Building Custom... and where do I start?

You’re a connoisseur of the finer things.  And what’s out on the housing market just didn’t check the boxes.  Let’s talk Custom Homes.

When a client has a very specific list of wants and needs, sometimes there is no better option than to build custom.  But when building custom, it can be a less intuitive process, so having help from a skilled real estate professional will ensure that you get exactly what you want when you open that door to your brand new home.

So let's discuss steps.

1. Financing.  Are you buying with cash or financing?  Eitherway, we need to determine our price range and where we are most comfortable.

2. Interview builders.  Your real estate professional will most likely have a list of great builders that they work with which is always a great place for recommendations.  What you will be evaluating is their portfolio of work, how well their communication process is, and of course costs. 

3. Find a house plan.  Of course you could design from scratch, however, it can be easier and cheaper if you find a set of drawings to make changes to.  The builder may have different options, or you could find a seemingly unlimited number of designs other people have already paid good money to have created, that you can get for a fraction of the cost.  And for my less creative buyers, this will give you so many ideas to pull from.  This is one of the fun parts.

4. Find your land. Now that you know what you want to build and who will build it, it's time to look for land.  Knowing what you want to build and having the builder already lined up, when you are looking at lots, will help you determine the right lot and eliminate a lot of wasted time and money on the wrong spots.

5. Writing a contract.  Once under contract, depending on the terms, you will be glad to have your builder partner helping you through any inspections, permits, and reviews.

And hopefully if everything looks good, you will be headed to closing on your lot so that you can start construction on your new dream home!