The process of building a custom home has its bumps. Having a builder with whom you can work well will help keep the project moving smoothly and improve the overall experience. Be sure to ask your builder questions during initial consultations.
Know Your Budget
A custom home is a significant investment. Knowing your budget from the start can make the process easier. Work with your American Family Homes builder to create a budget based on the architecturally designed plans. The budget will help ensure that the designs you love align with what you will pay for your new home. List your must-haves, and don’t hold back.
Your design-build team can help you edit the list through the design process, but it is better to include everything at the beginning than find out that something you wanted was out of your price range. Remember that many builders offer included features that can keep costs down.
Know Your Style
A custom home is uniquely yours and can express your style like no other house. So, finding a builder with experience in your preferred style is essential. To help you decide, ask for references and review their portfolio online. Also, look for clues in your future home’s setting.
For example, do trees encompass it, or do you want it to stand out? If you can settle on a style, it’ll make designing your custom home much smoother. It will reduce questions, delays, and remodeling expenses later on. You can even save on energy costs by incorporating various energy-efficient features early on.
Know Your Land
Your home’s location is a vital factor in your decision to build. It can significantly impact what your new home can be structurally and aesthetically. You should consider whether you are going for an urban or country setting and your commute to work. If you have children, you will also want to consider schools in the area.
Your designer will help you navigate these factors to ensure your elegant custom home is possible on your chosen land. They can also ensure your building process runs smoothly by ensuring timely and efficient communication with all building team members.
Know Your Needs
When building your custom home, it’s essential to know your needs. This includes what you want to fit into the home and how your lifestyle may change. For example, if you are an avid biker, you might want room for bicycle storage or a soundproofed studio space for music practice. Knowing your needs will also help you understand what features can add value to your home.
For instance, if you’re interested in green design features, your architect can incorporate these into your home to increase energy efficiency and save you money on utility bills. Having these details nailed down early on will help you avoid costly mistakes later in the process.
Know Your Architect
Knowing your architect is a critical aspect of the process. A great architect can make all the difference in designing your luxury dream home. During the selection process, look for an architect with a portfolio that matches your style and has experience building on your type of land.
Let your architect know if you want sustainable design or energy-saving strategies. Many architects have expertise in this area and can offer low to no-cost design solutions that will save you money in the long run. This can be a win-win for everyone involved!
Know Your Builder
The home builder you choose will bring your custom home to life. You and your builder must be on the same page and have a good back-and-forth relationship. Narrow your selection by researching builders online, looking at their websites, and speaking with past clients.
Ensure you understand their process – what’s included, what’s not, how changes are handled, and more. You can also ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. And finally, look at for-sale model homes that the builder has completed to get a feel for their work. Tour a few to see what you like and don’t like.
