Building a home is a dream so many of us hold – getting to a point in life where we can finally buy and build that dream home. For those of us who are able to finally realize that dream, it’s such a happy feeling.
For those who are building a home especially, it can be a daunting process to know where to begin. There’s so much to consider, so many details to iron out, funding to secure, land to purchase – all of which has to happen before the first hammer ever hits a nail. If you’re a novice in the world of home building, which many of us are, it can be quite anxiety-inducing.
There are certain steps you should take before you make any final decisions about building a home, and we’ve written up a quick guide below.
1. Meet with an Architect and/or Builder
This is the very first step towards building a home. You’ll want to meet with more than one architect, unless you already have someone perfect in mind, to talk with them about your budget, expectations, specifications and more. They’ll be able to give you quotes on their services, advise you on what type of home goes best with your land and budget, and if you choose to work with them, they’ll draw you up a beautiful house plan. Then you’ll meet with a builder who will lay out the process of building your home in detail.
You can also go with a reputable company that does both plans and building, to streamline your home building experience. These companies are becoming quite popular, and according to Bellriver Homes and other reputable companies, there are dozens of beautiful homes with great plans just waiting to be built on your property.
2. Secure Your Funding
Before signing off on any plans or contracts, make sure your funding is in place. Speak to several banks and loan companies to decide which is the best candidate to offer you a mortgage, secure your down payment, complete all the necessary letters and forms to facilitate the home buying/building process. You want to make sure all of your ducks in a row on this front before you begin building.
3. Secure Your Land
You may already have land put aside, which many people do. If so, great! If not, you’ll want to start scouring those real estate ads for land to build your home on. Make sure the land you purchase is a good deal by looking at the land prices of other homes and acreage in your area. You also must do your research and see if the land is zoned properly, if you’re legally allowed to build a structure on it, and in some cases, the land you choose, depending on location, may be eligible for an FHA or USDA loan (which will save you lots of green on your mortgage).
If you follow these steps first, your home building experience will go much smoother, allowing you to focus on the absolute joy and excitement of building your first home. Happy building!
