Building your own home is an exciting step to take. You may have visited several display homes to get an idea of what you want your house to look like, or perhaps you already have the perfect image in your mind.
It can sometimes take months to sort out agreements before construction, so the earlier you start, the less stressful it should be. But before you start digging up the foundations and choosing the decor, be sure you’ve taken the following steps:
1. Check Your Budget
Before you commit to building your new home, you’ll need to figure out the costs. Chances are, you’ll need to take out a mortgage and construction loan, so you need to have your finances in order before approaching the bank.
There are a variety of costs to think about, including:
- The land
- Designer and architect
- Builders
- Construction materials
- Indoor appliances and decor
It’s a good idea to get comparison quotes for all aspects of the build so you can choose the one most suitable for your budget.
2. Find a Suitable Building Lot
Land prices vary considerably depending on the area you’re in, so shop around and take a look at realtor sites to get a rough idea of costs. It’s not as simple as picking a nice piece of land with a lovely view. There are a few aspects to take into account when choosing where to build your house. Drainage, zoning, sewerage systems, and whether there’s access to municipal water all need investigation
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3. Design a Floor Plan
You may know what you want your house to look like, but designing a house plan will help you figure out space and flow. Architects can help you find stock plans, or there are plenty of house floor plans online for inspiration.
If you’d like your home to be unique to you and your family, you’ll need to contact an architect to draw up customized plans. The architect will ask lots of questions to help design a home suitable for all your needs and desires.
4. Find a Building Contractor
Building a house takes a considerable amount of expertise. Architects, surveyors, project managers, and construction workers make up the team who’ll turn your dream house into a reality.
Generally, once you’ve chosen a building contractor, they’ll act as the pro who’ll choose the other building specialists. However, you do have the prerogative to decide how hands-on you want to be with the project.
Hiring and supervising the builders, carpenters, plumbers, and electricians yourself might be cheaper, but it’s a time-consuming job that can be stressful. So, it’s best to decide beforehand how much involvement you want in the build. Whatever route you take, remember to get signed contracts in place for each building professional.
5. Get Insurance
You’ve got the plans drawn up, the perfect team in place, and you’re ready to go. But there’s one more thing to sort out before you get the green light to start building. Nobody can step foot on your building site until adequate insurance is in place.
A self-build insurance policy protects you, your contractors, and your home during the construction phase. A good self-build insurance policy should include:
- Employers’ Liability
- Public Liability
- Contractors All Risk
- Legal Expenses Insurance
- Contract works
With insurance in place, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re covered financially should any mishaps occur.
Building your own home takes time and patience, but if you’re thorough with your planning and flexible throughout the build, the result will be a beautiful home that’s unique to you.
