Building a House? A Simple Guide to the Home Building Process
Building a House? A Simple Guide to the Home Building Process
January 6, 2021 by Lexi Klinkenberg
If you’ve been searching the real estate market for the perfect home and just haven’t found the one for you, building a house can be the best possible way to guarantee the house of your dreams. Building a house offers the ultimate flexibility, giving you the freedom to take your vision and bring it to life.
However, managing the construction process isn’t always easy. Building a house from the ground up takes a lot of coordination, financial resources, and professional assistance. Here is what you need to know about the home building process.
Secure Financing For Building A House
Unless you have a lot of cash on hand, you’re likely going to need some sort of third-party financing to afford the cost of construction on a new home. Luckily, lending is available to homeowners for construction in a similar way to securing a mortgage for an existing home.
It’s important to note that construction-related loans may be slightly harder to secure than a traditional mortgage. FHA first-time homebuyer loans are limited as well for new construction, so those without a strong credit history are advised to do research to ensure adequate financing is available.
For homeowners who are confident in the construction process and are able to hold to a set timeline, construction-to-permanent loans can be an excellent option. This kind of loan allows property owners to pay contractors and other construction professionals as the work is done. That cost is then converted to a mortgage when construction is finished. Construction-to-permanent loans allow for a set interest rate at closing and consistent fixed payments.
Plan Your Home Building
Before moving forward with buying land and starting construction, you need to know what kind of home you want to build. A small plot of land may not accommodate your mansion dreams, while lots in subdivisions may have restrictions related to size and style. When planning your home, consider points like:
- Number of bedrooms
- Number of bathrooms
- Home layout, like a one-story home versus one with multiple floors
- Appearance preferences, like siding material and color
- Storage needs, including basement and attic spaces
- Open concept versus segmented rooms
- Outdoor space and landscaping
- Potential extras, like solar panels, sunlights, fireplaces, or anything else that may affect the construction process
Did you know that homes with hardwood floors consistently sell for over list price? Consider the most popular and valuable home trends across the country before building a house.
Be aware that compromise may be part of the process. It’s not unusual for plans to change as the building gets underway for cost or logistical reasons.
Purchase a Lot to Build a House on
Once you have financing secured and know what kind of final product you want, you’ll need to choose a place to build your home. Since you’re building a house you can buy land anywhere, maybe you have your sights somewhere outside of Atlanta, GA or Dallas, TX? The options are endless. Parcels of land designated for new construction may be available in numerous locations, including underdeveloped suburban areas, rural areas, and as a part of subdivision development.
In some cases, where you buy can determine things like sewer, water, and electricity. In subdivisions, these details are usually completed when land parcels are listed for sale, but in less developed areas, this may be the responsibility of the property owner. Note that more rural land not protected by the subdivision development process or city law may require title insurance.
Handle Permits and Adhere to Regulations
Home construction is a highly regulated process. It’s not possible to just purchase property and start building. All construction projects need to adhere to local zoning laws and proceed under the proper permits.
Working with the right professionals can alleviate much of this burden. Contractors and construction companies will know what kind of permits are necessary to start the building process and ensure construction follows all regulations. The lead on your project can work with you to file papers and ensure you’re prepared to move forward in a safe, legal manner.
Hire Professionals To Build A House
You may be handy with a hammer, but home construction really requires a professional team to guarantee a great final outcome. In order to bring your dreams to life, you will need to hire professionals for this process. This may include:
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- Land grading company: They have extensive knowledge on issues such as how to properly work with various types of soil and plants, and can advise you on the best methods for removing obstacles, and what kinds of structures can be placed in certain areas.
- Architect: They see the big picture. Creating the complete look of your home, interiors and exteriors, that satisfy functional needs and are exciting spaces to live in.
- Custom home builders: A custom home builder will guide you through each phase of the home building process. They will work with you to coordinate costs and design your ideal home, inside and out. This will likely involve working with an architect, interior designer, and landscape specialists.
- Construction company: A construction company will handle everything from building the foundation to the final framing of the home.
