Ask for recommendations for other professionals, such as an architect, designer, or engineer.
5. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Before seriously considering building, you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you a better idea of how much you can afford to spend and will make the entire process much smoother.
6. Location, location, location.
Think about where you want your new home to be located. Do you want to be in the city or the suburbs? Do you want a rural property? The location of your home will have a significant impact on your lifestyle and your budget.
Choosing the right lot is one of your most important decisions when building a new home. You need to take into account the size of the lot, the location, and the neighbouring properties. You also need to ensure that the land is suitable for the type of home you want to build.
7. Select the Right Builder
The builder you choose will greatly impact the quality of your new home. Do your research and choose a reputable builder with experience building the type of home you want. Ask your builder for recommendations on everything from floor plans to selecting materials. They might have suggestions that you haven’t thought of.
8. Consider the climate.
If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you’ll need to factor that into your plans. For example, if you live in a coastal, windy zone, you’ll need to choose a home design that can withstand high winds. If you live in a cooler, mountainous area, you’ll need to ensure your home is well-insulated.
9. Review the Plans and Specifications
Once you’ve selected a builder, it’s important to review the plans and specifications carefully. Make sure that everything is to your liking and that you understand what is included in the price. Don’t make any changes during construction. Once construction has begun, resist the urge to change the plans. Making changes can add to the cost of your home and delay the completion date.
10. Stay Involved During Construction
It’s essential to stay involved during the construction process. Regularly check in with the builder and ensure the work is progressing as planned. Be available to make decisions when necessary.
11. Expect the unexpected.
Be prepared for the unexpected. No matter how well you plan, there are always going to be unforeseen circumstances that arise during construction. Be ready for delays and additional costs.
12. Get to know your new home
Move in when everything is finished. Moving into your new home can be tempting as soon as the construction is finished. But, it’s important to ensure that all the final touches are completed before you move in.
13. Take Your Time
Building a new home is a significant investment, so take your time and don’t rush into anything. With careful planning and consideration, you can have a beautiful home that you’ll love for years.
