The Ultimate Guide to Building a Custom Home

Having a custom home built for you has become more popular over the last few years since it allows homeowners to create a space tailored to their specific needs and preferences. You select the plot of land, plan the perfect layout, and choose every single detail, from the flooring to the lighting fixtures. Best of all, the project results in your dream home.

As exciting as it sounds, building a custom home is not easy. It requires a lot of planning, time, collaboration, and money. We've created this ultimate guide to building a custom home to provide the details you need to know before embarking on this journey.

Understand What the Process Entails  

It's no secret that house shopping is stressful. You have to tour properties and put in offers for something that may not be great but isn't your dream home. Worse yet, you may find a home you love but be outbid by another buyer, putting you back where you started.

Building a home allows you to avoid this process but has a few of its own challenges.

When you build your house, you buy a plot of land, hire an architect to create a design, and then work with contractors to build your home. This process can take six months to a year or more, and it's important to understand every step involved.

Weigh the pros against the cons and how each impacts your needs, budget, and timeline before deciding if this is the right option. Often, building a custom home is more advantageous in the long run since you're more likely to live in it longer than purchasing a pre-built home. You may even pass the property down to your children or relatives, making it a true family heirloom.

Create a Realistic Plan  

Every project is only as good as the plan behind it, and you want to have a solid blueprint before breaking ground. Create a realistic timeline based on your budget, the availability of contractors, and other factors.

Define the Purpose of Your Custom Home  

Consider why you want a custom home aside from having a unique living space. Are you looking for a multi-generational home for your extended family? Is this a retirement home for you and your partner? Do you want the perfect vacation spot? Asking yourself these questions helps you decide where you'll build and what you want in a home.

For example, if this is your full-time residence, you may want to select a plot of land in an area with good schools and access to amenities like grocery stores and hospitals. On the other hand, if it's going to be a vacation spot, you may prioritize a scenic location near outdoor activities.

Create a Budget  

Setting a budget is essential to any type of investment since it prevents you from spending more money than you can afford. As you create your custom home budget, it includes factors such as:

• Design fees

• Labor

• Construction materials

• Permits

• Inspections

If this home will be for part-time residence, consider the cost of all furniture and décor you'll need to purchase. Alternatively, note the cost of any moving fees if the custom house will become your permanent residence.

Breaking your overall budget into categories allows you to determine priorities. Essential areas may require more funds. When talking with the building company, ask them about the average cost for each area of your budget so you can distribute funds appropriately.

Have an Emergency Fund  

Unexpected expenses can occur during construction, and if you don't have an emergency fund, you'll have to increase your budget or sacrifice other areas. Set aside at least 10% of your overall budget for unforeseen costs to prevent the risk of overspending.

Pick the Perfect Spot  

One of the best parts about building your home is that you can choose the design and location. Choose land that fits your lifestyle priorities, such as proximity to schools, natural surroundings, or urban conveniences.

Additionally, consider the landscape you want surrounding your home. If you love nature, hiking, and outdoor activities, choose a plot of land that offers beautiful views and easy access to trails. For example, locations in the East Kootenays offer stunning mountain views and plenty of outdoor recreational activities.

Having the Right Team is Key  

Your building team is crucial to the success of your custom home project, as they are the experts who turn your vision into reality. Start by researching architects, contractors, designers, and other professionals. Some companies focus only on one area, while others offer all of these services to streamline the building process for clients.

As you browse your options, list your top picks based on their credentials and experience. When evaluating custom home builders, look through their portfolios for a clear idea of the type of work they do. If the company only does a specific style, note whether it aligns with your preferences.

Read through customer testimonials and reviews for more information about the company’s quality of work. As you look at ratings, pay close attention to details regarding communication, meeting deadlines, and managing budgets. A well-rounded building team should be able to handle any challenges that may come up during the construction process.

Go Big on Essentials  

Our guide for building a custom home would be incomplete without discussing what features to spend on. The best part about this is that you decide which essentials are worth splurging on. Someone who loves hosting may invest in a big, beautiful kitchen with plenty of counter space and high-end appliances. If your family loves spending time outdoors, you might splurge on a spacious deck or outdoor living area.

Create a list of everything you want in your dream home; the initial list concerns desires, so don't think too much about cost. After you've jotted everything down, evaluate how it fits into your budget and remove items that you don't need. Finally, create a new list with essentials from most to least important so you can decide which features to prioritize.

Enjoy the Journey  

Building a custom home is an exciting journey that requires hard work and dedication from start to finish. Enjoy the steps along the way, including selecting a plot of land, designing your dream home, and watching it come to life.

Picking out every detail from the flooring to the light fixtures gives you a sense of ownership and pride in your home. If you have questions along the way, talk to your building team and make changes as needed, so you end up with a home that meets all your needs and exceeds your expectations

Your Dream Home Awaits

Münter Design & Build is a custom home builder in Cranbrook, BC, and the surrounding area. We always take a customer-first approach and frequently communicate with our customers as we design and build their dream property. Contact us today to discuss your dream home and let us help you make them a reality.