Tips for building a home
Building a home is the best way to get exactly what you want but it’s important to know what to expect. We’ve put together some tips for building a home that should help make it a smooth and rewarding experience.
By being prepared and knowing what new home construction involves, it will alleviate your stress. You will want to know how much it will cost, how long it will take and what is included in the price. There should not be any major surprises.
Tips to consider
Know if the land is included or costs extra. Do you have to find the property or is this something with which your builder can help you? The cost of the land needs to be part of your overall budget.
Do you want custom or a pre-existing floor plan? Your builder will likely have some floor plans you can choose from but be sure to check if you can customize it. Some make you take it as-is and if you want modifications you have to pay for a custom design. Other contractors will let you modify the plans to fit your needs and your style.
Know what features you get to choose. You should be able to pick everything you want as far as finishes, cabinets, countertops, flooring, and other products and features. The contractor may have a group of items you can choose from so make sure you understand what you get.
What types of building permits are needed? You don’t have to know all the details about every permit you will need but make sure that your contractor does. They should be getting permits as well as inspections from the county. You can call county government and check permits online. They also have to be posted at the construction site.
How much are the impact fees? Some counties and municipalities charge building impact fees. This is something your contract should know. You need to know if that’s already included in the price your contractor quoted. You can learn about county impact fees by visiting the city and/or county where your home is located. In Collier County, you can use the Impact Fee Calculator. For Lee County, visit the county website for the fee schedule.
What are the financing options? Some general contractors will have financing services available or will have recommendations for you. Understand the contract and payment schedule. Make sure you know what the contract includes and how it will be paid.
How long will it take to build? There are many factors that impact the amount of time it takes to build a home. Getting the necessary permits and inspections can sometimes hold up the process. Special custom designs and products can also take longer to order, deliver and install. You should get a good idea of how long the entire project will take before you begin and get regular updates from your contractor.
Do a walk through with the contractor before final payment. Make sure you walk through the home with the contractor to review any potential issues or concerns. Make sure that all the inspections were complete and that a certificate of occupancy has been issued.
These are a few helpful tips for building a home that will help you through the process. As long as you have the right contractor, you should be happy with the results. Request a free consultation.