Statista data estimates that 3.46 million homes were built in the US between 2015 and 2019. Homebuilding is undoubtedly a great alternative to buying a house because it offers unique advantages such as endless customization opportunities and avoiding bidding wars. However, homebuilding comes with special considerations that you must think about before starting the entire process. If you wish to learn more about what to consider when building your new house, take a look at the points below.
- Cost
There is no denying that constructing a new home comes at a high cost, so it is crucial to have a budget. A budget can help you figure out priorities, so you can spend on the things that matter most. Generally, it is best to have a building, furnishing, and finishing budget when building any home. A building budget will capture land and construction mortgage expenses. Also, your furnishing budget will cover the costs of sofas, decorations, window coverings, and much more. Finally, your finishing budget will factor in the costs of adding a deck, landscaping, fencing, and other projects to ensure that you are fully prepared financially.
- Location
Location is, without doubt, one of the cardinal factors to consider when constructing any new home because your neighborhood must suit your lifestyle best and be a great place to call home. Consequently, consider your area or neighborhood’s traffic situation to know whether commuting will be problematic or not. Similarly, look at the area’s security and proximity to facilities like hospitals, shops, churches, and schools. This way, you can select the right neighborhood that will guarantee maximum comfort and security. Also, location is crucial because it can influence your choice of building materials, products, and overall home design. For instance, if you reside in tropical storm and hurricane-prone states like Florida or South Carolina, investing in durable hurricane windows is a great idea to protect your home from wind damage.
- Choosing a builder
IBISWorld data estimates that there are 392,033 home builders businesses in the US as of 2021. Therefore, finding a builder is not challenging at all. However, finding the right one for your unique wants and needs may take some time, so putting enough effort and thought into your builder choice is critical. Many experts agree that you should choose a builder that shares the same design aesthetics as you. Also, check their client testimonials and past work to ensure that they are the best choice for you. Finally, ask your builder about timelines, experience, and concerns they may have about building your home before signing any contract.
- Government regulations
All areas have building codes that you must be aware of and abide by when constructing a building. These building codes govern the design, alteration, and maintenance of structures in a particular area. Also, they specify the minimum requirements all builders must satisfy to secure the health, welfare, and safety of building occupants. It is crucial to know which regulations to follow to avoid making any mistakes that can attract hefty fines. For example, the 2018 South Carolina Building Code specifies that stairways in homes should have a width of not less than 36 inches. Therefore, ensure that you abide by this rule if your new house contains stairways.