Building Your Own House? Start Here.
Decided to build your own home? Congrats! That’s a huge undertaking - but also a very rewarding one. The process of building our own home can seem like a mammoth task, but if we break it down into smaller steps, it becomes much more manageable. So we thought we’d outline the basic steps needed to take to get started on building your own home. Keep in mind that this is just a general overview - each project will vary depending on the specific needs and requirements of the homeowner.
The Land
This can be the most challenging part of the process, as finding the right plot of land can be difficult. Once you've found a piece of land that meets your needs, you'll need to obtain the necessary permits and approvals from your local municipality. If you're unsure of where to start looking for land, try talking to a real estate agent or doing some research online. But one thing we can say for sure is do not pull the trigger on a piece of land until you fully understand the permitting and zoning for the area.
In addition, this is a good time to start thinking about the design of the future home so you communicate your wishes to your architect. Do you have a specific style in mind? What sort of layout do you want? Once you have a general idea of what you're looking for, you can begin to narrow down your search for land that will acomodate your needs.
The Builder
Once you've found the perfect piece of land, the next step is to find a reputable builder who can help you turn your dream home into a reality. When choosing a builder, it's important to do your research and make sure they have experience in building the type of home you want. It would be best if you also got quotes from multiple builders before making your final decision.
If you're not sure where to start looking for builders, try asking friends or family members for recommendations. Architects are also good resources. Once you've found a few builders you're interested in working with, schedule consultations so you can get an idea of their work and prices.
Financing
Unless you're paying for your home in cash, you'll need to obtain some form of financing before moving forward with the construction process. There are a few different options available, so it's important to speak with a financial advisor to figure out which one is right for you. Once you've secured financing, you can begin working with your builder to finalize the details of your project.
Also, keep in mind that the construction process can take several months (or even longer), so it's important to have a realistic timeline in mind. Then, once everything is finalized, you can sit back and watch as your dream home becomes a reality!
Planing for the Unexpected
Even if you've done your best to plan ahead, there's always a chance that something could go wrong during the construction process. That's why it's important to have a contingency fund set aside in case of any unforeseen problems. This will help ensure that your project stays on track, even if there are a few bumps along the way.
