Making the decision to build a new custom home is exciting! You get to decide what the house looks like, add features that support your lifestyle, and create a home that matches your family’s needs. Selecting a custom homebuilder is one of the first steps in the process, but it’s not as simple as walking in the door and choosing a floor plan. There are a lot of factors to consider as you dive into the process. In order to make the most of your time, prepare in advance with these tips:
Make a List of Your Wants and Needs
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of building a new home, but there are a lot of decisions to make along the way. Having a checklist at your fingertips will help you pare down the list of potential options and ensure that the design you select is actually suitable for your family. Include these items and add to the list based on your unique needs:
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Number of levels
- Architectural style
- Outdoor amenities like decks and patios
- A range of square footage
- Any limitations that your lot presents
- Type of layout
- Office, bonus room, or great room
- Number of master suites
- Gourmet kitchen
- Spa-like bathroom
Unless you have an unlimited budget, you might not be able to get every item on your list, so prioritize them based on the ones you must have and the ones you would like to have.
Make a List of Questions for the Builder
Selecting a custom homebuilder is not a decision you should make lightly. After all, this is the team that will be creating your dream home. Not only do you want a high-quality finished product, but you also want a clearly defined process that allows you to complete the project on time and on budget. Be prepared with a list of questions such as:
- How long have you been in business?
- Who will be working on my project?
- Can I speak to former customers about their experiences?
- What is your homebuilding process, and what are my responsibilities?
- Who is my main point of contact throughout the process?
- How long should it take to build my home?
- What is your warranty?
Look for a builder with experience in the region, a track record of happy customers, and commitment to providing excellent service.
Understand Your Budget
The costs associated with building a new custom home include the land, the site development, and the home itself. If you already own land, you can take this element out of the equation, but you must still include costs like tree removal, driveway installation, a septic system, and other site considerations as you determine what type of home you can afford.
Before visiting a custom homebuilder, be prepared with a rough idea of the budget for your project. If you already work with a lender, determining how much you will be able to borrow will allow you to make informed decisions about possible floor plans. Many custom homebuilders also offer financing solutions. If this is the case, be prepared with key financial information that will help the process go faster. The sooner you can refine your budget, the sooner you can start the new homebuilding process.
When you visit Adair Homes, a Home Ownership Counselor will walk you through every step of our time-tested path to home ownership. If you need financing, our sister company Alliance Financial Services will help you become prequalified for a new construction loan. We can also connect you with one of our trusted real estate partners if you’re still looking for land. Even if you don’t have land or a budget in mind, we can help you build a new custom home, so make your checklists and get in touch with your local Adair office today!
