Think of new home construction and most prospective home builders think of miscommunication between contractors and missed project deadlines, right? Wrong. While these are hallmarks of less-than-prepared building companies, with the right team, you can step into your dream home on schedule and under budget. If you’re beginning your journey in building a custom home, keep these things in mind to make the process as smooth as possible. You’ll step over the threshold of your new build before you know it.
Address the Present and the Future
Life changes and families grow. Rather than building a home that addresses your present needs, plan one that addresses your future ones, as well. Do you plan to have kids (or more of them)? Do your parents or in-laws rely on you for support? Plan more than the next five years – think 10, even 20 years down the road.
Think Layout and Flow
When planning a home, most people think open floor plan, number of rooms, number of floors, the “man cave,” and so on. While this is part of what makes custom home planning fun, these aren’t your only considerations. While less entertaining, planning the mechanical aspects of your home (HVAC, plumbing, and electrical components) is equally important. For example, ensure that you have enough electrical outlets to run all your appliances and gadgets. Addressing these aspects during the planning process assures your home has both form and function. Also, think of how you’ll use each room. It’s easy to get caught in the whirlwind of custom home building: Will you actually use the craft room, the second sitting room, or the library? Think carefully and prioritize. Put your budget into amenities that make your home functional, instead of rooms that will sit unused.
Choose a Designer and Builder Combination
People often have an architect to create their vision and a builder to bring it to life. When these are two separate teams, you’re more likely to have miscommunication between members and a budget and timeline that go off the rails. Pick a professional who both plans and builds homes.
This has a few distinct advantages:
- Such a professional can bring your vision to life – while following local codes, zoning restrictions, and the law of the land. It would be devastating to spend time and energy building your dream home only to have a builder tell you it can’t become a reality.
- It’s easier to keep track of your budget. Your hard-earned dollars are going to one person, so it’s easier to keep track of where to allocate them – and the project is more likely to come in under budget when finished.
- Seamless communication minimizes chances of mistakes. Your designer/builder combo team will be the point of communication for all subcontractors, like HVAC and electrical. With expertise in both fields, this team can address problems as they arise and keep your vision intact.
Think Location
One of the biggest benefits of custom home building is the freedom to choose your perfect location. You may have wanted that rural lifestyle, only to find you dislike the longer trips to the grocery store, work, or school. Think carefully about the location you choose and make sure you can live with every aspect of living in an urban, suburban, or rural setting.
Have you been dreaming of a custom home? Tony McClung has more than 50 years of experience as an “architect designer/builder” and is responsible for some of the most dazzling properties in Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. Turn your vision into a reality and call (214) 668-7802 today.
