A family home is an important investment. A lot goes through your mind as you contemplate building your new family home. The implications do not however dampen your excitement because ultimately you will have a home that is yours.
It is an adventure to be cherished but it can also come with its share of frustrations. It is therefore important to take the time to make smart decisions.
What You Must Have in Mind
Before you even start talking to a builder, there are few issues that you must take into consideration. Here are a few of the things you need to think about.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle will dictate your home design. For instance:
- Your hobbies and habits
- Entertainment-do you plan to have overnight guests on a regular basis?
- You may need a trophy room
- Location- especially if you are fond of early morning or evening jogging or walks
- Storage space
Your Budget
How much money you have to spend on the project dictates the size and style of your house. You may also have to weigh the pros and cons of building as opposed to buying because the financing is different in each case.
There are two factors to consider:
- Pre-approval from your bank
- Speaking to a builder first
Getting pre-approved gives you an edge but not all banks offer construction loans. Builders have established relationships with many banks in the course of their work.
Location
Safety is always a consideration with regard to where you plan to live. Other considerations include facilities such as schools, hospitals, closeness to a town and shopping malls.
When purchasing land, have a building inspection to inform you on requirements such as regulations, utilities and any restrictions that may be in place.
Choosing a Builder
This is not difficult but you should not contract the first builder you come across. The one you choose must have the same design aesthetics as you. Additionally, check out references which include experience and testimonials from past clients.
Have Resale in Mind
Your first home may not be your last. With changing times and needs, you may need to upgrade in future. Therefore, have the potential resale value in mind. Too many upgrades will hike the price of your home. Also, avoid going for extraordinary features because they will make reselling difficult.
Expect the Unexpected
It is not always to have a hiccup-free experience with construction. Even with the best laid plans, there is always the possibility that something will go wrong. Should that happen, your home builder should be able to take care of it.
Conclusion
Only you can envision the final product. Make sure that your builder works within your vision so that you get your money’s worth.