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Homeownership is a goal for many Americans, with more people looking to buy their first homes. If you are looking for something special in terms of real estate, a custom-built property has distinct advantages. With this option, you can create a structure that is tailored to your wishes in terms of design. This allows you to truly create a one-of-a-kind dream home. Of course, building a house isn’t an easy job: You will need to plan carefully and enlist the help of the right professionals. The following guide, courtesy of Advanced Builders & Contractors , can help get you started.

Determine Your Budget

  Before you start sketching out your vision, figure out how much money you will need. First, there is the price of the land. Then, there are local building fees and taxes as well as the cost of the raw materials and the actual construction. Finally, you will likely want to invest in interior decorating and furnishing as the finishing touches. Unless you have a large amount of cash on hand, you will need to take out a loan. Don’t forget to check your credit score to make sure you won’t have issues getting approved for one.

Create Your Design

Once you have your finances in order, you can tackle the design. First, do you want a one-story or multi-level house? Once that’s decided, start with the essential “needs,” such as the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. How much space do you want to allot to each room? When this is figured out, you will know if you have room for the extra “wants,” like a home office , media room, or gym. When designing the layout, consider whether you want a more open feel or want to strictly partition off the various rooms. With these basics set, you can look at each room individually, considering details like whether you want a bathtub or shower in the bathroom or an island in the kitchen. Use helpful websites such as Plan Your Room to visualize each space before you get started.

Assemble Your Team

  Take your design concept and bring it to a professional architect for review. They will advise on the feasibility of your vision and can take your basic work to the next level, for instance by creating a 3D rendering that provides a peek at what the final product will look like.

In addition to a great architect, you will also need to add a reputable general contractor to your home-building team. Before you sign any working agreements, interview a few different home builders — and always ask for references . Make your budget and timeline clear to see if they can meet it accordingly.

Monitor the Progress

Once you’ve decided on a contractor, work with them to ensure the necessary insurance requirements are met (for example the builder should have worker’s compensation in case of occupational injuries) and building permits acquired. The contractor should schedule periodic inspections with your local building authority to make sure permits are being adhered to and building codes met. This is also an opportunity for you to check in and monitor the progress. Staying involved in the process spares you unwelcome surprises at the end.

Building your perfect house takes time, and it isn’t a process you want to rush. Hiring the wrong contractor could result in needless delays or even mean liability risks; for instance, if they don’t properly insure their workers and one gets hurt on your property. Take all of the above steps into account as you proceed, and don’t rush things. With such measured attention to detail, you will be on track to building a beautiful new house.

Are you looking to build? Award-winning general contractors Advanced Builders & Contractors can bring your vision to life. We have a variety of professionals who will contribute to your build, and you can count on excellent service and outstanding results. Reach out today to find out more!