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Designing and building a home from scratch is a dream come true for many people, but there are a few important factors to consider before you start hiring contractors and purchasing materials. You will need to analyze dozens of different variables including financing options, its location, the floor plan, and how long you plan on living in the home. These four steps will help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls that couples run into when constructing a home from the ground up.
Focus on the Most Important Systems
When you are thinking about all of the amazing features and upgrades that you are going to add to your new home can be fun, but the key mechanical systems will have a much bigger impact on your family’s comfort and your monthly utility bills.
Investing a little extra money into mechanical upgrades such as a high-efficiency HVAC system or well-insulated pipes could save you an incredible amount of money over the years. When all of the most important systems are planned for and accounted for then you can start focusing on some of the other, more enjoyable features of your future home.
Plan for the Future
Designing a house for a growing family is going to require careful consideration. Even if you are done having children, you might end up adopting more pets, and don’t forget that you will want room when you invite your family members to your home to celebrate holidays and special occasions.
Having enough space for those potential living arrangements will give you peace of mind knowing that you can enjoy your home for many years to come. And who does not want space for all of their cute grandkids to visit? Adding an extra bathroom or bedroom to the floor plan could prevent quite a few headaches in the future.
Consider Excavation and Land Prep Expenses
Purchasing a piece of property out in the country might seem like a good idea at first, but getting rough land ready for a home can be fairly expensive. Even with a good contractor and affordable waste removal company, like Alliance Demolition Services Inc., you might have to spend months leveling the lot and removing obstacles from the ground. Buying a lot inside of an established community will allow you to start construction immediately.
Don’t Ignore the Resale Value
Just because you plan on living in your home for quite some time doesn’t mean that you can ignore the resale value. The overall value of your property will impact everything from your credit score to your insurance premiums. Cutting corners could save you a little bit of money while the home is being built, but it might hurt your finances in the long run. That is why many people consult with a local real estate agent before deciding on any major design features.
The best way to make this process as stress-free as possible is to thoroughly vet any contractors that you plan on working with. All of the professionals that you are considering hiring should be able to provide you with recent references, proof of insurance, and a valid license number from your state’s contractor board.