- Electricians: They’ll make sure any fixed appliance that requires electricity, as well as any electrical outlets, will have the necessary electrical wiring installed. The electrician will run cables and wires to all switches, outlets, appliances and lighting fixtures throughout your home.
- Plumbers: A plumber will install all plumbing fixtures, septic tanks and sewer lines in the home.
- HVAC professionals: They will install all climate control systems in the home.
- Interior Designers: Hiring an interior designer early in the home building process can be helpful for everything from furniture placement to planning for special finishes to determining locations of electrical outlets and plumbing fittings.
The specifics of hiring will vary from one property to another. For example, land sold as part of a subdivision development may not require grading, but rural land purchased outside city limits might.
Hiring the Right Home Building Team
Land excavators, contractors, architects, and construction companies come in all shapes and sizes, and some are better than others. Instead of hiring the first names you come across online or in the phone book, be sure to do your due diligence on both reputation and abilities.
In some cases, like some government lending programs, including the USDA, approval of a particular builder or contractor is required to secure financing. Under these circumstances, it’s extremely important to pick competent, qualified professionals that can exceed expectations.
When evaluating professionals to work on your home, be sure to keep the following points in mind:
- Work experience; a competent team should have several years minimum of experience in single-family home construction, including homes in the size and style you have in mind.
- Adequate commercial liability insurance of $50,000 or more
- Proper contractor or construction licensing and any other permits required to operate legally
- Reference checks that include verification of quality service from previous clients
Many professionals provide free or affordable quotes and estimates as well. Seek pricing options from all your top candidates to best guide the decision-making process. Be aware that estimates can move and change as the building progresses, so choosing a team at the very top of your budget could lead to potential problems should issues arise.
Oversee Building A House
Once you have secured financing, purchased land, arranged for all necessary permits according to local law, and hired the best possible professionals to help, the building process can get underway. This process can be quite fast using modern technology, but will still require numerous steps to complete.
- Land Preparation: Before breaking ground, construction teams will need to make sure the land is ideal for construction. This can mean clearing and grading the area, digging trenches, and confirming utility installation.
- Foundation and Footings: Once the land is ready, construction crews will build a foundation. Foundations may be slab, crawl space, or full basement, depending on region and land type, and will involve poured concrete with reinforced steel rods for security and stability.
- Framing: When the foundation is firmly in place, construction workers will build the frame, or the skeleton of the house. This can include subfloors, joists, trusses, and studs. If construction occurs during a high precipitation time of year, windows and roofing may also be installed during framing to prevent weather damage.
- Utility Installation: After completion of the core of a home, contractors can install electricity, water, plumbing, and HVAC systems. All of these installations should be approved by an inspector after completion.
- Insulation and Drywall: Insulation will be added to all exterior walls, floors, and ceilings and covered with drywall. Options include fiberglass, foam, and cellulose insulation. Drywall will also be hung on interior walls and primed with paint.
- Interior and Exterior Finishes: Once the basics are more or less complete, crews will install interior finishes, like molding, baseboards, doors, counters, cupboards, and other essentials. Contractors may also tackle things like driveways, walkways, and other landscaping requirements at this time.
- Flooring and Fixtures: The last interior step generally involves installing flooring and all other fixtures, like faucets, light switches, tubs, toilets, and heat register covers.
- Final Inspection: Once all features of a home have been built out, a final inspection is advised. Home inspections are a good idea for a new property as well as existing property, ensuring all elements of a home are in good working order and up to code. If builders made any mistakes in the process, an inspection can bring this to light so that repairs can be made before final project completion.
Thomas Building Company – Listen Better, Plan Better, Build Better
Building a house can be a stressful process, but there’s no better way to ensure your new house meets your every expectation. With a thorough understanding of the home building process, you can approach the construction of your dream home with care and confidence.
At Thomas Building, we are committed to helping you realize your dreams throughout the building process, so it is hassle-free and enjoyable. Owner Drew Gasser has 25 years of delivering beautiful custom homes to many satisfied homeowners.
