Building a new home requires a lot of legwork up front to ensure the process goes as planned. Also, there will be many decisions that need to be made by you in the beginning in order to get exactly what you want. Following are ten steps that you can use in order to make sure the process of building your home goes smoothly and as quickly as possible.
Picking a Lot
Before beginning the process of building your home, you will need to find the right lot. This not only involves location, it involves the layout of the land. One of the considerations to make is how you will be able to lay a foundation. If the lot you chose is on a hill, has a certain type of soil, etc., you will need to make sure the builder can build the home you envision on this type of property as well as the materials he would need to do so.
Have a plan
Even if you can’t design the house completely on your own, it is important to know what rooms you will want and where you will want them located in the home. Looking through potential designs will help in finding possibilities for your home. You can always have a plan made especially for you or buy plans from any number of architecture magazines and the like.
Know which materials work best
Knowing the materials you want used in different areas of your home is important up front. This will eliminate complications with the builder later on and ensure your home is built just the way you imagined.
Finding an Architect or Design
Once you have the designs in place, you can find the right person to lay everything out in your home. Floor designs will need to be made, as well as exact measurements on how large each room should be.
Budget
This will first include planning an ideal budget for the materials, cost of labor, the lot, and furnishings. You will also need to consider construction loans and mortgages that you can qualify for before beginning the process.
Finding the Right Builder
This is one of the most important steps that you can take. A builder should meet your needs with time, money and understand your vision for your home. You will also want to make sure that they have the right licenses and experiences in order to build your home. Before deciding on a specific builder, you should also check on their past experience and reputation among other home owners.
Know Who to Involve
Usually, building a home includes finding sets of people who you want to use as experts for different areas of your home building. This will include a builder, excavator, surveyor and home designer. You may also need to make sure that the builder will have efficient electricians, plumbers and other staff.
Setting the Right Contracts
When you build your home, you will need to make sure that the contract includes the necessary details. Before signing any paper work, you should make sure that you understand what your legal rights are, as well as make sure that your vision is being fulfilled.
Check building codes
Making sure that the foundation to your home, as well as the structure of your system, is properly designed and installed is an important step in having a sturdy and well built home. Before beginning the process, make sure that the contractors understand the codes that are supposed to be met. Supervising the contractors work while the home is being built is also important to make sure that the installations are being set properly.
Keep Records
The conversations that you have with the builder, as well as ideas that are discussed with the contractors should all be recorded. You should also make sure to keep receipts and records of when conversations happened. This will avoid confrontations later and help clear up any possible problems.
Knowing exactly what you want from your new home, relaying this to the builder, and finding a builder who has superior qualifications is important. This will allow you to begin building your home on schedule and according to your plans. As long s you supervise the work you will be able to prevent many problems before they occur and ensure a new home you can be proud of owning.