How to Design a New Construction Home

There’s something truly wonderful about being the first person to walk into your own home, which was designed exactly to your specifications. This allows you to personalize the property based on your lifestyle and consider things like energy efficiency right off the bat, avoiding costly retrofitting.

Building a new home is a challenging endeavor that requires careful planning and research. Today, we’ll review some of the most important considerations for those looking to construct their dream property.

Line Up Your Financing

Many people worry that it will be difficult or impossible to get financing for a new construction. While it’s true that you may need a slightly higher credit score and a larger down payment, you can still access mortgages.

One of the best options, especially for first-time homebuyers, is an FHA one-time close loan. This loan combines construction financing and a permanent mortgage so that you only have to pay closing costs once, which can save you thousands.

Before even contacting a contractor, you should look at the requirements for the specific loan program you want. They may require you to submit certain documentation and only work with approved contractors who have specific qualifications. You’ll need to work closely with your mortgage company throughout the process, as you will have to demonstrate the progress and budget throughout the construction.

Thoroughly Vet Your Construction Agency

Not every contractor is qualified to work on residential property or has a good track record of success. While product reviews can be a fine idea when purchasing a small-ticket item, you need to go deeper when putting thousands of dollars in a company’s care.

First, check that they have the proper licensing and insurance for the municipality. Don’t just rely on what they say on their website; find their license from the relevant agency, such as the State Attorney General’s office. Check to see whether they are members of any contracting associations, and review the head contractor’s license, too. Ask them about their liability insurance and double-check anything they tell you.

Go to the local Better Business Bureau website and look at their rating there. Great companies may be accredited by the BBB, though not being accredited does not necessarily mean they aren’t trustworthy.

You should also review their legal history to see if any previous clients have sued them. While settlements are often not public records, any lawsuits filed against the company will be available for review.

Consider the Climate

Certain home designs work better in certain areas, both aesthetically and climate-wise. For example, if you’re looking for FHA loans in Arizona, a heavy log cabin like one would see in Minnesota is going to stick out like a sore thumb and become unbearably hot in the summer. Local designs that emphasize airflow, have flat roofs, and use light colors to reflect more sunlight are going to make you more comfortable while also helping you fit in with the neighbors.

When deciding on your home design, consider the homes in the area and consult with your contractor about what designs and materials will work best.

Though many homes in the United States have wood frames, there are plenty of other materials that can work well depending on your climate. Straw bales, rammed earth, and bricks made of recycled materials are becoming increasingly popular, especially because they are often more fire-resistant and sustainable. If you love the look and feel of wood construction, consider a pole barn home, which does not have internal framing and is faster to build.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and consider alternative materials that might be a better fit for the area. A good contractor will be willing to point you toward resources that may suit your needs, even if they are not familiar with that construction technique.

Think About Future Needs

Building your own home is often a lifelong investment, so it’s important to think about what you may need decades down the line. Otherwise, you may have to undergo costly renovations or additions to retrofit the property or make it more accessible.

One of the first things people think about is whether they will want to expand their family later on in life. While it’s more expensive to build a four-bedroom home rather than a two-bedroom one, this will also mean you have room to accommodate your growing family and won’t need to move a few years later. Four-bedroom homes are also easier to sell in case you decide to relocate.

Aging in place has become a popular option for Americans, given the high cost of housing, but many senior citizens find it difficult to move around their homes as they age because they didn’t consider these accessibility needs several decades ago. By building your home with your older self in mind, you can avoid having to pay thousands of dollars to widen doors for wheelchairs or put in a walk-in shower. Consider things like ramps to the front stairs, wider hallways, pocket doors, accessible bathrooms, and heavy-duty stair banisters that can support your weight if need be.

New construction is an exciting prospect that requires significant foresight and planning. By keeping these ideas in mind, you can ensure that your beautiful new home will serve you for decades to come.