Who said building a house was easy? If you’ve ever done it before, chances are you’ll agree. Whether you’re planning to build a new home or simply doing renovations, there’s much that goes into construction and design. Here’s what you wish you knew before starting:
1. Your Budget Is Only the Beginning
You know how much money you want to spend and where your priorities lie — now decide if this amount will actually cover everything your dream home entails. You may need to make some concessions as well as pay for unexpected costs such as permits or materials for special features (like insulation or cabinets).
2. Permits Don’t Take Forever… Usually
If you want to build in an area with specific zoning rules and restrictions, chances are you’ll need to apply for a permit. If you make any changes or renovations, they may require another permit. Although obtaining one can take quite some time and effort, it’s also possible that your application will be rejected — so it’s best not to cut corners.
3. You Might Have More Land Than You Realize
If you’re planning on building a single-story house on the land available, think again — unless your idea of home improvement is digging holes and filling them up later. Before starting construction, think about what you really want from your new house and which features might benefit from more space (for example, an attic with lots of storage).
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4. Retaining Walls Can Save A Bunch of Money
If the ground on your property is not completely flat, you’ll want to build a retaining wall before starting construction. This will create level spaces for the building and ensure that the house doesn’t crack or sink over time. Depending on how much land you have, this can save a lot of money — especially if it means avoiding a foundation with a complicated shape.
5. You Shouldn’t Retain Your Excitement
It’s normal to be excited — but it could really hurt later if you’re unprepared. It’s best not to cut corners when doing renovations or building a new home because that can often backfire in more ways than one (you might realize something’s off once the walls are up). Don’t forget to account for everything, from the number of electric sockets to the type of insulation needed.
6. You Might Want More Than One Way Out
Think about what you’re going to need from a new house — and then think ahead if you’re planning on adding a porch or a deck. Decide whether your home’s front entrance only needs one door or if it should have both. If there are multiple stories, make sure that you’ll be able to evacuate without effort in case of an emergency (think about locations as well as access).
7. It’s All About Style… But Not Everything Should Be
Don’t forget that building materials affect the way homes look — but many other things do too (such as roofing material, exterior paint colors, or even furniture styles). Although it might seem like a hassle to coordinate all of these details, the outcome will definitely be worth your effort (and budget).
8. Nothing Is That Simple… Except For Plans?
You might want to start building before you’ve finished planning — but that’s not ideal. The chances are that you’ll end up with some unexpected costs if you don’t do things in the right order (such as when electrical outlets aren’t in an easy-to-reach location once walls are put up).
9. It’s Better to Buy a House Than to Build A Home
It takes a lot of time and money to build a house — so it’s better to consider the option of purchasing one instead. The process might be slower, but there’s far less risk involved (after all, you’ll know how old the building is and whether previous renovations were done properly). You can consider buying a home in a real estate development with the right amenities and features such as a swimming pool, clubhouse, and more. Donnybrooke offers house and land packages for sale with amenities like these.
10. … And No Home Is Perfect
Although careful planning can save a lot of time and money, nothing is ever completely perfect — especially since there may be unforeseen issues along the way (such as hazardous materials which need to be removed). Achieving your dream home doesn’t need to be easy — but it isn’t supposed to be hard either.
Building a house can be an extremely rewarding experience, but it’s important to remember that there are a lot of things to consider before starting construction. By following the advice in this article, you’ll be able to avoid some of the most common mistakes and make sure that your dream home becomes a reality.
