Building a new home is an exciting endeavor, but also requires careful planning and preparation. Here are 5 key steps to take before breaking ground on your new home construction project:
Decide on the Location
Choosing the right location is one of the most important decisions when building a new home. Consider factors like:
- Commute – How long is the commute to your workplace and other frequent destinations? Shorter commutes typically increase quality of life.
- School district – If you have kids, research the quality and offerings of nearby school districts. Top-rated schools boost resale value.
- Neighborhood amenities – Look for family-friendly neighborhoods with parks, trails, recreation centers, etc. Access to amenities is a top priority for most home buyers.
- Growth potential – Buy in an area poised for future growth to maximize return on investment. Review new construction and population growth trends.
- Lot size – Look for a spacious lot size that allows your desired home design. Work with local zoning and permit laws.
Taking the time to find the optimal location sets your new home up for long-term enjoyment and investment value.
Finalize the Design
Now it’s time to finalize the design for your new home. This includes:
- Choosing a style – Consider your lifestyle needs and aesthetic tastes. Popular styles include farmhouse, contemporary, craftsman, etc.
- Selecting a floor plan – Optimize the layout for how you intend to live in the home. Workspace, bedrooms, storage, etc.
- Personalizing details – Add custom touches that reflect your personality and design sensibilities. This makes a house into a home.
- Future-proofing – Build with longevity in mind. Examples: Universal design features, wired for smart home tech, extra storage, flexible space.
Work closely with a qualified architect throughout the design process. They can help translate your vision into buildable plans that accommodate your budget.
Review Building Permits and Regulations
All new home construction must comply with local zoning laws and building codes. Thoroughly research all permits, HOA rules, regulations, and other requirements for your specific area. Key items to review include:
- Zoning classification – Ensure your plans are allowed based on lot zoning.
- Permitted use – Confirm residential building is allowed. Some areas prohibit commercial building.
- Height limitations – Adhere to maximum height regulations. This impacts ceiling heights.
- Setback minimums – Home must be certain distance from property lines. Check front, side, and rear setbacks.
- HOA rules – If part of a homeowners association, comply with their guidelines.
- Building codes – Meet all structural, electrical, plumbing, and other code requirements.
Working through zoning, permits, and regulations upfront prevents costly surprises down the road. Have your contractor handle this process.
Select a Reputable Builder
Choosing the right builder is paramount to getting your dream home constructed properly. Look for:
- Local experience – Select a contractor who has built extensively in your area. They will be familiar with zoning and weather considerations.
- Specialties – Find a builder who specializes in your desired home style. Custom, luxury, green building, etc.
- Quality of work – Vet potential contractors thoroughly. Look at online reviews and samples of previous builds.
- Communication – Ensure the builder is responsive to your needs and explains things clearly. Good communication prevents misunderstandings.
- Fair pricing – Get quotes from multiple builders and compare costs for materials and labor. Watch for hidden fees.
Take your time selecting a contractor you can trust. They will oversee your entire project. An experienced builder also liaises with your architect seamlessly.
Plan your Budget Carefully
Building a home is a major investment. Carefully evaluate your finances and plan an appropriate budget. Factors to consider include:
- Land purchase – Lot costs vary greatly by location. Review recent sales of comparable lots.
- Construction – Get an accurate build estimate from your contractor. Expect to pay 10-25% as a down payment.
- Additional costs – Budget for surveys, permits, architecture fees, utility connections, landscaping, moving, and more. These often total 10-15% of build cost.
- Contingency fund – Pad an extra 10% for unexpected overages or changes during construction.
- Financing – Construction loans offer flexible financing as you build. Down payment is typically 25%.
Monitoring your budget diligently as you proceed prevents cost overruns or delays. Your contractor should provide updated spend tracking against the estimate.
Building your dream home is an exciting endeavor! Advance planning, preparation, and research lay the groundwork for a smooth construction process. Use this checklist to get your new home project off on the right foot. With diligence and patience, you’ll soon be enjoying your beautiful new custom home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about preparing to build a new home:
How early should I start the design process?
Ideally 6-12 months before you want to start construction. This allows adequate time to create detailed plans, get permits, and line up a qualified builder.
What design fees should I expect to pay?
Architect fees often range from 8-15% of total construction cost. Get quotes from a few firms before selecting your architect.
When should I finalize my floor plan and home design?
Aim to finalize all design details before applying for permits. Changes after permitting can lead to extra fees and delays.
How do I evaluate potential neighborhoods?
Drive around the neighborhoods at different times of day. Check out the vibe, noise levels, congestion, amenities, schools, etc. Knock on doors and ask residents their opinions.
What questions should I ask potential builders?
Ask about their experience, specialities, quality standards, communication style, licenses, cost structure, change order process, and warranty coverage.
Conclusion
Preparing to build a new home is a multifaceted process. Following this structured checklist will help you make the right decisions in your planning, design, budgeting, builder selection, and compliance steps before you break ground. Doing your homework thoroughly on the front-end will lead to an enjoyable and cost-effective home building experience. With realistic expectations and expert help, you’ll soon be settling into your beautiful new dream home.