Are you happy in the home you live in right now? Maybe you are content, but there are probably some things you would change. How about starting from scratch with a blank slate? Do you have a picture in your mind of how your dream home looks?
Most of us think building the house of our dreams is way out of reach but with lots of saving and even more planning. It can become a reality. The process can be intense. It is not for the faint of heart.
If you are looking to get started, here are the steps on how to build your dream house:
Start with Your Budget
Everything costs money, and it makes the world go around. You have been saving your money and have some decent equity built up in your current home, but you need to know the hard costs and your threshold. This will determine how much you want to borrow as well.
Start your budget with an all-in number. This is the cap that you can’t exceed. You need to know what you can afford before you begin, so put pencil to paper and start writing. Have a breakdown of expenditures for everything from construction to finishing and furniture. You should speak to an architect or builder to get some prices per square foot so you can see realistic costs.
Make a Must-Have List
When building your dream home, there are lots of things you want to be included. Everything from pools to home theatres comes to mind. You may not have everything, so you need to prioritize the stuff that must be included and what you wish for.
You can pad the must-have list a bit just in case it fits in the budget but start with the essentials like several bedrooms before you plan for the in-house spa. You can negotiate the rest when you know what has to be included.
Find Your Dream House Design
There are too many options with the style of your home, so do your research and see what you like. If you aren’t sure, then drive around your city and go window shopping for that perfect look. You could go to high-end open houses or search the web for luxury homes too. Pick a house style first because inside can be a customs arrangement.
Purchase a Lot
Your dream home needs a place to live, so start looking for properties to build on. Search areas you want to live in, find a vacant lot or new community building and find the right place. This is part of your budget, so don’t pick a beachfront lot if it means compromising on the house.
Choose a House Builder
Start your research with local high-end builders in your city. Most will have websites with their current and past builds, so you can get an idea of what they do well.
Contact several contractors and have an informal interview to learn about their business and team. They may have in-house architects and interior designers that you can work with. Talk about budgets and timelines to get a good feel for operating.
Once you have gone through this step several times, you should pick the best home builders Niagara and start the process.
Pick a House Design
Now it’s time to design the home or choose the one you love. Work with the architect to develop your ideal layout and let the pros do the rest. They will come back to you with a beautiful home blueprint. If there are any changes, now is the time to make them before construction starts.
Build the House
Your builder will put you into their timeline for when they can start construction. It’s time for patience because your dream home won’t be erected overnight. Visit the site often and contact the builder regularly. Progress will happen right in front of your eyes, and before you know it, you will be inside picking wall colours and appliances.
Here are some extra things to remember:
- Finishes: This is where you can easily blow the budget, so stick to your original plans. Changes cost money
- Landscaping: Remember that it is part of your dream home too.
- Communication: Keep in the loop with what’s going on, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Walkthrough: Don’t be afraid to point out anything that isn’t up to snuff. You paid good money for a high-end product.
You will be handed the keys to your new home, and then the adventure begins. You deserve to have the house of your dreams, so follow these steps and have a successful build. You will enjoy turning your vision into a reality.