Whether it’s for an investment or for you and your family to live in, having a house constructed from scratch can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, with a project this size, organization and foresight is extremely important. If you want the end result to be as close as possible to the ideal you have in mind, then you need to pay meticulous attention to the planning. Here are the first few steps to take.
First and foremost, you have to establish a budget. It doesn’t matter if you’re funding it through a loan or using your personal capital, sticking to a budget is one of the most important parts of a construction project. Be sure to do some extensive research into every little cost that’s going to be involved. Set money aside for the cost of the land, local fees and taxes, and the general construction. After that, you should work on an interior budget, including all the appliances, renovations and décor you might want. You might be tempted to stretch your money as far as it will go. However, it’s best to look for low-cost solutions. This way, you’ll have some money in reserve if any big changes pop up.
Next up, find some land. This will be much easier if the home is for personal use rather than an investment. If it’s too your tastes and you can afford it, you could have your home built halfway up a mountain! However, if you’re building a house so you can sell it later, then you’ll need to consider that old rule of location, location, location. A plot’s location relative to transport links, schools and the town centre will all have a profound impact on the price you’ll be able to get for it. If you’re struggling to find an empty plot which sits your needs, then you may want to consider finding a derelict or neglected house instead. These could be turned into the house of your dreams with enough renovation!
Finally, get a team together. While it’s a romantic idea to build your own home as a one-man band, you’re going to need some professional help if you want it to go well. This is your future we’re talking about here. You wouldn’t represent yourself in court, and in the same way you shouldn’t try to tackle a construction project by yourself. At the very least, you’ll need to browse some contemporary architects and contractors. Many architects will have referral programs with contractors. When you find one who has a style that appeals to you, a building firm that’s fit for the job shouldn’t be too far off. As the home starts to take shape, you’ll also want to hire a kitchen designer, bathroom designer, and general interior specialist. The choices you make here can have a massive effect on the value of your home, so don’t rush it!
Follow these steps, and you’ll be off to a great start to building your new home. There’ll be a lot more work to come, but in the end it will all be worth it!
