When it comes to building a custom home, there are several steps to take even before the first shovel breaks the ground. Custom home building requires planning, planning and – you guessed it – more planning.
No place is more important than home, maybe now more than ever, and the more you plan in the pre-construction phase, the more confident you’ll be knowing you’re on your way to living in the home of your dreams.
Below are the important steps to take when you’re in the early part of the custom home building process. And whether you’re just starting to think about what your new home may look like or ready to talk floor plans – get excited, because this may be the most fun and inspiring part of it all.
What does your dream home look like?
Before anything else, it’s essential to think about your personal tastes and unique aesthetic. Your custom built home should be your haven and retreat; place where you feel inspired and renewed. Begin by looking at design magazines and books, watch design shows, and take drives and notice which homes you like the most.
This is also the time to peruse shops online to look at everything from furniture and rugs to paint colors and finishes. Take photos, collect swatches and other visuals and create a board or a book that you can show to builders, designers and architects along the way.
Think about what you really need
Are you looking for a multi-generational home that will be comfortable for families members of all ages? Do you or a loved one have special needs that should be considered? Are you a city person or would you rather live away from the hustle and bustle?
Here’s where you start to fine-tune your dream into one that’s truly customized. Think about floor plans and where you spend most of your time when you’re at home. Maybe now is the time to create the chef-worthy kitchen you’ve always wanted, or an outdoor area where you can garden to your heart’s content.
Connect with your builder
When you’re ready to get started, it’s time to meet with your custom home builder. At Classic Living Homes, we take care of everything while keeping your vision and needs a priority. Your building team can go over locations with you to determine the best neighborhood for you and your family to call home.
This is also when you’ll discuss your floorplans and what’s essential to you and your family. And it’s also the ideal time to go over your budget, your timeline, and your communication preferences. After all, you’ll want a builder who will be accessible and transparent with you throughout this big journey. And remember: what you don’t want is important, too. Don’t be afraid to tell your builder what your “must haves” are.
It’s time to design!
Once you’ve come up with a plan with your builder, it’s time to get even more serious about design. Before you choose a designer and architect, do some research. Read all online reviews about their firms and make sure you talk to some of their past clients as well. Just as you did with the builder, discuss your budget and timeline.
It’s very important to choose a designer whose work reflects the style you’re looking for. Look at their portfolios, and be sure to talk about functionality as well. This would also be a good time to talk to a landscape designer, too.
Fine-tune and stay on track
The last phase of the pre-building process is one that requires a lot of attention to detail. Don’t worry, though. Your builder will help navigate this part of the home building process to make sure everything stays on track.
Once you start picking out finishes, paint, appliances and other essentials like countertop and flooring materials, it’s important to stay within your budget. At this point, you’re apt to be making nearly fifty decisions for your new home. That’s why it’s good to stay organized and know where you stand in terms of budgeting for time and finances.
As you choose materials and appliances, this is a great time to consider how every efficient you want your home to be. Classic Living Homes is as LEED certified builder, and we can help you design a house that’s sustainable and “green.”
There are so many things to do before you begin building your custom home in Cincinnati, and the good news is that you don’t need to leave your house to get started. Now is the perfect time to start planning your dream home, so when the world is back to normal, you’ll be ahead of the game.
Ready to get the ball rolling? Contact the team at Classic Living Homes. We’re here to help you get a plan in place, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
