Having a house is one of the most important things that we should achieve. Having a noticeably beautiful home may be a big dream to work towards, but worthwhile nonetheless! For sure, most of us have what we call our “dream house.” This means that we already have an idea of all the things we would like for our home – from colors to designs, etc. However, we sometimes do not push this dream of ours, thinking that if we have our house customized according to our liking, it would cost us more. This is also because oftentimes, people think that the process will take too long and would need a lot of work and money, from choosing the right lot to purchase to planning the house design with the architects and then contacting house builders.
This is said to be a common confusion because, in reality, this process can be done in reverse order. You first find a builder so you can together choose the lot and create the layout of the house. It’s cheaper and faster, too! Let me tell you why.
What Is a Custom-Built Home?
A custom-built home is a house designed particularly for a specific client in one particular location. This is designed by an architect or house designer and made by housebuilders.
Finding a House Builder
According to the National Association of Home Builders, if you are planning to build your home, take note of the following:
Start Here
The first thing you need to do is make a list of possible builders you will choose from. There are associations for home builders in every locality, so you may contact the one in your area and ask for a list.
Other than the local association, you may also try to check in newspapers (real estate section). By doing this, you will have information as to which builders are active in your area, what types of houses they are building, their price range, etc.
Other than the above-mentioned, you may ask real estate agents or even friends and families who might have any idea about your concern.
Time to Ask Your Questions
After having the list, you may now start calling them one by one. Make sure that you have your list of questions ready to make sure you will get all information needed before you make the call.
You may ask how much will everything cost, the package’s inclusions, who are their current or previous clients if they have an established financial plan, etc., and all other questions you have in mind relating to your plan of building a house.
To See Is to Believe
After contacting each builder in the list and they provide you with some of their recent or previous buyers, you may try to visit the location and check the place.
It would be better if the owners are at home when you visit so you can talk to them to get some more information and see if they satisfy with the builder’s performance.
Quality and Value Are Always First in Line
Always grab the opportunity whenever there are open houses and home shows sponsored by builders so you can see and inspect the houses yourself.
Check the quality of every area, including the carpentry, paint, cabinetry, trim work, etc. See if everything is of good quality and is appropriate with the value given by the builder. Ask questions and take notes if necessary.
House Builders
Certainly, there are many home builders in your area, so you have to choose very carefully. Examples of home builders include Virginia Builders, Florida Custom Homes, Mccutcheon Builders, etc.
It is better if you choose one that is near your place, but if you like a particular company that’s a little further in your area, that will not be a problem.
What Should a House Builder Do?
If you have chosen your house builder company already, you must know their responsibilities when you hire their services. In general, builders are the ones who coordinate all constructions done in building a house, office, or buildings.
Architects make the designs and blueprints, but housebuilders are the ones physically working to build the house.
Builders Are Responsible For:
(Before the construction)
- Estimate all quotations
- Prepare a contract
- Make a project schedule or timeline
- Processing necessary consents and permits concerning the construction
- Have the land surveyed so they could design it well (for drainage, etc.)
- Coordinate with the plumbers and electrician for the water and electrical supply
- Arrange material deliveries
(During the construction)
Oversee the whole process from the start :
- Laying of the foundation
- Framing houses
- Install roofing
- Organize tradespeople to do specific jobs (carpenter for flooring, landscapers for the front yard, painters for the paint, etc.)
- Make sure that each of their people is performing as expected
(After the construction)
- Do the of the aftercare
Laws for House Building
After you have done all your research about the different options you have for a house building company, do not forget that it is also beneficial if you know the laws governing the process of building your home.
This is to ensure that you will be doing things following the law and avoid penalties.
Every state in the US follows a mix of common and statutory law, except for Louisiana, because they apply the civil law system. Following are some:
Approval of the Lot
You need to have your plan to build a house on your land approved. You have to make sure that your parcel is an approved building site before starting your plan of constructing your home.
To do that, get the parcel map, find your Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN). These records are usually available in the city hall.
Zoning
Minimum zoning requirements include the size of the lot, the width of the frontage, and the dimensions.
Ordinances and Covenants
You have to check the law of the city where you want to have the construction done and also check with the Homeowners’ Association. Each has its ordinances and covenants that you need to follow.
Also, check with the laws regarding building plans and other permits needed for the construction to be approved.
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