No matter how large your budget is, when you are looking to buy a new home, there’s nearly always compromises to make.
Whether it’s the layout that you don’t love, a less than perfect location or not enough bathrooms in the house, the chances are you will have to accept something you’re not fond of in order to tick the rest of your boxes.
Of course, if you design your own home, you have the chance to get everything right first time from the size and shape of your front door right the way through to the landscaping of your garden.
More and more people are opting to build their own home; we take a look at what you need to consider in order to create your dream house.
Do your homework
Building your own home is a wonderful idea and despite the extra work, can be an incredibly exciting prospect.
However, there’s no denying that it comes with its own challenges which can make the process more difficult than a conventional house purchase at times.
Make sure your architectural designs are to a high standard
To be able to deal with any hiccups and bumps effectively, it’s essential that you have a good idea of what you are getting into and what you will need to overcome any problems that arise. The best way to do this is by researching in advance so you have an understanding of the issues and the costs involved.
Set a realistic budget
In the past, it was possible to build your own home for a fraction of the cost of purchasing one. Whilst it can still be a wonderful way to have a great property that you could never afford to buy on the open market, don’t expect it to be quite as cheap as you imagined.
The estimated cost will vary for everyone as the prices will vary depending on region, and also the degree of involvement you want to have plus the quality of the materials you use. However, as a rough rule of thumb you can expect to pay a minimum of £600 per square metre but it could rise to as much as £1700 per square metre (in the UK). This doesn’t include the cost of the initial land purchase.
Before you embark on the project, it’s vital to get a decent quote on how much you will have to pay to get the finished product – or at least a liveable shell with all amenities. Running out of funds halfway through and having no means of accessing more would be disastrous.
However, it’s also easy to get carried away with costs once the project is underway so once you’ve done your homework and set your costs, don’t be tempted to blow the budget on luxuries you can’t afford. Stick to the plans and you will end up with a beautiful home that doesn’t leave you bankrupt.
Don’t underestimate the value of professionals
It is indeed possible to manage some of the house building project yourself and this can be a great way to save on costs. However, it’s important that you get professional input along the way as this could actually save you money in the long term.
Although you might have seen houses you like and know what you want, designing a home is an enormous concept and there are many considerations to take into account. An architect will have completed similar work countless times before and can provide you with priceless advice which can ensure that your finished property looks simply stunning.
Don’t underestimate the value of professionals
There are so many different things to consider: how one room will transition into another, how to best provide ample storage space without eating into the floor-plan and also how to ensure that your fantasy home complies with building regulations.
Although you will know best what your family needs, an architect such as those at the Architects Corporation can help you take that next step, helping you to save money where you can and adding those little touches you may not have thought of which will mark out your home as truly unique.
….and don’t forget
Finally, in all the frenzy of getting things ready for the design and building of your new house, don’t forget to make plans for where you will live in the meantime.
Although it may sound like a very simple venture, be prepared to hit problems along the way and be ready for things to take longer than you expected. You may be lucky and stay right on schedule but building a house is a complex task and many different factors need to combine together before the job is complete.
Conclusion
Building your dream house is an idea which is becoming increasingly accessible for many people and with the right planning, professional advice and preparation you could end up with your fantasy home, without a compromise in sight!
Image Credits: Jeremy Levine Design and State Farm