Building a New House: Where to Start

For anyone that loves a challenge, building a home is the ultimate DIY project. Building a house is a great alternative for people who are struggling to find their dream home on the market and don’t want to compromise. 

But while the prospect of designing and building a house from the ground up is exciting, the reality is very stressful and a long process. And where do you even start?

Well, whether you’re looking to convert a barn into a modern and chic farmhouse property or are looking to create a contemporary, eye-catching house in the middle of a suburban street, there are a few first steps that pretty much everyone needs to take.

Set your budget

It can be easy to get ahead of yourself when thinking about all the different things you’d like to include in your build. But it’s important to be realistic about how much you can afford. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself seriously overspending. Every decision about hiring workers and choosing materials needs to keep in mind your original budget. 

If you’re new to construction, it might be worth sitting down with an expert lender who has dealt with new construction before. Sachem Lending, for example, will be able to work through your plans with you to assess a realistic budget for the job. 

Choose a location

The perfect home is never complete without the perfect surroundings. Before making any plans, you’ll need to decide where you want your new house to be. Those looking to build in the city will likely have a lot less space to work with. But those dreaming of waking up to the natural noises and sights of the countryside can have their own issues: If the land doesn’t already have amenities installed like water, sewer systems and electricity, this will significantly eat up your budget. 

Finding a builder

Even if you’re planning on doing a lot of the work yourself (which is a great way to stick to your budget), you’ll still need a builder to help. Finding a reputable, reliable builder is vital in the journey to your dream home. To find the perfect team, don’t just choose the first to show interest. 

Interview a variety of different builders so that they are aware of the types of things you’re looking for. Check their references and any reviews online to see where their experience lies and what others think about their work. You should also ask about any warranties available and get each one to price up the work so you can gauge what you’ll need to budget. 

Pick or create a house plan

Some builders will have house plans from homes they have previously built, which might help you design your own. These plans could be perfect for you, in which case your builder will be able to highlight the features available and the cost of the build. 

Alternatively, you could create a custom build and make the plans yourself. Whichever option you choose, the house needs to be aesthetically pleasing as well as structurally sound and functional.

After all the planning, you’re ready to take the plunge and get building.  

Read Also: Moving With No Time to Spare: How to Sell a House Fast