Everyone has a vision of what their dream home should look like. Building a home from scratch is the surest way to make that vision come to life. Building and designing your very own home will reflect your character and lifestyle. It can also fully support your family’s needs in a way that existing houses can’t.
That said, building a custom home is not a walk in the park. It can be a confusing and stressful process if you’re not fully prepared. To help you get started, here are six things you need to consider when it’s time to build your dream home.
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Budget
Building a custom home is probably the biggest investment you’ll ever make in your life. Building a home from scratch will require a huge amount of funding. So, the first thing you need to consider is your budget.
You need to determine how much you can afford and how you’re going to finance your home construction project. Unless you have enough money in your bank account savings, financing your home building project means you need to get a loan.
Create a cost breakdown of your home construction and budget accordingly. That said, make sure to add some breathing room to your budget so you can accommodate any unforeseen conditions and circumstances. Even with the best-laid plans, something may occur in the middle of the construction project that wasn’t accounted for in your original budget.
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Contractor
To build your home, you need the expertise and manpower. A reputable contractor like Willing Property, a residential property developer in Western Australia, will help you throughout the whole process—from designing blueprints to the construction itself.
Finding a professional and trustworthy contractor can ensure that your end result is what you envisioned and that you don’t go over your budget. When looking for a home builder to hire, make sure to check for their experience, references for past work, and the necessary licenses. You can also check for their online presence or visit their physical office.
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Location
When building a custom home, location is another important factor you need to consider. Choosing the most desirable location can make a significant impact on your home’s value and condition. For instance, building a home next to a busy highway would lead to annoyance and disturbance because of all the loud noises.
You should consider the neighbourhood as this can determine the type of house you want to build. Maybe the neighbourhood community has a theme that may not blend well with your envisioned design.
You also want to consider the facilities and institutions in the area. Is the plot of land close to your workplace or a school for your kids? Is it near a hospital or grocery shop? These are things you might want to look into.
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Design
Another thing you need to consider is the design of your home. You might already have a design in mind, or have a general idea of the number of bedrooms, the location of the bathroom, or how big the living room or kitchen should be. However, to fully realize your dream home design, you need the help of an expert to create a sound home plan.
Architects can help you actualize your ideas. They help in creating and drafting a virtual representation of your design, the materials to use, the best layouts of each room, and the smallest details to guarantee that you have a home that suits your lifestyle and maximize your investment.
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Materials
You should be more meticulous in the materials you choose for your home construction. The materials used can determine the longevity of your home.
It’s recommended to never skimp on materials as this can have long-term consequences. Choosing high-quality and durable materials can help prevent future frustrations. It is more secure since it’s more resistant to wear and tear and saves you the cost of future repairs. Lastly, durable materials will always look better for longer.
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Construction Timeline
Houses aren’t built in a day. It takes time with a lot of planning and effort. That said, you want to have a set construction timeline.
Even the best-laid home plans and most experienced and prepared builders can have setbacks. From contractor availability to missing permits, there’s a host of moving parts that can push back the completion date.
With a construction timeline, you can set expectations with your contractor and help minimize delays so you can move as soon as possible to your new home. It also allows better communication with your contractor.
Takeaway
Building a house from the ground up is daunting. While it may occur to you as a simple idea, making it into reality can be quite challenging and stressful. Large projects like home building require you to make several decisions that can impact the overall result. So, make sure to consider the above factors first before starting the ground-breaking ceremony.
