What to expect when you're building a home.
Building a home is an exciting journey filled with endless possibilities. One of the first steps in this process is finding the perfect lot or land on which to build. Whether you have a specific location in mind or are starting from scratch, choosing the right lot sets the foundation for your future home. Need help choosing your land for purchase? Make sure to grab our free Insider’s Guide to buying land!
In this post, we will guide you through the essential steps of building your dream home and provide expert insights to make your journey a smooth one.
Choosing the Right House Plan
Selecting the house plan that perfectly fits your needs and desires is crucial. It’s not just about finding a design that catches your eye; it should also reflect your lifestyle, preferences, and long-term goals. Take the time to explore different architectural styles, layouts, and features before making your final decision.
Consider factors such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the layout of common areas, and any additional spaces like a home office or a gym. Don’t forget to think about future needs as well—whether it’s accommodating a growing family or ensuring accessibility as you age gracefully. Architects and designers are really worth the money to ensure you get what you want!
Understanding Site Planning Considerations
During the site planning phase, you’ll make critical decisions regarding the placement of your new home on the lot. Factors such as septic tank locations, gas lines, and topography play significant roles in determining where your house will be situated.
Consult with professionals who can offer guidance based on the unique characteristics of your chosen lot. They can help optimize natural lighting, take advantage of scenic views, and ensure proper drainage for your property. Proper site planning lays the groundwork for maximizing both aesthetics and functionality. (Shameless plug: Dan has been building homes for 15 years and knows all about helping our clients find the right land for their home plans!)
Selecting the Right Builder
Choosing the right builder is pivotal to the success of your home construction project. Not all builders are created equal, so conducting thorough research and asking the right questions during the selection process is essential. Here are some important considerations when interviewing potential builders:
Questions to Ask Potential Builders
When meeting with potential builders, gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision. Some key questions to ask include:
Who is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the construction?
Who will serve as your main point of contact throughout the building process?
What is the fee structure? Are they percentage-based, cost-plus, or flat-fee?
When will invoices be due?
Who is in charge of purchasing materials?
Ask for licensure information and insurance coverage!
These questions will give you a clearer understanding of how the builder operates and whether their approach aligns with your expectations.
The Importance of Effective Communication
Throughout the entire construction process, effective communication with your builder is vital. Clear and open dialogue ensures that everyone is on the same page and helps prevent misunderstandings or delays.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance from your builder. Their expertise can provide valuable insight into material selections, fixture choices, and even alternative ideas that you may not have considered. Embrace their suggestions while staying true to your vision to create a collaborative and successful partnership.
Grading and Foundation: Building a Solid Base
Before construction begins, grading the land ensures a level surface for your home. This process may involve removing trees, excavating soil, or reshaping the terrain to establish a stable foundation.
The foundation acts as the backbone of your home, providing structural integrity and stability. From concrete slabs to basements, there are various types of foundations available. Consult with your builder to determine the best option for your home’s design and local regulations. (Side note, as explained in our Insider Guide, make sure you know that your land is suitable for building BEFORE you purchase it! A good real estate agent can walk you through the necessary steps to ensure your money is well spent and not wasted on land you cannot use the way you want.)
Framing and Mechanicals: Bringing Your Vision to Life
Framing is the stage where the bones of your home start taking shape. Wooden frames and beams are carefully assembled to form the skeleton of each room. This phase requires precision and attention to detail to ensure the structure aligns with the architectural plans.
Once the framing is complete, mechanical systems such as plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) are installed within the walls and ceilings. These vital components lay the groundwork for comfortable living spaces and efficient energy usage.
Insulation and Drywall: Creating Comfortable Living Spaces
Insulation plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment year-round. After insulating the walls, drywall installation begins. Skilled workers meticulously hang sheets of gypsum board, covering the framework to create the surfaces that will soon become your finished walls. Drywall creates a clean canvas for further customization and personalization.
Painting and Cabinets: Adding Personality and Functionality
Now comes the fun part—adding color and character to your home. Painting transforms bare walls into vibrant spaces that express your unique style. Explore different color palettes and consider working with professional painters to achieve flawless finishes.
Cabinetry brings beauty and functionality to your kitchen, bathrooms, and other areas requiring storage solutions. Select durable materials and designs that align with your aesthetic preferences while optimizing space utilization. This is my favorite part of the process, because I love helping my clients turn their house into a home they love!
Flooring, Trim, and Fixtures: Finishing Touches that Make a Difference
So many decisions for finishing out your home, but these decisions are where you can bring in some fun character or quirky surprises! Depending on your style, and how much you love Pinterest (lol), you can really have fun with all the choices that shape your house into a home.
Welcome Home
Congratulations, you have built your beautiful home! Don’t forget to save some budget for landscaping. It makes a huge difference in helping your home look finished.
Remember to set realistic expectations and communicate effectively with your builder throughout the process. Enjoy the journey, embrace the opportunities for creativity, and let the joy of building your home fill every step of the way. And if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Talk to your builder and ask how you can get the help you need.
At Kedd Properties (and Sewell Construction!), we have so many wonderful and trusted vendors that help us ensure our clients have smooth sailing while they build.
Ready to grab our free Insider Guide to Buying Land? Click here.
Want to talk to Keli or Dan about buying land to build your dream home? Click here.
