Decisions to Make When Building a Custom Home

Deciding to build your own custom home will allow you to create a living space with all the features and finishes you have ever dreamed of, but it can also give you a way to support your family’s needs and lifestyle. Unlike purchasing an existing home, creating a custom home design will allow you to make more decisions about how it’s built. But because there are so many available choices, the process can seem overwhelming.

Knowing How to Find the Right Custom Home Builder

You may be tempted to choose a home builder according to all the fancy photos they have on their website without learning more about their process, but you should take the time to interview and vet several candidates because it can spare you from a bad experience later on. Get recommendations from your real estate agent, a local home builders’ association, as well as any friends and relatives. From there, you can schedule an in-person interview so you can get a more thorough understanding of their experience and process.

Your goal is to find a home builder with enough experience in dealing with your type of project or style. You also want to make sure the builder you hire has a high-standing professional reputation, as well as the right insurance and certifications. The builder you choose to work with should be open to frequent and consistent communication throughout the project.

If you already have an architect, you should ask this person for any builders that he or she can recommend. Hiring an architect and builder who have worked together in the past will make the process go more smoothly, because they’re more likely to be familiar with each other’s communication styles and methods.

Getting to Know Your Project Site

Building a custom home will also require you to purchase land (if you don’t own it already). You probably know that where you decide to buy property can affect the budget for your custom home design — not just because of the location but also about the condition and quality of the property. The cost of site preparation, surveying, and running utility lines to the property is important to know, because you can plan your budget accordingly.

It’s also important to understand which municipality, neighborhood association, or other regulating body your lot falls under so you can contact them for more information about the approval process for new residential constructions. There will most likely be costs associated with this process. But there is also a growing number of homeowners moving away from the city to the surrounding suburbs, which can affect your property costs.

Other Important Consideration About the Home Building Process

Here are some other things you should consider as you come up with your custom home design:

• Design for the future — Whether you want it to be your “forever home” or plan to sell it later on, you should design your home with the future in mind. Think about how your family structure may change, the lifestyle you want to achieve or maintain, and what it would take to age comfortably in the home you’re building.
• Don’t rush through the design process — Many homeowners experience “decision fatigue” when they get to a certain point during the custom home-building process, which usually happens during the design phase. As overwhelming as it may be, you don’t want to rush through this part of the process because it can cost you more in the long run.
• Think about energy efficiency — Building your own custom home will give you more control about how will be designed, so think about how you can maximize energy efficiency. Think about the type and placement of your windows and the type of insulation you use. You should also think about your HVAC system and whether you want to install roof overhangs. You should even think about installing energy-efficient appliances and fixtures.

Because of recent material shortages and unexpected delays, you may want to think about how things might have changed. You need to find a team that can prepare for changes and solve problems, so be sure to bring up these issues during the interview process.

If you’re looking for one of the best custom home builders in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Devonshire Custom Homes. We have a team of experienced professionals who would be more than happy to speak with you about we can help you create the perfect home.