Do-It-Yourself Home Building Plans

Looking for the perfect new home can be a daunting task. Rarely does a potential buyer find a home that has all the features he is looking for in a spec (totally built and finished) home. This is why many families are choosing to serve as their own general contractor and build their own home from do-it-yourself home-building plans. Although a background in construction is helpful, most families with the determination, organizational skills and patience can successfully navigate this process.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Getting Ready

1. Decide if building your own home is for you. If you are looking for a custom-designed and finished home, and want to save money, building your own home may be a good option. However, you should be certain you have the time to devote to the task.

2. Locate possible building sites. Determine where you might like to build your home and begin pricing various options.

3. Determine what features you are looking for in a home, and establish a budget. This will assist you in finding the right plans for your budget and needs, and is much more effective than simply browsing through home plans with no idea of what you are looking for. Be certain to figure in the price of the lot into your final budget.

Pre-Building

4. Begin looking for do-it-yourself home building plans. There are varying levels of service that are available. You can purchase a home plan that is ready-made, with no custom options; this is the least expensive option. There are also firms that have ready-made plans that allow you to make simple changes, such as adding rooms or changing windows. The most expensive option, and the one that offers the most personalization, is to have home plans drawn up to your specifications by an architect. You can begin looking at home plans on websites or request printed catalogs from home-plan companies.

5. Get estimates from the sub-trades. You'll need to speak with sub-contractors for every individual phase of the building process (framing, plumbing, drywall, electrical, etc.) and decide on a company for each. Get references from each company and go check out their finished work. Any reputable firm will be glad to give you the names and addresses of satisfied homeowners.

6. Research and obtain necessary building permits. Contractors and/or an attorney will be able to help you with this, should you need it. However, the majority of the information you will need is readily available online. Sign contracts with the contractors, specifying the cost, time frame and warranties that are included.

The Building Process

7. Stay involved in the building process. You will want to always be up to date on how construction is proceeding, and immediately address any problems. Check in frequently with the sub-contractors regarding the time frame and adjust your other contractor's work schedule as/if needed.

8. At certain stages of building, you will be required to have a home inspector come and approve different home systems. Check with your city hall to find out the specifics, so you can avoid any delays in building.

9. Get your occupancy permit. After the building and interior/exterior finishing is complete, you will get a final OK from an inspector from your city hall, allowing you to move into your own home. Call ahead to schedule this appointment, so there is no delay in getting into your house.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient. Allow each trade to work in the home with its own space, rather than trying to rush the process. Realize that building a home is a huge commitment and will require some sacrifices--of your time and energy, at the least.
• Do not make any changes to the house plans that you purchase, except through an architect or engineer. Home plans are required to meet structural and safety codes, and making changes without the help of a professional can be extremely dangerous.

Resources

• Steps Involved in Building a Home
• Building Plans