14 Jun What to know when building a house
If you’re building a house for the first time or if it’s been a while between builds there are typically a few things you should know before you start the process. In this article we break down what to know when building a house and how you can make decisions that will help you create the home you’ve been dreaming of. It can be overwhelming when you start thinking about building a new home. There are lots of things to consider and it’s a big investment of both time and money over an extended period of time.
The land
Your block of land will play a large role in the type of house you build and how much it costs. You may even be living in an existing house where you want to do a knock down rebuild. At the early stage you can get a survey done to get measurements on your block. Maximising the space on your land and how your home is designed should be a priority in these early stages as you start to get a feel for things you like, don’t like and how you can effectively use the space.
Your budget
Knowing your budget early is the best way to design and build a house that not only matches your lifestyle needs but one that also works within an affordable budget. It’s pointless to start designing a home without having a budget for the build. You might be able to design the home you’ve always dreamed of, but will you be able to afford to build it.
There is a significant amount of time involved in the design phase, not to mention the cost for relevant council approvals. Be sure that you understand your budget early during the design phase. Working with the builder early can also help avoid any budget issues.
The right builder
Finding the right builder isn’t just about getting someone that is professional with a proven track record in the industry. You should be looking for a builder aligned to your needs and expectations. If your budget is lower and you are looking to build from an existing design you may be more suited to a project home builder.
If you are looking to design a home that matches your needs, lifestyle requirements and budget, then a custom home builder may be a better option. It’s important to take into account value & not just the best price when it comes to deciding on what builder to use. At the quote and tender stage be sure to get down into all the details so you are aware of what is included and how they compare to other quotes you are receiving.
How long it takes
Building a home is a big investment of time. You need to be prepared to spend 9-12 months making decisions and monitoring the build of your new home. The more time you can invest with the builder making decisions and giving feedback the smoother the build process will go. Be prepared to be busy planning, thinking about and making decisions when building your new home.