The thought of building your own custom home is an exciting one. Rather than moving into a home designed for someone else (or even no one else, in particular), you get a home customized just for you! As with anything, there are some issues that can arise and disrupt the whole event. In order to protect your investment, your time, and your sanity, as well as to ensure the process goes smoothly, here is a quick list of ways to avoid the mistakes property owners commonly make when building their custom home.
1. Choose the Right Builder
Perhaps the most important part of the custom home process is selecting the right builder. You want someone who your personality matches up with. You want a builder that will help guide you toward an effective timeline. They will remind you of the decisions you need to make and in what order. They’ll advise you on time expectations, budgets, and more. Before settling on a builder, visit a home they have previously built. Thumb through their portfolio. Ask questions. Make sure they are experienced and ask to see or hear some of their recommendations.
2. Don’t Forget the Details
Building a custom home starts with design. But that is just the first step. Moving forward you’ll need to make decisions about countless details. Start that process at the very beginning. Spend time looking at cabinets, hardware, appliances, flooring, paint samples, carpet texture, etc. Narrow in on what you like and what you may want. Then communicate those items to the builder. That way your contractor(s) won’t be held up waiting for you to make a decision in the middle of the build.
3. Use Space Wisely
Think about the size of house you need versus the size house you want or think you need. The beauty of a custom home is that it is created from your dreams, your passions, and your interests. Oftentimes, property owners get so excited by the potential of a brand new home that they choose a less than custom design. If you love cooking, spend your money on a gourmet kitchen and scale back on the laundry room. If you enjoy quilt making consider converting your attic space into a crafting area. Before jumping into a large home, or underestimating your needs with a small one, spend time thinking about how you use the spaces in a house. An effective floor plan for a custom home allows you the opportunity to use space the way you see fit.
4. Stay Aware of Resale Value
When building your own custom home, you have the freedom and luxury to create whatever space you and your family desire. If you want a sunken hot tub in the living room, you are free to do so. If you want electrical outlets only on the ceiling, you are welcome to do that as well. But be aware of resale value and how your decisions affect that number. Even if you don’t plan to ever relocate, you may change your mind or your circumstances may change causing you to relocate. You want to have a house that is universally attractive. A good way to do that is to create rooms that serve multiple functions. If you personally want a room for your sports memorabilia, be sure it can easily be converted into a nursery or a home office. Balance your customization with what future owners may want in their investment.
5. Stay Involved in the Process
To ensure everything goes smoothly as you’re building your custom home, stay active in the process. If your builder or designer or contractor has a question for you, respond promptly so the process can stay on track. Once construction starts, check on the building site and ask contractors a healthy amount (not to be confused with an obnoxious amount) of questions so you are on the same page with your build crew. By following these recommendations you can avoid mistakes to make sure your custom home is also the dream home you’ve always wanted.
Are you interested in building your own custom home at River Landing in Wallace, NC? If so, visit the Custom Home Program online or contact Andrew M. Odom, Custom Home Program Manager.
