The main objective of building a custom home is to create something that’s truly your own, from the design and floor plan to the appliances and finishes. If you’re unsure where to begin or what to expect, this guide can help. Below is a step-by-step guide for building a custom home.
Step One – Select and Buy a Lot
The first step is choosing and purchasing a lot. This is crucial, as it significantly impacts the rest of the process, from the placement of your house to the size you can build. Take your time and do thorough research before deciding on a lot for your new custom home. Consider the following factors before making your purchase:
Verify the Buildable Space on the Lot
Not every part of the lot is buildable. Many factors can affect how much space is available for constructing your home. For example, if the site is part of a homeowner’s association, they may have guidelines regarding the position of your home on the lot, the size of your structure, and required aesthetics.
Additionally, consider environmental regulations, variances, and setbacks that may apply. All of these factors can influence where your home will be situated on the lot. To avoid surprises, it’s a good idea to hire a professional surveyor or consult your local jurisdiction.
Existing Infrastructure on the Lot
Not all building sites have access to essential infrastructure and utilities. Ensure that the lot you plan to buy has access to water, septic, and other necessary utilities. If not, you’ll need to cover the cost of adding these services. Working with a professional surveyor or local jurisdiction can help you identify any challenges or easements on the property.
Sustainable Building, Passive Building, or Green Building?
Consider your priorities. If sustainability is important to you, think about how the positioning of your home on the lot and the lot’s location can impact energy efficiency. Optimizing your home’s solar orientation is key to green building practices.
Existing Structures on the Lot
In competitive real estate markets, it’s common to buy lots with existing structures. If this is the case, you’ll need to consider how the current structure will affect your custom home plans. While you can tear down the existing building, doing so may extend your timeline and impact the placement of your new home.
There are many considerations involved when selecting a lot. If you find a property that meets all of your criteria, seize the opportunity and make the purchase. Once you’ve secured the right lot, the process of building your custom home will move more smoothly and quickly.
Step Two – Determine Your Budget
After purchasing your lot, the next step in the custom home-building process is determining your budget. To ensure the process goes smoothly, you need to establish how much you are willing to spend on your custom home. Here are a few tips to help you settle on a budget that’s appropriate for you:
How Much are You Willing to Spend?
First, determine the amount you are comfortable spending on your custom home. Is this a figure you feel confident about? Set a realistic amount that fits your financial situation and goals.
Is This Amount Realistic for Your Goals?
Consider whether the budget you have in mind aligns with your custom home’s goals and your family’s needs. Building a custom home is a significant expense. If you set your budget too high, it could negatively impact your family’s finances. Conversely, setting it too low could limit what you can achieve with your custom home.
Does the Neighborhood Fit Your Budget?
Research the neighborhood where you plan to build. Is the budget you’ve set in line with the cost of homes in the area? If you plan to spend more than the average cost of other homes, consider whether the neighborhood will support that investment.
Can You Secure Financing?
Most people building a custom home will need a construction loan, which differs from a traditional home loan. It’s a good idea to speak with your local lender or financial advisor to confirm whether you can secure financing for the amount you have in mind.
Setting a budget allows you to move forward confidently with your custom home-building project. Establishing your budget ahead of time helps you know what you can and can’t do in terms of design and construction.
Step Three – Search for a Team to Design and Build Your Home
Now that you’ve reached the stage of designing and building your new home, it’s time to find a team you can trust. If you’re building your custom home from scratch, it’s advisable to choose experienced custom home designers and builders in your area.
When building a custom home, the design and layout need to be practical for real-world construction. By choosing a design-build firm, you can benefit from the combined expertise of both builders and designers working together to create a beautiful custom home that suits your lifestyle, with quality craftsmanship from start to finish.
If you already have an architect or designer, reputable custom builders and design-build firms will gladly collaborate with your team to ensure your custom home turns out exactly as you envision.
Design Phase of Your Custom Home
If this is your first time building a custom home, expect to spend a significant amount of time in the design and planning stages. One of the key benefits of building a custom home is having the freedom to choose your layout, design, finishes, and other features that reflect your personal style.
McMahon Custom Builders can assist you in bringing your custom home vision to life. Contact us at 406-240-6578 or email us at joe@mcmahoncustommt.com.