How To Build A House

Step 1 Determine your budget and financing.

The most important thing to consider is how you are going to afford to build your home and what kind of home can you build. You will have to buy a lot and then pay for the construction. Construction loans are different is several ways from a typical home mortgage. Learn more about home construction financing. Not all financial institutions are experienced or qualified to make construction loans. You will need to arrange financing before you begin.

Step 2. Find a lot.

It is of primary importance to anyone in deciding where to live. It is also vital to what kind of home you can build. While most people have an idea of what kind of home they want, until you find a lot in your price range and area, it is impossible to determine if there are limitations to what you can build, such as terrain, lot size, utility access, and more. Learn more about selecting the lot. Unless you are very experienced with home construction, it is highly recommended to use a broker experienced in home building to find a lot for you, who can advise you on whether the lot will fit your needs.

Step 3. Design your home.

This is the fun part, but it is more work than most people think. Learn about designing a home. There are many home design ideas, from magazines, to plans you can order online, to software you can buy that will even give you a virtual walk-through of your home. However, even if you have some good ideas or you order pre-made building plans from another source, the plans will have to be drawn up to local specifications. Changes will have to be made to satisfy the city and you’ll likely have your own great ideas as well. You will need to hire an architect to help you or if you really know what you want, a draftsman can draw the plan up for you at substantially less cost.

Step 4. Find a contractor/subcontractors.

What should you look for in hiring the general contractor who will build your home? How can you determine if you are getting a good deal? What kinds of things should you be careful of before signing the contract? Learn about hiring a contractor. You might also want to try to become an owner-builder and do it yourself. Most cities allow you to do this for your own home without having to have a contractor license. However, it is hard work, and you will need to find, hire and manage each of the subcontractors yourself. You will also need to buy insurance.

Step 5. Choose the exterior and interior materials and fixtures.

There are so many choices to be made in building a home. You’ll need to select the types of windows to use, the types of doors, the cabinets, the flooring, the countertops, the faucets, and many other little items. Learn more about outfitting your home. The process can be overwhelming. Sometimes it is best to hire an outside design company to help with the selection, but it is usually cheaper to do it yourself. View our home fixture selection guide.

Step 6. Manage the construction process.

Even if you are hiring a general contractor to oversee your project, you will need to resolve problems that arise. Every home building project will encounter some difficulties, cost overruns, and changes. Hopefully, the process for resolving issues is dealt with in the construction contract. Learn more. Before you or your contractor can begin you must also get the required permits from the city and/or county. Learn more about building permits and find building permit forms and applications by using our free directory.

Step 7. Inspect the completed home.

Before you move in the city or county inspector will have to inspect your home to make sure it complies with building codes. However, this doesn’t mean that the home has been built to your satisfaction or that nothing is wrong. What should you look for? Learn more. There are also many resources to help you, including third party inspectors that you can hire.

Step 8. Hire a landscaper.

The front yard and back yard is another area that requires creativity and money. There are so many different possibilities. Learn about landscaping. You will likely want to hire a landscaper to do the work for you, including selecting and planting trees, shrubs, and other plants, installing the sprinkler system, pouring concrete, building walls, erecting fences, and other fun items such as pools, spas, or BBQs.

Step 9. Move into your new home.

Congratulations on completing your new home. You will need to pack up and move to your new place.

Disclaimer:

This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified.

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