Having a home custom-built for you and your family–one designed and created with your specific needs and desires in mind–sounds like a dream. And while the thought of it can be, the journey from an empty plot to a finished build can be quite arduous.
But like all long-term projects, future homeowners can bypass potential obstacles and stress by doing some good old-fashioned research and planning. Through this process, consider defining the following five things before you commit to building your custom home:
It Starts with Budget
Though the most stressful and least glamorous portion of custom home building, you should develop and know your budget before committing to building your custom home. Over the years, we’ve picked up a few nuggets of knowledge along the way that might help you when considering your budget:
- Be honest and realistic with yourself, your partner, your builder, and any others involved to ensure you aren’t stretching your budget unnecessarily. Custom homes are always a work in progress, and you might be able to renovate or add details down the road to cut costs in the forefront.
- If you intend to borrow money, contact a lender early. You’ll want to know how much you’re eligible to borrow from the get-go. Nothing is more upsetting than getting excited about your dream house plan then realizing you can’t afford it.
Establish a Timeline
Though building timelines are often stretched due to unpredictable events like weather or other disruptions, you should consider your ideal timeline for your home build at the outset. According to the US Census Bureau, it took an average of 12.5 months to build a fully custom residential home in 2017; however, this is likely to vary depending on factors like location, demand, contractor availability, permits, and more. LaFollette Custom Homes typically take 6-9 months for construction and 2-3 months for preconstruction. As a rule of thumb, expect the process–from planning and pre-construction to construction, to permitting and final walkthroughs–to take about two years.
Find the Right Partners
Find the right partners: Researching to find the right building partner and any necessary contractors during your planning process can save you headaches in the long run. Start by meeting with a handful of custom home builders in your area to find the right one for you, and have your budget number in mind. After selecting a builder, tap into their network to find any other contractors you might need to partner with for special additions and features.
What Does the Future Hold?
While planning, consider your future. Is your family growing? Do you dream of relocating one day? Do you want to stay in this home for the foreseeable future, or might you need to sell ten years down the line? These are all important questions to consider when planning your custom home.
Patience is a Virtue
You can do all the planning in the world, but the custom home-building process is unpredictable every time. Having patience and staying flexible throughout the process–and understanding that obstacles will arise–can help you stay grounded while working towards your custom home.
When you need a home builder that understands your family’s dreams and desires, you can trust our family at LaFollette Custom Homes. Give us a call at 979-589-8343 or contact us at Info@LFcustomhomes.com for a consultation!