Building a new home is an exciting process, but it can also be overwhelming. There are endless decisions to be made, and it’s easy to get bogged down in the details. Most people hire a contractor to handle the construction, but even then, there are choices to be made about materials, layout, and more.
Whether you’re building your first home or your tenth, keeping the end goal in mind is important. What do you want your home to look and feel like? How do you want your family and guests to experience it? Keep your vision front and center as you work through the construction process, and you’ll be sure to end up with a home you love.
To help make the process a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of five tips to focus on when building a new home structure.
1. Choose your builder wisely.
This is likely your most important decision when building a new home. Do your research and take your time finding a builder you trust and with whom you can see yourself working closely throughout the entire process. Once you’ve found the right builder, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions and express your concerns—after all, they’re the experts!
You want to be sure that your builder understands your vision for the home and has the experience and expertise to make it a reality. Ask for references and check out their previous work to understand their style and quality. If you’re working with a contractor, they should be able to provide you with a list of subcontractors they’ve worked with in the past. Do your own research on these subcontractors to ensure they’re up to the task.
2. Consider your budget—and stick to it!
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of building a new home and go over budget. Before construction begins, sit down with your builder and go over all the costs involved, so there are no surprises down the line. Make sure to factor in things like decorative elements, appliances, furniture, and landscaping—everything that will turn your house into a home. Once you have a realistic budget in place, do your best to stick to it.
Some people choose to cut costs by doing some of the work themselves, but unless you’re a professional, it’s probably best to leave it to the experts. You don’t want to end up with a half-finished home or of poor quality just to save a few dollars.
3. Pay attention to the details.
The details will make your home unique and special—so don’t rush through them! This is where working with a good builder comes in handy because they can help guide you through all the decisions that need to be made, big and small. Everything from flooring and fixtures to paint colors and doorknobs deserves careful consideration.
One of the most essential parts of it is the concrete footing foundation. The strength of your home’s foundation rests on the quality of these footings. That’s why it’s important to choose a reputable contractor with experience pouring foundations. You also want your paint job to be top-notch, so take the time to find a good painter who will do the job right.
4. Don’t forget about storage!
One thing people often overlook when building a new home is storage. Yes, closets are essential, but there are other places storage can be incorporated as well—look under stairs, in hallways, and even in bedrooms (built-in shelving can double as both storage space AND décor). The more storage options you have, the easier it will be to keep your new home clean and clutter-free—and who doesn’t want that?
If you’re short on storage space, there are still plenty of ways to keep your home organized. Utilize decorative baskets and bins to store items out in the open, and take advantage of vertical space with wall-mounted shelves and hooks. You can also buy or build furniture with hidden storage, like ottomans with removable lids or coffee tables with drawers.
5. Enjoy the process!
Building a new home is supposed to be fun, so don’t let it become a stressful ordeal. Lean on your builder for support and advice, take time to savor each decision, and allow yourself to get excited about finally having a space that’s truly yours.
Building a new home is an exciting yet overwhelming endeavor. To help make it more manageable (and even enjoyable!), focus on these tips: choosing your builder wisely, staying mindful of your budget, paying attention to details, incorporating storage solutions, and enjoying the process! Having a clear vision for what you want your final product to look and feel like will also be key in making your new home everything you hoped for (and more). Follow these helpful suggestions to steer you in the right direction—and before you know it, you’ll be moving into your dream home!
