Building a custom home might seem like a daunting project, but just like any other process, it can be broken down into manageable steps. We have built thousands of custom homes, so we know more than a little about what it takes from start to finish. Our process has unique elements, but there are some common steps that every homeowner must take to build a custom home.
The Custom Homebuilding Process in Simple Steps
Understanding the custom homebuilding process before you dive in can prevent a lot of frustration and confusion. If you know what to expect along the way, you can go through the process with confidence and realistic assumptions about what will happen next.
Determine Your Budget
Unless you have unlimited funds, determining a realistic budget is a reality that most people must face. If you have never built a home before, you might not be aware of some of the associated costs. The overall budget includes more than just the cost of the house itself; you also have to factor in other costs such as:
- The cost of land, if you don’t already own it
- Site development costs (more on this later)
- Regulatory and permitting costs
Fortunately, you don’t have to figure all of this out on your own. Once you know how much you have available to spend on the entire project, you can determine how much of that budget can go toward the home itself so that you can select an affordable custom home plan.
Find Your Land
If you don’t already have land, you will need to find a suitable lot. You can work with a realtor to find land that matches your budget in the area you prefer. One of the unique features of the Adair Homes process is that you can customize your home while you search for land at the same time. We can even connect you with a realtor in your area who specializes in land, if you don’t already have one.
Determine Your Home Design
One of the great things about building a custom home is that you can design it almost any way you want (within your budget, of course). One of the most affordable ways to develop your custom design is to start with a plan that largely matches your needs and to modify it to fit your lifestyle. There are countless ways to customize your home, including adding more floor space, moving windows, tweaking the floor plan, and selecting your favorite finishes.
Develop a Site Plan
Once you know where you plan to build and what the house will look like, you need a site plan. A construction professional can help you determine where the home will be placed on the land based on factors such as:
- Required setbacks
- Driveway length and direction
- Location of trees and other land features
- Slopes and other uneven areas
- Drainage issues
- Orientation relative to the street
The site plan can then be used for the next step in the process.
Estimate Site Development Costs
Before you can build a home, the site must be prepared. Many of the elements considered in the development of the site plan have associated costs. For example, site development costs might include:
- Site surveying
- Tree removal
- Septic installation
- Soil testing
- Driveways and other paving
- Utility connections
This is just a short list of the many possible site development costs you will need to estimate. Fortunately, we have the expertise to guide you through this new territory. Even if you have built a home before, every site is different, and there may be requirements you are not aware of on your new land.
Get Financing
If you don’t plan to pay for your new home with cash, you’ll need to get financing from a lender. If you don’t already have one, you can work with Alliance Financial Services, our sister company that specializes in construction loans uniquely tailored for the Adair Homes customer. Alliance Financial Services can answer all of your questions and guide you through the necessary steps to secure financing.
Build Your New Home
This is the fun part! After you have secured land, designed your new home, created a site plan, and obtained financing, the work on the ground begins. A construction superintendent leads the process as you watch your new home take shape.
The Adair Homes path to homeownership guides you through the custom homebuilding process with expert advice to help you build a new home within your budget. Contact us today to speak with an experienced Home Ownership Counselor about building your next home.
