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High-tech wiring. State-of-the-art kitchens. Built-in bars, saunas and hot tubs.
Going custom means having total control of the design and construction of a new home. When building a custom home, there are a number of things to consider.
The following checklist outlines some of the most important steps to think about when building a custom home.
- Set a Budget
Before approaching a custom homebuilder, it’s important to have a solid budget. By discussing budgeting parameters with a banker, builder and architect early on, the guidelines are set for the rest of the process.
- Choose the Right Builder
Selecting a builder is one of the most crucial steps since the custom homebuilder will guide the process through to the end. Tips include: interviewing several builders in the area and within the required price range; checking each builder’s references, including those from clients and financial institutions; and finding out if the builder has carved out long-term relationships with vendors, suppliers and manufacturers since this will be a good indicator of the builder’s reputation.
- Select the Right Architect
The next step in the process is to select an architect or a custom designer. First, decide whether an architect or a designer is needed. Discuss all the options with the builder and keep in mind that the home’s size, the general specifications, and the overall budget for the structure and finishing items must be agreed upon.
- Find the Land
Land is a large portion of the construction budget, especially in the Washington, DC metropolitan area where the cost of the land can amount to one-quarter to one-half of the overall cost of a home. The first rule of thumb is to work with a builder to determine how this cost will fit into the overall budget. Once an affordable lot is located, walk the site with the builder and architect to uncover any potential hidden costs. Then assess the layout possibilities of the future home.
- Develop the Land
Land development is the excavation of the future home’s site, like hauling off dirt or bringing it in, clearing trees, digging septic fields and sewer, water and utility connections, landscaping and paving driveways and driveway piers. Although the extremes of land development will vary for each project, it is important to enter the custom homebuilding process knowing what the land development costs will be. Ask the builder to help determine the land development costs up front to ensure the accuracy of the overall budget.
- Choose an Interior Designer
Many custom homebuilders offer interior design in conjunction with their services. However, if an outside decorator or interior designer is selected, be sure he or she understands the budget parameters and the importance of making selections in a timely manner.
- Follow a Timeline
Every builder follows a different timetable when building a custom home. But for planning purposes, it’s beneficial to have a timeline in place. On average it takes about eight months to finish a 4,000 square-foot, two-story custom home. For additional square footage, more time should be added.
- Discuss Warranties
Warranties should be discussed with the builder at the interview stage of the process and be included in the contract. This is where selecting a reputable builder pays off, since a warranty is only as good as the builder behind it. A standard warranty is one year; however, an established builder working with a fair and reasonable client will not hesitate to make repairs down the road.
- Select the right contract
The assumption that all contracts are the same does not hold true in the custom homebuilding arena. There are several different types of contracts. The three most common contracts are the turnkey, the fixed fee, and the cost plus. Be sure to research each before selecting the one that’s right.
What will be in your dream home? Thanks to the area’s custom homebuilders, the possibilities are endless…
Peter Tamburello is marketing chairman for the Custom Builders Council
