The Ultimate List of Home Building Tips

The home building process can be difficult and time consuming. It’s hard to know what to expect or what you need to do. One way to prevent this is to choose a reputable dependable contractor to build your home. A good contractor will guide you through every step of the process putting their experience and knowledge to work for you. In addition, there are 10 other tips that we suggest for those managing the home building process.

Communication

Establish open communication with the builder from the very beginning. Effective and regular communication is essential in the home building process. Your contractor should communicate with you regularly in regards to timelines, material purchasing, home issues, and any other information pertinent to the build.

Settlement

Be prepared for settlement. Ask your lender for the HUD pamphlet “Settlement Costs.” Lenders are required to provide loan applicants with this pamphlet within 3 business days of the loan application. Lenders also must provide a good faith estimate of your settlement costs within 3 business days of your application. These costs generally run between 3 and 6 percent of the price of the house. Prepare for settlement costs ahead of time to keep your build moving forward.

Be Involved

Ask a lot of questions and take notes during scheduled walk-throughs. Make sure you understand how to operate the new features and appliances in your home. Be sure to get information regarding any active warranties and/or home permits.

Curb Appeal

Although you will most likely be spending more of your time indoors rather than outdoors; don’t overlook the exterior of your home. Sprucing up your home’s exterior is important to your home’s curb appeal.And creates an inviting outdoor area for entertaining.

Mortgage Insurance

Make a mental note about private mortgage insurance (PMI). It is designed to protect the lender from losses if the buyer defaults on the mortgage. Lenders generally require a down-payment of less than 20 percent. Also, lenders often will allow buyers to drop PMI after 7 to 10 years. However, it is the buyer’s responsibility to notify the lender in writing to request that the PMI be dropped. The insurance will not be automatically canceled.

Home Inventory

Once you’re in your new home, make sure to take a home inventory. That way, if disaster strikes, you’ll be able to report exactly what you lost to your homeowner’s insurance provider. You may want take a videotape walk-through of your new home and possessions.

Security

Consider a basic security system. Thanks to technology there are many in home security systems that can be operated via a smartphone app and cost less than $200. A home is one of the largest investments you’ll ever make and it’s worth protecting.

Maintenance

Part of owning a home is taking care of it. Start off on the right foot and stock up on your home maintenance supplies before you move in including tools, lawn supplies, etc. Things do break and accidents do happen, so you will be glad you have these items when you need them.

Change Orders

Make sure all changes to the building contract are in writing and additional costs are determined. Your contractor should submit change orders for your approval  prior to work being completed.

Celebrate!

Have fun! It’s a well-known fact that folks who build a house feel a stronger emotional attachment to their homes and tend to settle down for a much longer period of time. This is most likely because they played such a critical part in its design, planning, and construction.

If you’re looking for a contractor to build the home of your dreams, we can help! Contact Us.