Your home is more than a place to live. It’s a place where dreams and memories are made. And since you spend so much time in your home, it should reflect who you are. Whether you’re building your first custom home, or a downsized home for retirement, a little planning goes a long way. In this month’s blog, the experts from Avatar Construction share 5 tips for building your custom home.
1. Create a Wish List
You’ve been dreaming about your new home for awhile now. Put all of your dreams on paper, including the little details that will make your house uniquely yours. Need separate bathrooms for your kids? Write it down. Want a custom built-in for your model ship collection? Write it down. Think shoe storage would be handy in your mudroom? Write that down, too. Include photos of homes and rooms you like. Having a detailed wish list will help your contractor build a home that meets your needs and wants, while remaining within your budget.
2. Hire an Architect
Before you even buy your land, you should hire an architect. Your architect will analyze your building site and make sure it’s suitable for your needs and the kind of home you wish to build. He or she will gather information about your space requirements, design ideas, and budget to create a home design that best fits into your building site. Some building contractors, like Avatar, have architects on their team. This can provide an added advantage to the homeowner since the architect and builder have experience working together.
3. Narrow Your Choices and ask for References
Your architect may work with a builder, or provide the names of a few for you to consider. Once you’ve narrowed your choices, do some research. Ask to see a gallery of their work and request a few references. Check out the builder’s background and professional affiliations. For example, are they active members in good standing with industry organizations like Home Advisor, Thumbtack, and Angie’s List?
4. Get it in Writing
A formal, written contract makes sure that you and your builder are on the same page in terms of what is and isn’t included in the construction of your new custom home. Your contact should define allowance for appliances, flooring, fixtures, and other elements. Your contract should include your final home design, as well as a schedule of progress payments.
5. Stick with it!
Once you’ve chosen your builder, and agreed upon your final home design, you need to stick with it. After framing begins, last minute design changes can become very expensive!
Getting the Custom Home of Your Dreams
For some people, building a new home can be a daunting experience. But if you follow these tips, you’ll be on your way to getting the custom home of your dreams and sleeping well at night, too.
Custom Homes in NH and MA
At Avatar Construction, we make designing and building your new home as smooth and painless as possible. With our unique, in-house approach, you’ll experience the most efficient new construction process imaginable, and end up with a brand new, custom home you’ll love. Contact us today
