5 Things To Do Before You Dig
The Dakota Project is officially underway! This custom home has been in the works for a while but now that the market has stabilized a bit for the time being, it is about time to dig this basement and get lumber and products ordered! Let’s take a look at what this pre-build process looks like!
1. SET A BUDGET
Being realistic about what you can afford and/or what you want to afford will be the first thing you need to solidify. This will become important before you even begin to build and will guide you on what lots you can build on, how big of a home you can build, and what products you will be able to select as finishes. Don’t get stuck in the position of designing a beautiful home, picking out all of your favorite things, and then have to walk away from it because it isn’t something you can afford. A great first step is to meet with your lender and also figure out what your monthly payment will be.
2. FIND A LOT
There are lots of things that go into picking the perfect lot! Location is likely the most important aspect of where you would like to build. Is it close to family, jobs, schools, and anything else that is important to you? Is it near the entrance into the subdivision, on a busy road, a corner lot, or even located out of town? The location within a particular neighborhood can also be important when it comes to a view, size of backyard, the slope in elevation, and it is important to keep these things in mind when you think about the house you are hoping to build. Another thing to keep in mind when selecting a lot is the growth happening in the neighborhood you are looking at. Are the quiet streets going to stay quiet or is the neighborhood rapidly growing and going to become much more busy? Schools are also important to keep in mind if you have children or children are in your future. Most towns will have neighborhoods zoned for schools. Take a second to research or visit those schools to make sure that isn’t a deal breaker for you.
3. SITE VISIT WITH CONTRACTOR
Before purchasing a lot, it will be very important to visit the lot with your contractor (which maybe should be included in this list). A contractor will be able to look at the lot with a different eye and be able to tell you what type of house will be able to be built. Wanting a walkout basement but there is not slope in elevation? Your desired house probably isn’t going to work. A contractor will also verify that the lot is zoned appropriately, where gas, power, electricity, and water will or need to come from. This site visit will ensure that your vision can come to life!
4. PRE DESIGN MEETING (WANTS VS. NEEDS)
Another important step in bringing your vision to life is sitting down with your contractor and/or designer and discussing your wants vs. needs as this can greatly affect your budget and also determine if it will work on your lot. For some, the size of a house is important but for others their number one concern is a particular kitchen design. If you are needing to cut costs, it is an option to leave the basement unfinished? Can you go with less expensive finishes to get a larger space? Your contractor will be able to give ideas to get your project as close to your dreams as possible!
5. DRAW PLANS
Your contractor will either be able to draw plans in their office or will hire someone to draw and design your plans with your wants and needs in mind. After careful review of these drawings, make the changes that you would like and get prepared to dig!
