Building a home can be a hassle. Should you get a custom builder? What does that entail? Which option would work best for your situation? We’ll help you handle things to avoid and things to watch out for when working with a custom builder for your new home. Always expect the unexpected. When building a new home, mistakes and challenges can always be lurking around the corner. The great thing about choosing to build your own home is that you can completely customize it to your needs and wants.

The first step is your land. Do you already own the land you’re going to build upon? If so, great! If not, don’t settle! Work on your own timeline and find a place that you can call your forever home. Make sure to look around the surrounding area. What’s the traffic like? What’s the local school district look like? Is it close enough to the things you need to do to live your life? 

It’s important to also look at the land costs that consist with building your own home. Think of the lines that need to be built into the property like, gas, electric, and sewer. If you’re more prepared for the additional costs, they won’t surprise you later on down the road to building. 

Another important thing is to learn how to read a bid price. Don’t just select the lowest bid thinking that you’ll save more money. Ask the builder how they will account for unexpected expenses during the build. If they include a buffer into the cost, this will account for delays in materials and even issues that come up in the process. 

If you already haven’t found an architect to help with the design of your home, this is one of the first steps to take. Then you’ll be able to take your plans to your list of builders who will be able to bid on it. 

Think of space needs before deciding on your floor plan. Building a home usually means you’ll live in it for a long time. You’ll want to think of more long term planning and how you’ll change spaces as the years change. Don’t forget to include bedrooms, closets, living spaces, and storage spaces. Where do you spend the most time in your house? Make a list of things you’d like to have and need to have in the new house. This way you won’t forget any last minute things and will have a full plan of what you’d like in your new house. Also, if you need to make changes, it will be in the design phase and not in the construction phase of home building. This will be much better cost wise in your budget.

Lastly, you’ll want to choose a great builder. See if you can look at other houses that they’ve built before. How long have they been in business? Look them up online if you can. Ask other friends who have built their own houses about their process. Go with someone you think you can trust and watch out for the red flags. If you keep all these things in mind, you’ll have a great team behind you to help you build your own house!