How to Have Your Home Custom Built
Having your own custom-designed home built is not an insurmountable task, and the rewards of having a house constructed to meet your family's exact needs are numerous.
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Instructions
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Design or locate a house plan you like, either working with an architect or through a service providing existing plans.
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Locate a building site you like.
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Check out the site thoroughly to ensure that you can build without difficulty.
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Find an experienced builder.
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Execute a contract with the builder to construct the house (after you've agreed on the price for the services).
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Arrange construction financing with your bank if required.
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Obtain a building permit from the municipality, usually by submitting several copies of the house plan with an application and fee.
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Have your builder begin construction.
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Make all your selections (tile, flooring, cabinets and so on) in a timely manner and far enough in advance to allow for items that need to be ordered.
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Review the house carefully with the builder upon completion, making a list of any items needing repair or further work.
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Move in after a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued by the building department.
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Update the repair and completion list ("punch list") after 30 days in the house, removing work completed and adding new problems you've discovered.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't try to save a few dollars by skimping on professionals. Make sure your attorney is experienced in land acquisition/development and new construction. Real estate is a heavily regulated industry - do your best to avoid any difficulties.
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Comments
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Chris Wright
Nov 16, 2007
Good article. When you make changes to your blueprints, double check the contractor's work to make sure the changes are being implemented before it is too late. Sometimes the contractor will simply forget the changes agreed upon... and you will be stuck with a smaller house than you wanted .. or paid for. -
Chris Wright
Nov 16, 2007
Good article. When you make changes to your blueprints, double check the contractor's work to make sure the changes are being implemented before it is too late. Sometimes the contractor will simply forget the changes agreed upon... and you will be stuck with a smaller house than you wanted .. or paid for.
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Nov 22, 2005
When you pick a builder, make sure to check with your state agency to see if that contractor has a current license. Also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints against the builder. This will save you time and money.
