Building your own home is a good idea if you want to start from a clean sheet of paper. It’s also more affordable if you do it right, but there are some important factors you need to consider. We’ve put together a brief checklist of what you need to think about if you wish to build your own home, so let’s crack on.
Planning Regulations
The first thing that home builders need to do is understand the planning laws and regulations in the region you wish to build. This is vital as any breach may see you asked to take the building down. Planners are very strict when it comes to breaches of regulations, so you need to have everything down to the final degree and be absolutely certain that your building complies. This is why we recommend you find an experienced and reputable local builder who will help, which brings us to point number 2.
Find the Right Builder
Use all the resources you have to narrow down a choice of local builders. We say local for the reasons mentioned above and also because they will know of plots becoming available should you not already have land to build on. Talk to a few builders and ask to see their credentials and examples of their work. Speak to owners of houses they have built to get the best idea of their manner of working and ability. Also make sure they have a regular architect who can help draw up your plans.
Deciding on a Plot
Before you settle on your new home design you need to find the right plot. If you have a general area in mind that is where you should be talking to builders. Local real estate agents will also have plots for sale or know of them. You want somewhere that suits your ideal of the dream location and we strongly recommend you wait until the right plot comes along, no matter how long that takes. You will only be disappointed if you compromise.
Eco-Friendly Design
Now is the time to build an eco-friendly home. You have the perfect starting point to make sure you use energy-efficient materials and furnishings, and that the systems inside the house are as up to date and energy-efficient as possible. Look especially at insulation and the doors and windows, consider your water heating options, and also look at alternative energy sources that can be built in with a new build house.
Modern Systems
There are many smart functions that can be incorporated into your house design that will help with energy conservation and cost savings. Look at smart heating and lighting systems that are only on when needed, and while you are designing the house make the security system an integral part of the build. Smart security systems are surprisingly impressive and effect, much more so than one that has been added on as an afterthought.
What Happens in the Future?
You cannot predict what will happen to the housing market but you can do everything possible to make sure your new-build home is as saleable as possible should the time come when you want or need to move on. Don’t design a home that is too specific to you as it may not appeal to others, but do build one that involves the absolute here and now in terms of technology, security and design as far as your budget permits.
Good luck finding the perfect plot and building a dream home as this is definitely the right time to make sure you have your ideal house.
