So you want to build a new home but are not sure where to start? Building a new home is all about you! Here are some helpful things to think through before you build.
1. Know Your Why
What excites you the most about building a new custom home? This is important to think through now because it will help guide many of your decisions during the building process. When you choose to build, you get the opportunity to design the home that best fits your family’s lifestyle. After all, you deserve to get the home you need and want! So, think through your why:
- Are you outgrowing your current home and need more space?
- Are you ready to upgrade and build the home of your dreams?
- Is there an opportunity now that may not be there in the future?
These are all valid and legitimate reasons to build. Yours may be different, but you should certainly “Know Your Why”. This can help guide the decisions you will make when building your new home. Think about it and talk about it with your family to make sure the building experience is the best it can be.
2. What is Your Budget?
Now is the time to figure out how much you can spend. The first step is to go to your bank and meet with a lender to get pre-qualified for a loan to find out what type of loans are available for new construction.
- Do you have a current home to sell first?
- Will you use that equity in the new custom home build?
- Do you have money in the bank for a down payment?
- Do you need a construction loan?
It is very helpful to know how much you should borrow before you start planning and designing your new home. You can build a dream home that fits your budget.
3. Where Do You Want to Live?
If you don’t already own the land you plan to build on, you can shop around for the lot you want. You’ll want to make sure the lot you select fits the needs of your home’s floor plan and design.
- Do you like living in the city or the country?
- Have you looked at the pros and cons of each option?
- What kind of land are you going to need for your custom home?
- If you have children, do you need to consider their school district?
Some builders have land you can buy or you may find the spot that is just right for you on your own. Building a new home is exciting, so why not have fun not only building the custom, new home that is perfect for you but also finding the location of your dreams!
4. What Are Your Must-Haves?
Now is the time to figure out your priorities and non-negotiables to create an ideal space suited to your needs. Take a look at your current house and figure out what your needs are now, if or how they might change in the future. As you drive around your city and neighborhood, identify homes you like, style, colors, etc.
- Do you need a two-car garage or three?
- How many bathrooms would you like?
- How much space do you need?
- Do you want a ranch, two-story, or bi-level style home?
- Think about the flow you want for the space. Do you like an open concept home?
This will be helpful information to have when you are finalizing your design and budget.
5. Dream About Your Wants
This is the time to dream! Building a new home is exciting. Thinking through these things can make building your new home not only exciting and enjoyable but rewarding as well. Now is the time to create your dream list and prioritize it to help meet your budget.
- As you build your new house, what is the most important thing you want to see?
- Are there any features that you really want to include or highlight in your home?
- Are there any specific materials or finishes you want?
Your builder should help you with this part, but it’s helpful to come into the conversation with ideas as you work within your budget. Now is the time to imagine what your new life in your new home could look like!
Pro tip: Now is the best time to build. Building your new home now can save you money in the future. Material and labor costs continue to rise, which raises the cost of building your new home. If you know you want to build, we recommend starting the process now!
Ready to Create Your Custom-Built House?
When creating your new, custom-built home, don’t forget this important piece of advice. Follow these tips for a better building experience.
Building a new home is all about you! It’ll be your new home but you’re not alone, Heartland Custom Homes is here to help you every step of the way. We’re a family-owned company that will work with you to thoughtfully create a personalized home that is perfect for your family.
We want to make your dream home a reality. We can help you design a custom plan that is unique to you. We are committed to making the process of building your dream home as engaging, efficient, and stress-free as possible. Give us a call today, the staff at Heartland Custom Homes can turn your dreams into reality!
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