Custom Home Build 101

What to Know Before Building a Home With a Custom Home Builder

​Have you been thinking about investing in a custom-built home?

This is an amazing opportunity with many benefits, but there is also a lot to consider before jumping into the project.

From understanding the process to creating a design for your needs, building a custom home can be quite a journey!
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To help you out, Mer-Con Homes and Renovations is happy to provide you with this guide on what to know before building a home with a custom home builder:

What’s the Process of Working With a Custom Home Builder

The process of working with a custom home builder all begins with meeting with the contractors to discuss your exact needs and wants for your custom home.
This includes going over your budget, choosing a floor plan, and determining any special features you would like in your home.
Once everything is confirmed, the construction company will acquire and supply the construction materials included in your budget, as well as apply for any necessary permits.
If you request any changes during the construction process, you will be notified of your options as well as any changes in cost.
Working with a custom home builder also includes site clean-up and inspecting the property to ensure everything is ready for use.
At Mer-Con Homes and Renovations, our qualified staff will provide expert advice throughout the entire process and answer any questions you may have!
You can learn more about our process here.

Pros and Cons of Building a Custom Home

Like any major life decision, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of building a custom home to ensure this is the right choice for you:

The Pros of Building a Custom Home

• You Can Fully Customize Your Home. You have the freedom to fully customize and personalize your design to create the home of your dreams!
  
• You Can Choose High-Quality Materials. Instead of settling for mediocre or low-quality materials in an existing home, you can choose the finest materials to add value to your new abode.
  
• Reduced Maintenance Costs. Because everything is new in a custom home, maintenance costs are lower - especially if you do choose high-quality materials.
  
• Energy Efficiency. With new materials, advanced construction technology, and efficient appliances, you can have a home built that will save you on energy costs.
  
• Less Competition = Saved Money. Today’s real estate landscape benefits sellers because of high competition and inflated prices. When you build a custom home, you can avoid the entire real estate process!

The Cons of Building a Custom Home

• Custom Homes Take Time to Build. It can take at least a year from design to completion, but it can be difficult to determine a timeline because every home is different.
  
• It May Cost More in the beginning. Custom homes cost more than existing homes, but you’re getting a brand-new home built exactly the way you want.
  
• Finding the Perfect Location. Empty properties can be hard to find near amenities such as schools and shopping.

Design for Your Needs

Custom home builders will work closely with you to ensure that you end up with the home of your dreams!
Here are some tips to create the perfect design for your needs:

Start With Simple Ideas

You don’t need high-tech software to start planning your custom home - all you need is a pencil and a piece of paper!
Sketch out your ideas and make a list of features you would like to have in your custom home.
Rough sketches can help a custom home builder understand what you want and design for your needs.

Think About Function and Flow

Before you settle on a floor plan, you need to consider how your final design will flow and how each space will function.
For example, you may want to place bedrooms away from the living room or create an open-concept kitchen and living room if your family spends a lot of time in these areas.

Work With the Land

When you are designing a custom home, you can’t forget about the exterior - espeically the land you are building on!
Consider the topography, size, and features of your lot. 
Do you want to face the living room toward a beautiful lake view? Do you want your bedrooms close to the stream or brook on the property?
It’s also important to consider natural light when it comes to the position of your home.

Finding a Builder

Of course, in order to get the custom home of your dreams, you have to find a builder!
If you can’t get any recommendations from friends or family, here are some other ways you can find a builder:

• Contact your local home builders association for recommendations.
  
• Search for custom home builders on Google, paying attention to reviews and ratings.
  
• Speak to mortgage lenders and real estate agents. They tend to know reputable custom home builders.
  

Once you have come up with a list of custom home builders, take the time to speak with each company, gathering information and quotes so you can make comparisons.
Also, ask for a list of references from satisfied clients.
If you’re not sure what to ask when finding a builder, here are some questions:

• How many builds have you finished on time?
  
• How many of your homes ended up over budget? Under budget?
  
• Do you build custom floor plans? How much can I customize one of your floor plans?
  
• How do you determine the final price of the home? What is and isn’t included in the quote?
  
• How do you handle changes and upgrades during the process?
  

Are You Ready to Get Started?

Mer-Con Homes and Renovations is dedicated to bringing your ideas to life with our quality workmanship!
For 15 years, we have been building dream homes for our valued clients.
If you are ready to get started, all you need to do is get in touch or request a quote!
We look forward to working with you!