Homebuilding Tips

The cost of building a new house includes broad categories such as land, site development, and the materials and labor required to build the home itself. You can get to an overall budget based on the location, the conditions of the site, and the custom home plan you choose, but there are often other expenses that you might not expect, especially if this is your first time building a new house.

Multigenerational homes offer many benefits to the entire family. Children can spend more time with grandparents, young adults can save money when starting their careers, and adult children can help aging parents transition into the next phase of life. However, even close-knit families will face challenges in multigenerational homes. 

When building a new custom home, you have the option to invest in the features that make the most sense for your family’s lifestyle. If you enjoy cooking and gathering in the kitchen, this is a smart place to focus your budget. On the other hand, if you enjoy outdoor living, a deck or patio can provide the atmosphere you desire. You have countless options for custom homebuilding upgrades, but if you’re like most people, you have a limited budget. If you’re trying to decide which features are right for you, consider the following possibilities as you refine the design.

The excitement of building a new home is unforgettable. Finding that perfect plot of land, selecting your floor plan and customizations, and adding the finishes that will make it your own—it truly is a one-of-a-kind experience.

You know you’re ready to upgrade to a new home; now you just have to decide whether to buy an existing house or build a new one. Although it might seem easier and faster to purchase an existing house, it’s worth considering building a custom home if you want to invest in a home that truly matches your needs. If time is of the essence, compare these two timelines to help you make a decision.

Sometimes the perfect location for your new home does not have ideal building conditions. For example, you might choose a neighborhood for its schools, tax rates, or other reasons, but the only lot you can purchase has size limitations. You might even prefer a narrow lot if you want to have a smaller footprint or do not want to maintain a larger property. Whatever your reasons for purchasing the land you selected, there are plenty of ways to build on all types of lots, including narrow ones.

It happens all the time: For one reason or another, people simply outgrow their current homes.

When you build a new custom home, you have the opportunity to get exactly what you want in terms of the kitchen layout, finishes, and other features that will surround you on a daily basis. You also have the chance to optimize something you can’t see: energy efficiency. Building an energy-efficient custom home doesn’t just benefit the environment; it also creates long-term savings and comfort for you as a homeowner. Being smart about how your home is built will allow you to enjoy lower utility bills for the life of the home and fewer drafts so that you can stay cozy.  

Building a new home on land your own is the ultimate dream for many people. If you’re one of them, this goal may be more attainable than you think. By participating in the site development and construction process, you can save money and build equity, even if you don’t have any prior experience. You can start the homebuilding process today by finding suitable land and learning more about what needs to happen at the site before a construction crew arrives.  

There’s no denying that families grow and change over the years. Any number of life events—from a new family member to a newly empty nest to a big job promotion—can suddenly cause you to realize that your current home just isn’t fitting your family’s needs. When a big change happens, it may be time to upgrade.