Building your own house is extremely rewarding, especially if you’ve been dreaming about it for a long time. You’re finally ready to make this dream come true and excited.
You might also be feeling a bit overwhelmed, which makes sense. If you want your house-building adventure to be a positive one, there are several things you must think of before you get started. It’s best to work with professional home builders, who can guide you through every step with their expertise.
Here are nine things to know before building a house.
1. You need a budget
You can’t build a house without first making a budget. Even if you ask for a loan, you still need to determine how much you can afford to pay to get your dream home built from scratch.
When asking for quotes, ensure they include labour costs, materials costs, and tax requirements, among other necessities.
You must remember that no matter how hard you try to stick to your budget, you might go over it. Set some extra cash aside, just in case.
2. You should consider different things while making your plans
You won’t make your house’s blueprints independently unless you are an architect. But you must clearly understand what you want your house to look like inside and outside.
Think of the size of your house and how many rooms you want in it. Draft a floor plan to show to the architect you will collaborate with.
Consider your family’s lifestyle, the flooring and finishes you want in each room, the plumbing and electric systems you need, and your outdoor spaces. Don’t forget to plan for storage spaces.
3. It’s primordial to choose the right location
If you haven’t purchased the ideal plot of land, choose one in the right location.
You want your home to be built in a safe neighbourhood, close to amenities such as schools, grocery stores, restaurants, and hospitals.
You also need to ensure your house will not be built in an area where floods happen regularly.
4. There are regulations you need to be aware of
The building team you hire should know all your chosen area’s building rules and regulations. You should still research them yourself while you are in the early stages of planning what you want your house to look like.
Depending on where you want to build your house, you might be forbidden to use certain materials, for example. It’s best to be aware of regulations and to abide by them.
5. Sustainable choices can help you save money
Building a sustainable and energy-efficient house could cost you a little bit more. But making green choices will allow you to save money in the long run, so you need to consider sustainable options while planning your house’s construction.
Choose eco-friendly materials as much as possible. Get high-performance windows, and install a drip irrigation system to water your lawn. Think about solar panels and energy-efficient appliances.
6. Your experience will depend on the building team you hire
Your house will not be built in a day or two. You will have to collaborate with the building team you hire for at least a few months, making sure they are the right fit for your project.
It should go without saying that your builders must be insured and licensed. They also need work experience, a good reputation, and prices you can afford.
But the right building team should also be pleasant to work with. You want builders you can feel comfortable collaborating with, and you want them to listen to you and be able to answer your concerns.
7. You will have to get involved in the entire process
Even if you are not the one working on building your house, you will need to get involved in the entire process. That means you should visit your worksite as often as possible, and you will have many decisions to make along the way.
Communicate with your builders regularly. Get updates, and be clear about your expectations. Show them you are interested in their progress and that you don’t want them to make important decisions for you.
8. A professional inspection will be necessary
You should hire an independent inspector who will inspect the work site regularly to make sure your house meets all the standards and regulations. Even if your builders seem honest and reliable, having another professional’s opinion is always good.
9. There will be mistakes and bad surprises
Finally, remember that even though you want your house to be perfect, it just won’t. There will be cracks and minor imperfections. During construction, there might also be problems, and your desired fixtures might unexpectedly go out of stock.
Be prepared for anything, and make sure you have extra cash for unexpected expenses.
