When it’s time to build your dream home, you want the process to go smoothly. If this is your first experience with having a new house built, then you may feel overwhelmed by everything. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to ensure that your new living space is everything you’ve been dreaming of.

The Detailed Plan

It’s important to be specific when you’re building a home. Deciding on the number of bedrooms is only the beginning. Take the time to look at different plans and options to see if you want more windows in certain areas, love the feel of window seats or really want a sunroom. Take the time to consider how much closet space you really need, where the laundry room should be and how much storage you’re looking for in the pantry. This is a major investment, and your detailed plan will ensure that it suits your needs perfectly. An inspiration board can be a great place to keep track of all the little features and ideas that you like. This way, you won’t forget to add a cool feature to your kitchen or bedroom when it’s time to develop the plans.  You can also find great ideas on Pinterest where you can design your inspiration board and start pinning great finds to it!

Realistic Budgets

One of the hardest things to work with is your own budget. This starts with determining how much money you can realistically spend on your new home. Speak openly with your builder about potential hidden costs, including the final clean-up, permits and scrap materials. As you work through the process, remember that any changes you make will typically drive the cost up. Ask your builder to tell you up front when a shift in the plans will cause an upward climb in the cost. Once you’ve determined the budget for your project, add 10 percent to it to allow for unexpected expenses. Based on your price range, you can either move forward or make adjustments as necessary.

Location, Location, Location

Choosing the right location can be challenging, but it’s worth the extra work. When you’re working up the detailed plan, your location should also be at the front of your mind. Ask yourself if you want to be out in the country or closer to the metropolitan area. The school districts can have a drastic impact on future values, so you should look for a good school district even if you don’t have children. When it comes to building a home that will hold its value, location is incredible important.

Safety Considerations

Building codes are in place to ensure that homes are safe, and the inspection process is in place to ensure that the standards are being upheld at all levels. However, you can make your new home even safer by adding smoke alarms, exterior lighting and security systems. Consider a built-in nightlight for the hallway outside of the bedrooms, and have LED lights put along exterior steps for ambiance and safety.

The Professional Experience

Building a house is not a job for the average do-it-yourself. In addition to building the structure, you also need professionals to deal with the wiring, plumbing, roofing, windows, and finishing work. While you could schedule and coordinate different people on your own, you may find that it’s faster and less stressful to simply work with a general contractor. When you go with one company to handle the entire project, you can sit back and relax while someone else deals with the timeline and coordination. Before hiring a builder, take the time to do a background check, speak with references and see if they have any complaints against them.

When it’s time to build your dream home, it’s important to know where to start. Your detailed plans can be used by the designer to create the perfect floor plan. The budget plays vital role, so be upfront with the various professionals about the level that you’re trying to remain under. Finally, work with a professional to ensure that the home is safe for your family, up to the government’s sustainability standards and built to last.