Building a new home is a fun and exciting process. It is also a challenging one as it involves a lot of decisions and work. Here are some tips on how to ensure your new home development experience is a successful one.
First, decide on the type of home you want. There are two types: spec or tract homes and custom or semi-custom homes. Choosing between these options depends on your lifestyle and budget.
Spec or tract homes are often sold in communities where the developer has already created a set of architectural options. They’re often less expensive and can be built faster than a fully custom home.
A custom or semi-custom home is built on a plot of land and then customized by the homeowner, who may hire an architect to create their vision of the home. The homeowner then works with a home builder to customize and finish their house.
Interior work is next in the home-building process. This includes framing, drywall installation, electrical and plumbing wiring, flooring, and painting.
The framing crew will erect lumber for walls, ceilings, and roof trusses and hang sheathing for the exterior. This step can take up to a week.
Once the framing is complete, the home’s foundation is poured. The type of foundation you choose will depend on the size of your home, the ground in which it’s being built, and local building codes. Concrete block is the most common and strongest type of foundation.
Obtain all necessary permits before the construction process begins. The permitting process can be time-consuming and expensive, so it’s best to know all your requirements early on.
Inspections and quality checks are another crucial part of the building process, and they’re an important way to ensure your home is built correctly and meets all state and local codes. Keep in touch with your builder and real estate agent to learn about when inspections are scheduled and make sure you’re present for them.
It’s important to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start construction. This will give you a price range for what your home could be worth if you ever decide to sell it. It’s important to understand that mortgage preapproval isn’t a commitment, and it’s still possible to shop around for other financing options once the home is finished.
Your builder will help you create an Estimated Cost Breakdown (ECB), which outlines all the specific costs involved in your home’s construction. These costs include the foundation, lumber, framing, plumbing, heating, electrical, painting, and builder’s profit.
The ECB is a great tool to use in the beginning of your project so you can plan accordingly and ensure you’re within your budget. It will also give you an idea of how much construction will take and allow you to adjust your budget if necessary.
Finally, it’s important to hire a good general contractor and have them work with your subcontractors and architects. The right person will ensure your project is completed on time and with high quality, and will also be able to answer any questions you have along the way.