This guide can help you in building your dream home, whether you are renovating an existing house or constructing a new home. This journey allows you to discover what you want, who you really are, where you would want to be, and how you want to live.
It’s a great opportunity to understand your relationship with yourself, your family, and the world. Keep in mind that constructing a home goes beyond creating two bathrooms, three bedrooms, etc. In fact, it is more than just the sum of a few parts.
Just like any other journey, it is important to do some research and plan for your trip. You’ll want to know what the outcome will be and how much it will cost. Undoubtedly, you’ll be going through this journey alone.
However, if there is an expert who can guide you and show you the way, then most likely, you’ll have a much better, more enriching, and enjoyable journey. The following are some essential steps that can guide you on your journey to creating your home.
1. New Home: Know Your Goals
You must set your goals when creating your new home and take the necessary steps to accomplish them. You have a lot of questions that need answers so that you can set your goals. When setting your goals, it is important to satisfy both sides of the brain’s activities. Hence, your list of goals must include both the emotional side and the practical side. Each of these sides is essential and must be identified to achieve a complete result.
To help you know your goals, there are some questions that need to be asked. Where would you want to be? What do you wish to achieve? How much will it cost? What is plan A, and does it make sense? Do you have a plan B? Is it achievable? Architects usually refer to goal statements as a program. So, take note when the architect mentions programs, they are referring to your goals.
2. New Home: Set a Budget
Although the budget should be included in your goal statement, it is considered a separate task due to its extreme importance. When establishing your budget, obviously, you want to start with what you can afford.
In addition, you should think about how the cost of your house can affect your plans. When going into the details, be sure to include everything that is involved in the project. This includes local fees and taxes, the cost of the land, design and engineering, furniture and decorations, as well as the construction of the landscape.
Always include a healthy contingency. Just like any other complicated project, unexpected things might happen. What if you need to take a detour from point A to point B? So, you should ensure that these side trips won’t lead you over the edge.
When establishing your project, one great tool to use is Excel or any other type of spreadsheet program since it allows you to make modifications and updates as you work through your project.
3. New Home: Search For Land or an Existing Old House
How do you want to live? Where do you want to live? What are you searching for? Perhaps you want to enjoy the ocean view, or you want to build your house in the mountains.
However, these options might not be available right now due to some reasons. Most likely, you will have to consider other options for the time being, such as the suburbs with excellent schools or other places. The key is to search for a place in the world that you can call your own and construct your home there. Maybe it is a house that is very old and has been neglected, or maybe the land has not been developed.
However, you have a feeling that this house or land would welcome your own style, such as single-pane windows, shag carpeting, and colorful appliances.
Obviously, you are the best person to do this. So, take courage, and you’ll be surprised by the transformation that will occur.
4. Gather a Team
Although you might consider doing it alone, having a team of professionals and experts would be an ideal approach. Since this is one of your largest investments, you should entrust it to a well-experienced team.
Take note that the most important members of your team are the builder and the architect. Throughout your journey, these people will serve as your counselor, advocate, therapist, and guide. Most importantly, just like any other professional, they can guide you to the right path to ensure an enjoyable journey.
As you begin your journey, most likely, you will be adding more members to your team. Perhaps a designer for your bathroom and kitchen, as well as an interior designer. Obviously, you should hire a landscape architect to ensure that you have a beautiful yard that matches your house.
5. Do a Lot of Planning
This is one thing that is common in every project. Whether the owner is a corporate entity, government agency, or private developer, they are aware of the significance of planning the project in detail before they begin building.
They know that moving walls on paper is much cheaper than moving walls once they are established. So, start with robust planning. Be sure to consider all the “what ifs.”
Perhaps the first answer might be the right one, but sometimes it could be the 30th. Just be sure that you have explored all the possibilities. After all, you don’t want to say, “We should have done this…” once the project is done.
Go big. However, it does not necessarily mean in size. Whether you are doing a renovation or building from scratch, this is something that’s yours. Hence, you should dream big and have great plans.
You’ll have some time to deal with zoning and codes, as well as the budget. But for now, there are a lot of decisions that you’ll have to make. Make sure that all the details are there so that you can truly call your home your own and show who you really are.
6. Expect the Inevitable
You have everything you need, such as the money, permits, and plans. The only thing left to do is to create your house. You’ve made sure to account for everything to ensure a smooth process.
But suddenly, some unexpected things happen. It is important that you and your team know how to react to these matters. Stay calm as much as possible, maintain your sense of humor, and try to work them out with your team. Sharing ideas with one another without criticizing can go a long way.
7. Enjoy Your New Home
Finally, your home is finished, and it’s time to enjoy it. After all, you have spent a lot of money building your new home. Embrace how the light brightens across the room and how it transforms along with the seasons. Discover hidden spots where you can have conversations with your family members. Learn how this home has shaped your life and given you the chance to become the real you.
In the end, you’ll discover that this house is more than just a living room, two bathrooms, and three bedrooms. This is the place that you can truly call your own home.
Oak Creek Builders can help you build your unique home. For more information, you can call us at 903-271-9058.
