Buying a custom home can be a daunting task, but there are things you can do to make it easier.
Planning your first custom home is as exciting as it is daunting. There’s a lot that needs to be taken into consideration before the build can begin, but there are some simple tips and tricks for first-time custom home buyers to get the ball rolling in the right direction.
Get Pre-Qualified
One of the best things you can do before anything else is to find your lender and get pre-approved for your custom home build. This is an important first step because it provides the parameters for financing your new home including the interest rate, loan amount, downpayment terms, and monthly payment.
Budget
One of the most common errors first-time custom home buyers make is going over budget. When you first start dreaming about your custom home, you’re probably leaving off the logic and financing filters because ignoring the constraints of reality is what makes it a dream. However, once it’s time to turn that dream into reality, you’ll have to start pinpointing what you can and cannot live without to keep the home as perfect as it can be while keeping it within the boundaries of what you can afford. Getting pre-qualified can help immensely with this step because it gives you a clear definition of what’s available to you financially.
Plan Ahead
Don’t stop at making a home that’s perfect for you today, make a home that’s also perfect for you years from now. Ask yourself how long you’re going to live there, how many family members will be living there, or if you think you’ll change jobs at some point and need a home office. Flexibility is key! Consider the future as much as possible so that your home can be your sanctuary for years to come.
Find a Good Location
Location is an integral part of your home. The size of the lot and what’s around it is important to consider as it pertains to your lifestyle and what you want for yourself and your family. Don’t forget to check local laws, especially as they pertain to any plans you have for your future. Things like installing in-ground pools, having a basement in the home, or even keeping chickens are regulated. Make sure you won’t be hung up by local law restrictions before you commit to a plot of land.
Hire the Right Builder
First-time custom home buyers may not realize just how important it is to hire the right builder. You should have a good idea of what your custom home looks like before approaching builders so you can answer their questions and give them a solid idea of what your home should look like, and how it should function, once built. You should also prepare questions for them to help you get a sense of where they excel and where they do not and discuss realistic expectations with them so you can decide if they’re the right builder for you.
Design and Build Your Dream Home with Columbia Builders!
Columbia Builders is the home builder of choice in Howard County, offering homes in Ellicott City, Elkridge, Laurel, Columbia, Marriottsville, Fulton, Clarksville, Dayton, and Brookeville. No matter what the size and scope of your project, we have the skills, experience, and resources needed to bring your vision to life. We offer a level of customization that is truly unmatched and are committed to using materials and craftsmen of the highest quality, so you can trust that your new home is built to last. Columbia Builders was voted Best of Howard County 2020 for best home builder.
If you’re ready to invest in a home, built with your needs in mind, trust in us. Give Columbia Builders a call today at 410-730-0215 or use our contact form here. You can also keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, Houzz, and YouTube, and don’t forget to check back on our blog for more tips and information!