Getting started building a custom home

The Builder
The first step is to decide on a builder. You can begin by interviewing several builders who have been recommended to you by friends and associates who have had a custom home built for them. Talk to builders' referrals and look at their work. You must feel that your builder is someone you can be comfortable with and someone you can place your faith in to build your home.

The Lot
By choosing your builder first, you get the benefit of his or her assistance as you make decisions about the lot, the architect, and the financing. Have the builder look at the lot you're considering to evaluate it and comment on its appropriateness for your needs and desires. Builders can help inform you about a lot's pluses and minuses. You certainly don't want to discover any potential problems with the lot after it is too late. You don't want to find that you have spent too much for the lot and haven't left enough budget to build the type or size home you were planning.

The House Plans
Most architects are happy to include builders in the process of planning your home. The design/build team of owner, builder, and architect allow all three to comment during the design process. Your builder can be extremely helpful to you as the plans are being drawn, commenting on construction details and costs to help keep the home within your budget parameters.

The Financing
Now you have a builder, a lot, and architectural plans. Most buyers now need a construction/permanent loan in order to finance their dream home. The banks will reserve the right to approve the builder you choose. Many banks offer extremely attractive loans that initially finance the lot and construction and then convert automatically to a permanent loan. These construction/permanent loans have made it very easy to finance a custom home.

You CAN build your dream home. Start with a good builder and you can make that dream a reality.

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