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Building A Home

If you build it, pleasure will come By Brett Cornwright
Article provided by The Original Relocation Guide – Western, NC

Today’s home buyer is presented with more options than ever before. There are so many ways you can find the home of your dreams that it’s often impossible to exhaust all of the possibilities. One way that you can be sure that all of your family’s needs are met by a new home, is, of course, to have one built to suit. As you will soon find out, there are also many ways to tackle what can seem at times like an overwhelming project. But, with a little help from the many qualified professionals in Western North Carolina, building your dream home is easier than ever.

The first decision to make is choosing between a custom or buying a spec home, and preparation will make it less of a challenge. Knowing what you want before you start building will allow you and your builder more time in the details of your dream home.

These days, a custom home is no longer within reach of only the very wealthy. Customization can mean anything from start-from-scratch design and individually made, one-of-a-kind fittings to simply combining one or more existing plans, moving a room here, adding one there, and choosing from the huge selection of standard products and materials that are available to today’s builders.

So the question is: Should you choose a custom homebuilder or a production homebuilder? The answer is, of course, it depends.

It depends on whether you want to choose a production builder’s floor plans or work with a builder or contractor to customize your own floor plans. Is the exterior of your home just as important as its interior? Will a production, or spec, builder allow you to stay within your budget better than a custom builder?

So how do you come to the decision of “going custom” versus using a spec builder? Start by asking yourself these questions: Do you already have land on which you want to build your home? Is having a home unique to your personal tastes very important? If the answers are yes, then you probably should consider a custom builder.

Custom builders work with you to create a home specific to your needs. Once you’ve done your homework (interviewed multiple builders, checked builder references), and chosen a suitable custom builder, then you can sit down and design your home. It may be a good idea to bring any home plans that you would like to use for ideas or as a guide to build your house. Your builder will help you make modifications where necessary.

A good builder or contractor will help you stay within your budget. All the options, or extras (say, an oversized steam room), that you want to add should be put on hold until the basics – like land or lot size, home size, and dimensions, among other details – have been determined. Remember, it is important to stay focused on the fundamentals.

Typically, once you have settled on the design of your home, a preliminary house plan is drawn up, and you and the builder will discuss any finishes such as front and side elevations. Always remember to discuss warranty issues before you sign your contract. And be sure you choose the right contract for what you need. Be aware of what should be paid up front and at what stages you should expect to pay any other out-of-pocket expenses. Keep in mind your builder should share your complete vision of your home; surprises should be kept to a minimum. You want to be sure of as many details as possible before you begin work on the project.

Using a production/spec builder is similar to using a custom builder in that you will work extensively with him or her in the early stages of construction. However, instead of working with a builder/contractor/architect to design your home, you will choose a stock floor plan for your home.

Because rarely are stock floor plans perfect for any one purchaser, there may be some minor structural or mechanical changes you would like to make. Be sure to draw those changes on the floor plan and make copies for all necessary parties. You will also want to be sure to convey your changes in a timely fashion. If the decision to add a four-foot garage extension can be made early on, discuss this with your builder as soon as possible. Keep in mind that sometimes such changes may affect the price of your home.

One advantage of using a production builder is buying a preexisting, or market, home. These homes are already built, have never been occupied, and can include single-family homes, condos, or townhouses. Another advantage is an anticipated smooth building process because the materials are mostly prefabricated and easy to assemble, which can help keep costs down. Also, like the composer who plays the same concerto night after night, a spec builder can easily build your home, oftentimes with very little input from you. And just as with a custom builder, be sure you understand warranty issues and contract terms.

First-time homebuyers often choose spec builders because they can offer a broader price spectrum than custom builders, who tend to build high-end homes. Spec builders can offer anywhere from low-end homes to high-end luxury homes with numerous floor plans to choose from.

Most builders offer some attractive features for those looking for that special decorative touch. Options are the fun part of constructing a home. At this stage you begin to consider which design-upgraded fixtures and appliances will go into your home.

In Western North Carolina, many popular interior trends include media centers, or home theaters, and gourmet kitchens. On the outside, low maintenance exteriors such as vinyl siding and brick are still in demand.

Quality building materials and company reputation are important factors to consider when looking at either a production or spec builder. Be sure to ask builders for referrals from their current homebuyers. This is an excellent opportunity to get an insider’s view.

With so many things to consider, it’s no doubt that the home-building process can be a little daunting and scary. But rest assured that the professionals in Western North Carolina are ready to share their expertise to ensure a smooth, home-building experience for you.