5 Tips Before Building a New Home

Building a new home can be overwhelming even for homeowners that have previously experienced the process.  The home builder you choose should have a wealth of experience that translates into a very routine process for them.  But we know that building a home from the homeowners perspective is anything but routine.  It is important that you play an active role from the very beginning to ensure you end up with the home you initially envisioned.  Below are 5 things you should understand before you start building a new home.

Create a budget
It can't be said enough, but creating a budget (and sticking to it!) will help eliminate much of the stress caused by overspending that tends to occur when building a new home.  Working with your home builder from the onset will help you understand what can be accomplished with your set budget.  Many home builders will provide pricing options for certain features in youu home you are looking for.  Making compromises along the way is a great way to get what you want in your home without breaking the bank.  

Work with a quality builder
There are many home builders from which to choose, and with the economy being down, many contractors have gotten into the custom home building business.  Don't leave anything to chance by working with a less that qualified home builder.  Do your homework, look for home building photos, testimonials, and ask for references.  Quality home builders will be more than happy to supply you with everything you need when looking to choose the home builder that is right for you.

Think long term
Many future homeowners set out to build their home that is fit to meet their immediate need.  Take into consideration your future plans for growing your family.  You should also think about the resale value of your home.  Thinking too much "out of the box" can be a good fit for your design tastes, but it can also come back to haunt you down the road.  Timeless, classic design ideas is the safest route to take when thinking about the resale value of your home. 

Consider your surroundings
Building a new home in an established neighborhood can be a good idea, but think about how your home will look in its natural surroundings.  Standing out from other homes in a neighborhood can be a curse and actually hurt in the resale value.   Select an area that will compliment the design of your home before you decide to build.  One specific area to consider is building a home on a lake.  Lake homes can accomplish both form and function if you choose the right home builder.  Remember to blend your design style into the backdrop of your surroundings.

Punch it out
Many new homeowners identify problems with their home once they settlein..  This problem can be avoided by creating a punch list.  A punch list is a list created that shows the work that still needs to be completed in the home.  Usually the builder and the homeowner will create this list during your final walk through.  We recommend taking notes every time you review the work done by the home builder to ensure everything is done to your satisfaction.

Building a new home should be an exciting experience.  Avoiding some of the pitfalls that many homeowners experience can be avoided by doing your homework and working with professional home builders that have your best interest in mind. 


About us
Sullivan & Forbes is a custom home builder who has built a wide range of custom homes for our customers since 1997.  We take pride in our ability to listen to listen to the needs of our customers, create a design that matches their need, and then executing a home build to their exact specifications.