Congratulations! You’re one of the few people willing or lucky enough to build their own home. That takes courage, creativity, and a whole lot of savings. But in the end, it will be worth it, right?
Building your own home will have its perks when compared to buying an already built one. You get to decide what you want the house to look like. Everything from doors to walls will have your signature style; everything will look the way you want it.
Before you hire your contractors and get your blueprint, here are some things you should expect:
Don’t forget to plan early
You may think you’ve got everything figured out. Long red drapes, maple wood furniture, and shag carpets may look nice. But that’s not the type of planning we’re talking about.
Are you building a house for just yourself? Are you expecting children in the future? Will you welcome guests? If so, how many do you want to fit? Questions like this will help your architect and interior designer in the long run. Remember that these people will bring your ideas to life. Don’t forget the details.
Apart from your home, make it a point to plan your short-term and long-term expenses for your house. Are you planning to put a large backyard? For a project like that, you may need to hire a bulldozer during construction. A swimming pool may need further attention and more money due to its high installation and maintenance costs.
Survey the land
You’ve picked a design that best represents that dream house you’ve been wanting for so long. That’s one step down. But don’t think you’re in the clear yet. To bring that house to life, you’re going to need a good location. If you’ve already chosen your spot, that’s another step done. But if you’re still looking for a location, you need to survey and learn to work with the landscape you see.
Check if the land is up to your liking. You should also check the surrounding areas. Is the neighborhood safe? Is the area prone to natural disasters? Are schools and hospitals near? How far is the nearest mall?
Get cost estimates
Now that you have your land and your blueprints, it’s time to build, right? But that’s right after you sign a few things and pay for the construction, of course. The cost of your home will vary. The more customization and the more complex the design, the higher the costs go. Your location will also become a factor in your costs. The better the location, the more expensive it will be.
Other than the costs, you will need to secure the necessary permits and paperwork. Without these documents and signatures, you will not be able to proceed with the construction. Check your local laws and ordinances to avoid any violation or penalty.
Once you’ve done everything listed above, it’s time to count down the days before your dream home gets finished. Everything will be worth it when you see your house standing in front of you.
