How busy people can build a custom home?
1. Understand your needs
2. Choose the right builder
3. Plan ahead
4. Make a timeline
5. Forming your team
6. Set priorities
7. Stay organized
When you’re a busy person, the idea of building a custom home can seem daunting. Where can you find the time to plan everything out? Can you be sure that you’re making the right decisions? It’s not easy, but with these five tips, you can make it happen!
1. Understand your needs
What are you looking for in a home? What is your budget? What do you want to be able to do in your spare time? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you start planning ahead.
At 3rd Generation Homes, we understand that not everyone has the time to build their dream home from scratch. That’s why we offer a variety of pre-built and customizable homes to choose from(check our project Canvas at Mckinley Beach). Even if you’re working with a tight timeline, there are still ways you can plan ahead to make the process move quicker.
2. Choose the right builder
Not all builders are the same. Make sure to choose one who has experience with custom homes and who understands your vision. Make sure they are listening. Some people tend to ignore this part but it’s very important to have a home builder with decent experience and defined processes to keep your project organized. They’ll be able to understand your vision better and will be able to help you bring your ideas to life. Communication is key, so ask potential builders how they plan to communicate with you and how and when do you get project updates.
3. Plan ahead
This may seem like common sense, but it’s important to have a solid plan in place before you start a project of your dream. That way, there won’t be any surprises down the road. The team of 3rd Generation Homes encourages every client to express their ideal home vision right from the start.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when they’re building a custom home is not planning ahead. Make sure to have everything mapped out before you start construction – from the layout of your home to the finishes you want. We call this pre-construction planning. The more you plan ahead the fewer surprises you will have.
4. Make a timeline
This will help you keep track of your progress and make sure that everything is on track.
A timeline is essential when you’re building a custom home. It’ll help you keep track of your progress and make sure that everything is on schedule. Make sure to consult with your builder regularly so you can stay on track – they’ll be able to give you updates on how the construction is going and let you know if there are any delays. 3rd Generation Homes used a special software program called BuilderTrend, as well as milestone reports to keep our customers well informed during the whole project. These milestone reports also outline outstanding tasks, due dates and who is responsible for those tasks.
Building a custom home takes time and patience, but it’s definitely worth it in the end. Make sure to consult with your builder regularly so you can stay on track and make sure that everything is going well.
5. Forming your team
Forming your team is a crucial step.
You’ll need a :
- Homebuilder(to organize a complete constructional process, obtain permits, pass inspections, control trades and build your home from start to finish)
- An Architect or Architectural Technologist (They draw your plans including wall assemblies and detailed information required for permits)
- Interior Designer(to create detailed interior drawings and selections based on your preferences)
Make sure you do your research and find people who are reputable and have experience in the field(licensed and insured). Then, discuss all processes with your custom home builder) and clarify your requirements and expectations. Your builder will likely be able to recommend the best designers to fit your project.
Having a team that is familiar with each other is a huge advantage. They know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and each other’s communication styles.
6. Set priorities
What’s most important to you? Figure out what you want your home to be and focus on those features first. In every build, there are always sacrifices to be made based on the lot size, height restrictions, design guidelines or budgets.
Often homeowners start off by saying the budget is the most important thing, but it rarely ends up being the case. There are many things in the home like appliances that homeowners view as the most important must-haves regardless of what their budget is. BE honest with yourself as to what will be driving your decision-making.
Consider resale, but also understand that pretty much everyone does minor upgrades and renovations to home once they buy it. Make sure it is a space for you first and foremost.
7. Stay organized
This will help you avoid any stressful surprises down the road.
You can avoid most of the headaches by staying prepared. Make sure to keep track of your budget, your timeline, and your priorities. That way, you’ll know what’s going on at all times and you won’t be surprised by anything.
Make time in your schedule to get things done. Once you make a decision, stick with it and move on to the next one. 3rd Generation Homes will provide you with detailed deadlines and required actions through our milestone reports.
Building a custom home can be stressful, but if you follow these tips, you’ll be able to stay organized and avoid any surprises. Good luck!
Get in touch
For more information on building your dream home in the Okanagan Valley contact the main office of 3rd Generation Homes to get professional advice and reserve a spot for your dream project. Please remember to include a time gap for your project for pre-construction planning.
We understand that building a custom home can be a lot of work, but with these tips, you can make it happen way easier! Make the first step towards your dream home and consider to
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When you’re a busy person, the idea of building a custom home can seem daunting, but it’s way easier if you are prepared and ready!