You probably know someone who has built a custom home. Chances are you heard their stories of construction delays and going over budget. These situations often result from a homeowner not being fully prepared prior to beginning the process. While the thought of the ultimate home with all of your desired features is intriguing, you dont have to let the actual process of building your dream home be overwhelming.
So, go ahead and come out from hiding and remember this wisdom from Anatole France who once said, To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.
It is true with a dream home isnt it? It would not be called a dream home unless it was first a dream. But with all dreams, there is reality. And in the case of building a dream home, the reality is having a sound plan in place. Otherwise, you could be faced with a nightmare situation of delays and budget problems.
Follow these seven rules to get past the hurdles and start on the path to successfully build a custom, dream home:
1. Look at Needs vs. Wants: You typically will not get everything that you want in your dream home. Determine your needs first, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, an office, garage, kitchen, and family room. Then evaluate other features that you want in your home but are willing to forego if they cannot work into the overall plan.
2. Evaluate Costs: Look at the costs for the features you want, such as a pool, media room or a wine cellar. Then prioritize the rankings of your wants. Be prepared to nix some from the list.
3. Determine the Style: Deciding on the style of home you want is very crucial in determining the home you want to build, but keep in mind that the style can affect your budget as well as building and supply costs. Round turrets, multiple elevations and complex roof lines can be costly.
4. Look at C.C. & R.s: Make sure your homes style, elevations, exterior finishes, colors and square footage comply with the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC & Rs) for your neighborhood before you finalize your house plans and break ground on your project. Also, be sure to obtain architectural approval if required.
5. Set a Realistic Budget: Accurate budget planning is important to prevent any surprises when it comes time to start building your dream home. Obtain actual quotes with itemized costs and supplies from subcontractors to prepare a detailed budget.
6. Feel Comfortable in Decision-Making Process: Be prepared to make decisions. When building a custom home, you will be picking everything from lighting and plumbing fixtures to appliances and exterior veneer materials, so it is important to feel comfortable in the decision-making process. Do not labor or fret over your decisions. If you like it, go for it and do not second guess yourself after the fact.
7. Get Detailed House Plans: Obtain a set of stock plans or custom design them with a home designer or architect. Make sure the plans provide specific details about the size, specs and dimensions so that you are getting the exact house that you want. Also, be sure to have your plans engineered by a licensed structural engineer.
Rhyne Cannon is owner and President of UBuildIt Matthews, which removes the mystery of managing your own building project with expert construction guidance and a proven system that has worked for thousands of families to realize their dream home. For more information, call 704-849-0025 or visit http://www.ubuildit.com
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