You have always dreamed of owning your own home, and are now ready to make it happen! The thing is, you have toured hundreds of homes for sale but just can’t find “it” the one that you want to spend the rest of your days in. You can see it in your mind’s eye, but apparently, your dream home doesn’t exist- yet. If buying an existing home isn’t working out for you, consider building one that meets your specifications instead. Building your own home is a very fulfilling process, but be warned, it can also be a bit overwhelming, there are so many details to consider!
One of the most important steps is to find a great contractor. Maybe you have the time and resources to go acquire your own builder license, and really make it a big DIY, but chances are you will have much better results going with trained professionals who have the experience and knowledge needed to make your dream home happen.
Another critical component is locating and purchasing the right piece of property. You need to make sure that your planned home will fit where you plan to build and that it won’t violate any local restrictions. For example, there might be laws about how many stories you can have, or how far away the structure needs to be away from the curb. Also check the area for any possibility of flooding or other potential natural disasters, such as forest fires.
Your lot size and layout are essential details to consider during the planning process. Think about your home and yard and what you envision for it in the future. What kind of garden, patio, and outdoor entertainment space will you want to have? What about decking around the house? If you have kids or intend to have them, you also need to think about play space. For young children, a small yard might seem like plenty for now, but as your family grows you might want to put in a jungle gym, a swing set, a basketball half-court, or even a swimming pool. Consider the scalability and plan with plenty of room in mind ahead of time for your dream home and also for your dream yard and outdoor activities.
Water is another essential aspect, make sure to consult with a reliable plumber and plan your home’s layout accordingly. Where are you going to want to have your bathrooms placed? Again, your family size comes into account, as well as the question of visitors, an easily accessible toilet and sink should be placed near the entertainment areas.
Natural light is another consideration, think about ways you can maximize daylight and sunshine. The position of your windows should be planned so that when you place your house on the lot you can get morning sun in the kitchen, while taking advantage of afternoon light in your home office. Light is an essential component when building a new home.
Don’t forget to check the local building codes!
