Building a house is no small feat! There's a lot of planning and decision-making that goes into making your new house the perfect home for yourself and your family. There are so many things to consider before you even start —it can be both exciting and a bit intimidating.
Before the actual construction process begins, there are quite a few things you can do to prepare to ensure you build the home of your dreams. Are you looking for an alternative way to build a magnificent dream home? At Carolina Custom homes, we offer customizable modular homes that make the home building process easy.
We've gathered some of the top ideas and advice for building a home from previous homeowners for anyone thinking about building a house. Here's what they wish they had known before they got started!
Leave Room in the Budget During the Building Process
Many homeowners remember how the little costs added up during the home building process between the land purchase, permits, upgrades, landscaping, moving trucks, and much more.
It's a good idea to leave at least 10-15% of your budget to account for those extra costs you might not have thought about before you started. If you are building a custom home or other unique structure, consider your state's requirements for permits. Depending on the size and scope of the building, these can go from very simple to quite expensive.
Also, don't forget to check with your local municipality about rules surrounding setbacks (how far your structure has to be from the property line) and grading (how much land you must excavate before the home building process). This way, you get accurate advice for building a home and the technical work involved.
It's All About Your Budget
There are no two ways about it – building a house is expensive! It will cost you more money, time, and effort than you might think. Sooner or later, you'll have to choose between what you want but can't afford and what you can afford but don't want during the home building process. Think realistically about your budget throughout the process, not just at the beginning.
You should also consider other expenses like electrical, plumbing upgrades (dishwasher, garbage disposal), appliances (fridge, ovens), flooring (hardwood, tile) and finishes (granite countertops, double sinks), roofing materials, windows and doors, lighting fixtures, paint colors & finishes (ceilings, walls), etc.
Also, keep in mind that you'll have to pay for these things whether you build a custom home or purchase a prefabricated house. If you're looking for affordable home builders in NC, Carolina Custom Homes offers a range of modular homes to meet your budget.
Many homeowners also find that renovations and updates to an existing home can cost even more than building a new house.
Finally, think about the extras (a hot tub on the deck, extra bathrooms, etc.). These can get expensive quickly! Consult your home builders in NC for advice on building a home on a budget.
Start Simple and Add on Later
Many builders say that their advice for building a house is to get the least complicated design that meets your needs. Even if you plan to add to your home later, try to keep things simple at first so you won't have to make significant structural changes later.
Start with a basic plan that you can easily build within your budget, then add on the bells and whistles later if you want them. This way, you won't end up spending more money than necessary by adding in features that might not be suited to your needs or lifestyle.
Start Early With Your Building Plans for Your Own Home
No, this advice does not apply only to those planning out their new home over the course of years.
Instead, it applies to anyone who can afford or get a home started at least six months before you move in. We all have our dreams and ideas about what we want in a dream house, but advice for building a home might change once the main construction is complete.
If plans are made early enough, changes can be made while they're cheap and easy to do. It's going to be too late to make any large-scale adjustments once the walls are up and you're just moving in.
Do you need to consult with home builders in NC to learn about your options? Contact Carolina Custom homes to learn about our options for your dream home!
Reach Out to Others Who Have Built a Home Before for Advice for Building a Home
Some builders will tell you that house building tips might be different depending on where you live, your needs, and what kind of advice you are asking for. For instance, advice for building a home might be different if you want to make your house as eco-friendly as possible compared to advice on whether it's better to build a new home or buy an existing one.
The truth is that advice for building a home can vary according to location and specific advice, but some general tips apply to most building projects.
Some homeowners will even write you up a list of advice for building a home from start to finish. Remember to thank them afterward!
Don't Strive for Perfection
Building a house means getting exactly what you want, but it doesn't necessarily mean your home will be 100% perfect. Homeowners who built their house agree it's better to focus on the big picture and not sweat the small stuff!
Before you start building, make a list of the most important things you want in your future dream home. Be honest about what's important to you. For example, do you really need an outdoor shower? Do you care if your refrigerator door opens on the left or the right? Is it more important to have a gas stove or an electric stove?
Strive to get as many of your "most important" things into your house plan. If you want a bigger kitchen, this might mean compromising on another feature – like the number of bathrooms.
If something else is more important to you than it may seem at first, think about whether there is room for negotiation with the person who will build your house. You may not reach perfection, but you can ensure that the items on the top of your home project list are accomplished.
Do you need advice for building a home? Ask Carolina Custom Homes for quotes and tours to help your process.
Remember the Outside!
So many buyers focus on the interior of their new house—the layout, the storage space, and the colors and finishes. It's easy to forget you'll need your home to be functional outside too! Consider adding a deck or patio during the construction phase to give yourself some outdoor living space, and don't forget to add outlets and water spigots where you'll need them.
If you're in a town or community with a homeowner's association, be sure to contact them for advice for building a home before you break ground so they can have their requirements ready when you're making design decisions.
Also, try not to add too many decorative things around the outside of your home if it will make it hard for your HOA to maintain.
Curb appeal can increase the resale value of your home, so make sure to consider the outside during the design process.
Opt for Structural Changes Now During the Construction Process
Do you think it'd be nice to have 9' ceilings, extra windows in the bedrooms, or space to add another bedroom in the future? It's tempting to put these upgrades off for the sake of keeping your budget down, but these renovations are more expensive once the house is built.
Ask Lots of Questions During the Home Building Process!
- • "How much will an extra room cost?"
- • "What can be done to add more space to the living areas?"
- • "What other options are available?"
- • "How long will it take to build?"
- • "Do you offer help in obtaining permits and other requirements?"
You never know unless you ask! If there's something about your house plan you'd like to change, talk to your home builders in NC early to find out what your options are. They'll help you find a solution that fits your wishlist and your budget.
As long as you approach building a home with thorough planning and the right house builders, you can achieve the house of your dreams. Although there's plenty to worry about, try to enjoy the process and trust that your custom-built home will bring you joy for years to come.
If you're looking for a forever home that's built quickly with quality materials, consider choosing a modular home from Carolina Custom Homes— your premier home builders in NC. Since our homes are manufactured in a controlled environment, we can offer top-quality, beautiful houses that meet your design and budget needs.
Do you need advice for building a home? Carolina Custom Homes is always ready to help. Check out our free resource on how to prep before building a home!
