If you’ve decided to build your dream custom home, you’re probably excited to jump right into the process. And with good reason! This is your opportunity to create the perfect haven for you and your loved ones. Before you get started, there are a few steps you can take to make your home-building journey less stressful.
#1 Find the right builder
Who you choose to build your custom home makes an enormous difference in the experience. This is a significant investment in more ways than one. Of course, there’s your time and money. But equally important, this will be the place where you and your loved ones build a lifetime of memories together. There’s a lot at stake, and it has to be perfect, right? The right builder recognizes that.
What your builder should do
The right builder will go the extra mile to help you realize your vision. Your builder should be an excellent communicator who always keeps you in the know. Expect them to proactively outline the steps involved with building a custom home, give you advice during decision-making, and answer your questions in a timely manner.
What questions you should ask
- How does communication work with your team?
- How will you educate me about my options?
- What are the steps in your building process?
- When something goes wrong, how do you handle it?
#2 Familiarize yourself with the process
When you’re building a new custom home, there are so many details to consider. It’s a good idea to do a little homework so you know what to expect.
Typically, you start by looking at the big picture—what are the critical aspects you want in your home? Is it one story or two? How many bedrooms? Do you want a den? What about a recreation room or home gym? Assuming you want to stay in this home for the long term, how might your needs change in the future? This is the time when you’re considering fundamental architectural details for now and the future.
As you move forward, you continue to get more granular, focusing on the elements that impact your lifestyle and décor preferences. For example, you may want to focus on building a dream kitchen because you love to cook for friends and family. You’ll have to collaborate with your builder and design teams to ensure all the details set you up for culinary greatness.
What your builder should do
From the start, your builder should act as a guide that walks you through the many decisions involved with home building. Remember that an experienced builder knows the ins and outs of the process. They should help prepare you for what lies ahead, and help you to avoid sweating the small stuff.
What questions you should ask
- How do you map out the process for your clients?
- How do you help us prepare for each stage?
- What can I do to prepare?
#3 Identify your target budget
There are many costs involved with building a custom home—the property, architectural design, building materials, labor, fixtures, appliances, and more. Before you sign on the dotted line and commit to building your custom home, make sure you have a solid idea of your budget and where there could potentially be overages.
Remember, even with the best plans, added expenses sometimes come up and it’s best to be prepared for them. For instance, you may decide that you want to upgrade materials for your dream kitchen to be perfect. That’s why it’s often recommended that you have a contingency fund to handle unexpected expenses. When you do, you’re able to pivot and adapt your plan to meet your needs.
What your builder should do
Your builder should help you solidify your budget beginning in the architectural design phase. From there, you’ll break down categories associated with your project and the costs of items that fall into those categories. As each iteration of your plan takes shape, your builder should provide updated estimates, so you know if your project is staying on track or where you may experience additional costs.
What questions you should ask
- Can we accomplish our goals within our budget?
- What if we want something, but it’s outside of our budget?
- What happens if something unexpectedly goes over budget?
- What happens if we change our minds?
#4 Understand your timeline
The size and intricacy of your custom home design dictate your project timeline. Your climate and the time of year you build can also impact timing. Your builder should always be able to approximate the time, money, and resources it takes to get the job done.
Delays can happen due to permits, material availability, labor shortages, and weather, but your builder should recognize that unforeseen occurrences can impact your timeline and budget. And, an experienced builder also knows how to create a plan that minimizes delays or unforeseen expenses.
What your builder should do
Your builder should start by providing an overall timeline for your project, highlighting key milestones, as well as when you’ll need to review progress and make decisions. They should also proactively report on progress or delays, so you’re not kept in the dark. Yes, delays can happen, but together you can minimize them.
What questions you should ask
- How will you help us understand timing?
- What happens when there are delays?
- What can we do to help everything stay on track?
Build with the Best
Prestige Custom Homes is here to bring your vision to life. We want you to enjoy this exciting journey, so we’re ready to help you make the most of it at every step. Contact Us