Originally Published on Redfin
7 Reasons to Build a Custom Home
7 Reasons To Build a Custom Home
Building a custom home in Baton Rouge, LA, is not just for the rich and famous or the pinnacle of your success. In fact, for those who work hard and want the finest craftsmanship and design built your way, it can be the most satisfying investment of your time and money. Here in this article, we offer seven reasons to create a custom home that we think are essential to consider.
1. Built Your Way
You have searched and admired many Baton Rouge homes and interior space ideas on Houzz, Pinterest, or perhaps your favorite TV show, HGTV. When you build a custom luxury home, you incorporate your wishes, desires, and style into a home that will last you a lifetime. You are looking for reasons to build a custom home versus buying a speculative home. Building your custom home doesn’t have to be a daunting task; in fact, with the right builder can be a gratifying experience. At Thomas Building Company, we simplify the decision-making process by involving our recommended consultants in architecture and interior design to facilitate our team in the home building experience allowing you to express your vision and create your ultimate dream home.
2. Creating Memorable Living Spaces
Do you love to entertain and always wanted an outdoor kitchen and open outdoor living space, or create a room with the right natural sunlight? Your custom home built with Thomas Building is a blank canvas where we help you bring your vision, design, and wishes together to create memorable living spaces for your family. With Thomas Building, our experts will listen better, plan better, and build better to guide you through the process with their 30 plus years of experience. Building a custom home allows you to customize every aspect of your home.
3. Built for a Lifetime
We don’t just build homes; we create unforgettable memories that you and your family will enjoy for a lifetime. When you purchase an existing home or spec home, it wasn’t built or designed for what you need now and what you’ll want later. Whether you need flexible space for a growing family or more room for entertaining, we’ll design and build a house that endures a test of time that creates a lifetime of joy for your family. We offer high-quality craftsmanship, inspired design, attention to detail, and dedicated service with a commitment to deliver the home of your dreams.
4. Location, Location, Location
Choosing to purchase a lot in the most desirable neighborhood or location that fits your long-term needs and desires can be the best investment decision you can make. Building a custom home of your dreams can significantly improve your quality of life and overall happiness. It’s all up to you. Existing homes and speculative homes don’t always fulfill your needs, and you tend to sacrifice your actual needs and desires. Our team of experts will assist you in all aspects of the design, build, and even best ways to situate your home on the lot to get the best curb appeal and natural light in the house.
5. Invest in Your Future
When we build your custom home, rest assured we use high-quality building materials and utilize experienced craftsmen. In addition, we offer an industry-standard structural and craftsmanship warranty on our homes. On the other hand, when purchasing an existing home, there’s unforeseen wear and tear, and uncertain and unexpected future costs. When you build a custom home with Thomas Building, you are investing in a custom and energy-efficient home that will save you money today and in the future.
6. Fixed Cost Budget– No Surprises
Cost containment involved in a fixed cost proposal is one of the primary reasons to build a custom home. Our fixed-cost proposal gives you peace of mind that no unexpected cost will arise. Our expert subcontractors and suppliers allow us to access quality materials, with the highest value, at an affordable price. When you buy an existing home, you are paying for features or space that you may not want or need. However, when you build custom, you have the freedom to choose where you invest your dollars. At Thomas Building, we believe in transparent pricing. No hidden costs, no unwelcomed surprises—you have total control of your investment.
7. Live Efficiently
Existing older homes may require costly maintenance and renovation to modernize the home to your family’s needs. Thomas Building custom homes are energy-efficient, with smart home features, and your family’s comfort in mind. Existing homes can cost more to maintain and run—especially when buy more space than you need. Quality custom construction from Thomas Building Company translates into a more efficient home and lower utility bills. We partner with you throughout the design process. We listen and help you identify your needs, so your home has everything you always wanted in a new home.
Thomas Building Company – We Listen Better, We Plan Better, and We Build Better!
We hope you found this content helpful. Our goals at Thomas Building Company are to help you create unforgettable and memorable spaces, that enhance your family’s lifestyle. We’re in the business of building unique, personalized, and extraordinary custom homes because they bring to life the joys of the house and family life. We would like to help you build your next custom home in Baton Rouge, LA. When you’re ready to talk, we’re prepared to listen and answer your questions.