When you work with a builder to have a home custom-built, the builders generally go out of their way to make the process easy for you. They can give you a floor plan to start with, recommend materials that fit within your budget, and even coordinate financing with your bank. You won't have to do much during this part of this process. However, there are a few key steps you don't want to skip along the way.
#1: Inquire about an HOA before signing the building agreement.
Before you sign the contract to have a home built on a specific piece of land, make sure you ask your builder about any homeowners association that will have authority once the home is built. If your home is being built in a new development, there's a good chance an HOA is being formed to oversee all the new homes. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but you do want to be aware of the associated fees before you sign so that you're able to figure them into your monthly budget.
#2: Check what's included in the landscaping.
Some custom home builders will also do the landscaping as a part of their contract. Others will leave you with topsoil and not much else, expecting you to hire a separate landscaper. Neither approach is right or wrong, but you might have a preference. And you don't want to expect the landscaping will be included, only to learn later that it's not.
#3: Confirm your finishes early.
Your builder may give you a deadline by which you need to have chosen your counters, paint colors, and other finishes. But if you can manage to make these decisions well before the deadline, you should do so. Sometimes, these materials end up back-ordered, which can hold up the entire building project. The earlier you make your decisions, the sooner your builders can order the materials, and the less impact any back orders will have.
#4: Talk about energy-efficiency goals.
If you want your home to be as efficient as possible, let your builder know that. If sticking to your budget is more important than efficiency, let your builders know that, too. Most builders can use an array of building materials and designs based on the desired energy efficiency, and knowing what your goals are can help them know which recommendations to give you.
If you make sure you tackle these steps during home building, you'll be even more pleased with the results in the end. Learn more by contacting local custom home builders.
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