If you are on the lookout for the perfect home, you might not like what you find. Most buyers have to settle because owners build properties in their image. As a result, you could end up spending hundreds of thousands on a house which needs work. Let’s face it, that’s a lot of money for a property that isn’t ready to go. The solution is to build your own house from scratch. Although it takes time, money and effort, it is the only way to ensure your home is made to measure. After all, you are the one who is in control.
Unfortunately, building a home isn’t always the best option because there are factors that get in the way. And, if they rear their head, it could jeopardize the entire project. With that in mind, it is logical to ask the following questions before jumping the gun. Then, from the answers, you should be able to tell whether it’s a good move or a bad one.
Don’t worry – they’re super simple. Good luck.
Can You Afford It?
The first step is to check your finances to see if you have the money. Regardless of what people tell you, building a house is an expensive venture. In fact, it is normally costlier than buying a ready-made property. After all, there are contractors, tip trucks and a host of other materials to buy or rent. The key is to create a detailed budget that considers all of the possible expenses. That way, you can compare it to your monthly earnings and check whether the project is too expensive. Of course, the main costs like a contractor are easy to factor in, but it’s the hidden ones of which you have to be careful. For instance, a contractor is essential, but so are an architect and a surveyor. Also, a second home might be necessary until the building work is over. When you begin to write down the costs, you need to look in every nook and cranny.
Do You Have The Time?
Aside from the cost, a home build takes longer to prepare. This is important for a variety of reasons, but mainly because of money. If your budget is small, you might not have the cash to survive for very long. As such, it isn’t wise to build a home that takes 18 months to make when your budget only lasts a year. For one thing, the work will stop and that will increase the cost of the project. Secondly, you will need to find alternative finance to kick start the development. Credit card and bank loans are useful, yet they are dangerous due to the high-interest rates. Plus, circumstances could dictate the time limit. Do you have a small child on the way? If so, you don’t want to be living in a caravan waiting for the contractor to finish.
And The Patience?
Money and time are the two main resources, but there are others to factor in. The most notable one is patience. What contractors won’t say is that problems always arise whether the work goes smoothly or not. As such, the person in charge (you) will have to deal with a lot of stress. Individuals who lack the patience to deal with the tension are health risks. Sure, it might seem like an exaggeration, yet stress can lead to conditions from hair loss to a lack of sleep and heart conditions. And, building a property from scratch is a very tense and edgy experience. Those of you who are not patient might want to rethink your strategy if you value your health. Or, it is possible to relieve your body of tension with stress-relieving techniques. Exercising, for example, is an excellent way to release your frustrations. Combat sports, in particular, are helpful.
Are You Putting Down Roots?
The average person moves more than eight times in their life. How many times have you moved house so far? It is a good question as building a house takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears. You might be willing to invest them now, but it is pointless if you are going to move in the future. Signs that you will relocate include the atmosphere at work or your drive to succeed. Anyone who works for a company that is in a sticky spot could lose their job. If this happens, moving out of the area might be a viable option to find work. The same goes for any person looking to snare a promotion or achieve their life goals. And, it doesn’t just stop with you, not if you have kids. Parents want the best for their children, and that includes the best education. So, moving closer to a great school is not beyond the realms of possibility. In truth, anyone that isn’t planning on staying put is better off buying a house and biding their time.
What Do You Want And Need?
Once you know a new build is a good idea, it is time to focus on getting it right. Otherwise, the time and money you spend will be a massive waste. Firstly, it is essential to evaluate the needs and wants of the family. To do this, you need to understand the distinction: needs are a must, and wants are desirable. The key is to include everything you must-have, such as separate bedrooms for the kids, and compromise on the wants. Okay, a second bathroom would make life easier in the mornings. However, it is a lot of money to spend when you already have a working bathroom. A great tip is to make a list. It is simple, but it is a very effective method because you can visualize what is essential and what is an indulgence. As soon as you have a list, you can find a builder to start proceedings.
Do You Know How To Find A Contractor?
Before the work can begin, you need to hire a builder who you trust. Although this sounds like the easiest task of the lot, it is one of the hardest. The reason is simple: people distrust contractors. And, they should because they have a lot of power over you, as well as a large check to pick up at the end. Thankfully, there are ways to tell if a contractor is right for you. To start, check out their price strategy and compare it against the rest of the industry. Any company with a price that is too high or low is a sign they out of your price range, or they are trying to cover up the cracks. Next, research their reputation by collecting customer feedback. If previous customers are happy with the results, it is a tick in the right box. Recommendations from family members and friends are also useful. Finally, sit down and talk to face to face. By conducting an interview, you can question them about their services. Plus, speaking with someone in person is the best way to get a gut feeling.
What About The Location?
First and foremost, you need a plot of land which fits the brief. Mainly, the plot should allow building work to begin as soon as possible. There is nothing worse than investing in a plot to find that red tape will put the project back weeks. Even worse, you could discover that no one can build on it whatsoever. To prevent this from happening, you must do your research. That means it is vital to check with the local authority to ensure the land is not a listed plot. Also, check whether any residents in the area are going to object to the building work. Besides nosy neighbors and permits, you need to consider the location. Building the perfect home in a terrible area is pointless, so don’t buy a piece of land just because it appears to be a good deal. Instead, wait for the right plot to come on the market and move quickly.
Is It A Fad Or A Passion?
It won’t surprise you that people build houses because they fall in love with the idea. Sadly, this isn’t a good enough excuse to make a property from scratch. There is too much to do for you to get involved without a real passion for the process. Otherwise, you will either give up or cut corners to get it over with as soon as possible. Either way, the result won’t be the one you envisioned in your mind’s eye. It is nice to be original, but truly unique people only are because they don’t worry about what others think. Quite simply, it is not worth the hassle just to impress your friends and peers. At least when you have a level of passion it will keep you going to the end.
Although there are only eight questions, they might be the most important you ever answer.
