What You Need to Know Before Building a Home

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building a house

Increasingly, Dallas residents are turning to custom home-building, as it ensures they’ll have all the features they desire. There is nothing more frustrating than undergoing a home renovation, only to realize your dreams won’t fit in an existing space. What’s more, owners of new homes don’t have to contend with hazards such as lead-based paint, asbestos, mold, or other things known to cause health issues. Before building your home in Dallas, however, you must follow a set of certain steps. Follow this home checklist to get into your dream home:

1. Know Your Budget

Estimating costs of a custom home can be difficult, but it’s essential to know how many boxes you can check off your wish list while still remaining in-budget. To start, research the median home price in the area you want to build (these numbers are available on popular home sites like Zillow and Home Advisor). By design, the cost of building a custom home varies widely, but the range is $100-$400 per square foot. Both your chosen location and the cost of your materials will determine the bulk of your investment (and explain any variances).

2. Obtain Financing for Both Land and Structure

Getting financing for a custom home-build is generally more involved, especially if you don’t already own the land. Not many banks offer construction loans, so be prepared to talk to lenders until you find the right fit. Keep in mind that custom home loans typically require excellent credit and up to 25% down payment, as this will factor into your budget. It’s also important to remember that banks might require you to keep extra reserves in the event of construction hiccups.

3. Hire an Architect and a Builder

It’s your job to find the right candidate to bring your vision to life. Tony McClung is both a builder and an architect, so he can help you create your vision – then make it a reality. He has also established a network of experienced and responsible subcontractors who can help deliver your custom home-building project within a timeframe that works for you.

As you go through the planning process, keep in mind that construction hiccups can happen, whether it’s a delay in obtaining materials or an unforeseen issue with the land. Extensive planning can help minimize the chances of these delays. That’s why it’s important to prepare as much as possible before breaking ground on your structure.