Ever since I got married, I already helped a lot of people build houses for them. And the satisfaction can be seen when those people are happy with the way their houses look and built. And when the right time came for my son Alex to have his own house, I also took charge of everything and help him from ground up.
We started building his house 2 years ago as he was about to turn 21 years old. Back then, my construction experience was key to build the house. But generally, I want to share to you the steps to building your own dream home.
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Save Money
Before you even think of having a house, make sure that you will begin saving money. Saving is preparing for your expenses in building and acquiring a house. You have to make sure that you will not just dream about it but also do something in order to achieve the dream. If you will just keep on dreaming and not do anything, then your dream house will not be realized. Take the first step which is to save money.
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Choose The Perfect Site
The site for your new home will have a definite impact on the home plan you select. It’s a good idea to select a home design that will complement your site. This will save you time and money when you’re building. Or, you can then modify the design to specifically accommodate the site. For example, if your land slopes, a walk-out basement works perfectly. If it’s wooded, or has lake in the back, an atrium ranch house plan is a perfect style to take advantage of surrounding backyard views. Some important criteria to consider when selecting a site are what type of improvements will have to be made for utilities, walks and driveways. Evaluate the local area as far as convenience to work, school, shops, etc. Don’t forget to ask about zoning requirements and property taxes. Consider hiring a civil engineer to investigate the soil conditions at your future site. Finally, order a title search to make sure the person or firm that sells you the land owns it free and clear.
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Set A Realistic Budget
Despite what you might think from watching shows such as Grand Designs, most custom home projects don’t end up turning into money pits. That’s because the majority of self builders take a sensible approach to budgeting, setting a firm and realistic figure for the project before the design stages begin. You should always include a contingency – at least 10% of your overall budget is prudent. This money should only be used for unexpected costs during the project, such as additional foundation requirements or unavoidable delays. If you still have the contingency at the end of the build, you can consider upgrading interior finishes or landscaping schemes.
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Identify Your Needs
Selecting the right home design for your needs and lifestyle requires a lot of thought. Your new home is an investment in both the present and the future, so you should consider not only your current needs but also your future requirements. Versatility and the potential for converting certain areas to other uses could be an important factor later on. So, although a home office may seem unnecessary now, in years to come, the idea may seem ideal. Home plans that include flex spaces or bonus rooms can really adapt to your needs in the future.
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Look For A Designer
It is important that you have a designer for your house. Look for professionals who can help you design your home. Let him know what you want for your dream house and he will be able to help you with that. In choosing a designer, look into his/her credentials and work experiences. This will help you check if that person can really work well for your home’s design.
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Hire A Contractor
If you’re inexperienced in construction, you’ll probably want to hire a general contractor to manage the project. If you do not know a reputable general contractor, begin your search by contracting your local Home Builders Association to get references. Many states require building contractors to be licensed. If this is the case in your state, its licensing board is another referral source. Finding a reputable, quality-minded contractor is a key factor in ensuring that your new home is well constructed and is finished on time and within budget. But if you are confident that you can construct your own home, you can skip this step.
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Purchase Needed Materials
You can order yourself or have your contractor do it. Nevertheless, in order to thoroughly enjoy your new home you will want to personally select many of the materials that will go into its construction. Today, home improvement stores offer a wide variety of quality building products from which to choose. Only you can decide what specific types of windows, cabinets, bath fixtures, etc. will make your new home a dream home. Spend the time early on in the construction process to study the large selection of materials and products available. In this way, you’ll be assured of getting what you want.
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Start Building
Starting work on the structural shell of your home is an exciting time. Most self builders choose between two construction methods for their project, both of which are pretty much on a par for cost-effectiveness. Brick and block is the traditional and familiar favourite, while timber frame is great for quick, predictable construction schedules. Many other systems are available, including structural insulated panels and insulating concrete formwork, and it’s worth researching whether these might better suit your project. Loosely speaking, your home building project will fall into five stages: foundation work; getting the house wind and weather tight (roof on, windows and doors in); first fix (the initial services, structural carpentry and plastering work); second fix (work carried out after plastering); and the final decoration. If you’re planning to oversee these elements of the build yourself, you always refer to the project management plan.
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Enjoy Your New House
After months of building your home, you will be able to occupy it. Do not forget to work on the permit to occupy your home. Move in your home and enjoy your stay in your dream house. Add in some decorations if you want to in order to complete to your home’s look.