The process of building your new home can be exciting, because you get to see your dream home come to life. It can also be very overwhelming because there are so many decisions that you will need to make during the process. Sure, you could leave much of the decision making up to the builder, but that could result in your project going over budget, or not getting the features you want and need in your new home.

To get the best end result, you need to be an active participant in this process. Here are five major things that you need to consider when building your new home.

 

The Builder’s Reputation

Not all builders are created equal. Whether you’re going with a planned community, or building independently, you need to check the reputation of your builder. Every builder can show you pictures, and even model homes, but your best option is to interview people who have actually been living in the homes for at least two years. You will find out more about the quality of work, and the builder’s ability to correct mistakes or make revisions than you will from a portfolio. Check the public records to see if the builder has been the subject of any lawsuits.

You should also make sure your builder meets all of the requirements for your area, including making sure they have contractor insurance.

photo credit: ArmchairBuilder.com via photopin cc

photo credit: ArmchairBuilder.com via photopin cc

The Project Cost

The project cost is more than just the cost to build your house; it also includes the cost of the land including maintenance and upkeep while you are waiting for the crew to start building. For example, if you purchase a piece of land within city limits, you may be responsible for cutting the grass and keeping the parcel neat until you break ground. If you don’t, you could be responsible for fines or fees from the city.

If there is an existing structure on the site, or if the lot is heavily-wooded, you will also need to include the cost of demolition and clearing the land.

If you are building in a planned community, you may not have to worry about these costs. However, the builder or the management company should give you an itemized list of all the pertinent charges. Review this list carefully before you proceed with the deal.

 

Green Options

Choosing green options for your home not only saves the environment, it could also end up saving you money in the form of tax credits. You don’t necessarily have to mount a solar array on your roof, or install a grey water system. Sometimes it’s a simple matter of having multiple south-facing windows, which can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat your home, as well as eco-friendly insulation, and toilets and faucets designed to conserve water.

 

Resale Possibilities

It may seem strange to think about reselling a home that you haven’t even built yet, but it’s highly likely that, even if you plan to stay forever, you could end up selling the home. You want to avoid adding upgrades that might overprice the home, as compared to other houses in the neighborhood. You also want to avoid over-customizing to the point that only someone exactly like you would be able to buy the home without massive renovations.

For example, if your family is very tall, it may seem prudent to raise all of the counter tops, doorways, and other features to accommodate your height. However, you might find it difficult when you try to resell because people of average height could have trouble navigating the home.

Your best bet might be to keep most features geared toward the average, with some custom features that can be easily altered, or would work with people of average height — like raised light switches, high-mounted shower heads, and taller toilets.

 

photo credit: Alan Cleaver via photopin cc

photo credit: Alan Cleaver via photopin cc

The Punch List

Near the end of the construction, your builder should take you through a final walkthrough to see what needs to be completed, or corrected, and create what’s called a “punch list,” of anything you want addressed.

Make sure you pay close attention during the walk through to make sure you don’t miss any items that should appear on the punch list.