Building a home from the ground up is both overwhelming and exciting. Having a hand in exactly how you want your house to look is wonderful, but if you've never done it before, you should definitely spend some time finding out more before you make the leap. Working with an expert can really help you navigate the process. Here are some tips for getting it right.
Get your plan in place
Obviously, you can't build a house without a plan. That's why this is your vital first step in the process. There are usually some plans you can choose from, but you may also be able to customize those plans to suit your wants and needs. With a plan in place, you can move forward with building your dream house.
Pick the right builder
Your builder needs to be someone who is happy to work with your wants and make them a reality. Choose a builder with plenty of experience and training so that you know you're getting what you pay for. Referrals from friends and family are a great way to find the right company. Or if you are new to the area look for a company that is fully accredited, see FC Developments for example. Interview builders until you find the one you're happiest with before you start building.
Understand your agreement
Don't sign the paperwork until you're sure you understand it. Ask questions and get clarifications if needed, so that you are aware of what's going to happen and what isn't included as part of the agreement.
Know what you're entitled to
While you look over your documents , be sure you know what you're entitled to. That way if it doesn't happen or it's missing, you can let your builder know so that it can be taken care of right away.
Look for ways to save
Building a house isn't cheap so finding savings when you can is important for staying on budget. Perhaps you're skilled enough to do some of the work yourself, which will save a lot of money on labor. Maybe you can use salvaged materials in some parts of your home, which often come a lot cheaper than brand new ones. Watching for sales can also save you a bundle.
Get an independent inspector
This allows a neutral party to inspect your home and let you know if there are any issues or problems that need to be addressed. If the inspector isn't invested in the project (because they weren't the builder or designer), they are more willing to share potential things that could be problematic in the future.
Know your rights if something goes wrong
Sometimes a building project doesn't go exactly as planned. Make sure you understand your rights if this happens, whether that's getting money back or having work done that won't cost you extra. Don't even allow building to begin until you know what your rights are or you may end up with costly extra projects or a house that goes unfinished.
