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While most people would agree that it’s easier to buy a home than to build one yourself, building your own custom home is far more rewarding. You will get total control over the entire construction process, so the final product is sure to complement your lifestyle and personal needs as perfectly as possible. But you can’t do it alone! To ensure your custom home is functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing, you’ll need to gather a team of professionals. Here are the four people you need on your side as you build your own home from scratch.
Moneylender
The very first step in building your own home is getting a loan. Although a moneylender isn’t someone you will hire, they will still play an important role in your project. There are several steps involved in financing a custom home build, from getting pre-approved for a mortgage to taking out a construction loan, so it’s important to work with a reputable moneylender.
Before you break ground on your new home, make sure you’re prepared to cover all of the associated costs. Be ready to face large expenses at every step of the building process. For example, This Old House reports that the average single family home built in 2021 will cost $311,455, depending on the size and construction materials. Additionally, if you want a detached garage, you can expect that price to increase. Major systems, like HVAC and plumbing, cost about $11,000 each. You can expect to spend another $68,000 on interior finishes, including drywall, insulation, cabinets, counters, and flooring. Be sure to build a budget and track your expenses every step of the way to avoid financial complications!
Architect
While you probably know exactly what you want your home to look like, you will need to work with an architect to turn your ideas into usable blueprints. Your architect can also keep an eye on the construction process to ensure your plans are being implemented correctly. To find the perfect architect, MyMove recommends reviewing architect timelines to ensure they can work with your own. You should also review portfolios to ensure their past work aligns with the style and design you’re looking for.
It’s critical to interview candidates carefully. Ask about things like what services are offered by the agency, their track record of successful planning applications, how they charge, and how they go about guaranteeing their timeline to completion. If you can’t get on the same page with this professional, you will have trouble moving forward smoothly with your build.
You also might wish to explore BIM services for your project. 3D modeling can give you a more practical idea of your final product than simple sketches and blueprints will provide. The last thing you want to do is start out with a design that doesn’t meet your needs, and with a 3D model you can move forward with added confidence.
Subcontractors
Your home builder will contract a number of different specialists to work on your home. These subcontractors bring their specific expertise to the building project, ensuring every element of your home is built to the highest quality. Some of the subcontractorsinvolved in home building include drywallers, plumbers, electricians, and roofers. Your home builder likely has a list of reliable subtractors they call on for building projects.
Building Inspector
A building inspector is a necessary member of your home-building team. It’s a good idea to have your home inspected three times during the construction process: once before the foundation is poured, a second time after the framing is finished, and a third time after the entire construction project is complete. According to Michael Roberts Construction, some typical problems revealed in new home inspections include damaged building materials, cut corners, incomplete projects, and issues with the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.
If you’re embarking on a home building journey, make sure you have the right people on your team. After all, a custom home is one of the most expensive things you may ever buy! To ensure your home is built how you want, take the time to find reliable professionals who have extensive experience and a passion for your project.