Author and motivational speaker Tim Robbins once said that “setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” When it comes to custom homes, many of us are scared to take that first step. But if you really want to turn your dreams into a reality, you have to start somewhere.
Don’t worry, it’s actually easier than you might think and the right custom home builder will guide you through every step or phase in the process. That being said, here’s a crash course on how to build a custom home so you have a general idea of what to do.
Step #1: Set Your Goals
This is where the dreaming comes into play. As Mr. Robbins said above, setting goals is the first step. What is your general budget? What is your timeframe? Do you have an ideal location? If you have children, you might want to research school districts. Or you might be interested in crime rates. Make sure you have a broad-level idea of how much you want to spend on a custom home, what it will look like and where it will be.
Step #2: Choose Your Builder
The next step in how to build a custom home is to choose a builder. There are certain things to look for in a Houston custom home builder, such as a portfolio of completed homes, reviews, a variety of services and a knowledgeable staff. But also make sure you’re choosing the right-sized builder. A builder that is too small may not have the resources to turn all of your dreams into reality. A builder that is too big might not give you the attention to detail and care that you need. A regional builder like Aspire Fine Homes is the perfect size.
Step #3: Find the Right Location
This is when you start to hone in on your goals a bit. Remember when you decided on a general location? Now it’s time to get specific and choose the exact lot for your home. There are a variety of factors to consider here that will impact your build, from the size of the lot and flatness of the land to the direction the lot faces and the style of other homes in the neighborhood. The land often dictates the build, so you can move on to design after this step.
Step #4: Design Your Home
This is where it gets fun! With the help of a custom home builder, you can get to work on the actual design of your home and the specific features/styles you want. You’ll have a few dozen decisions to make related to finishes, colors, furniture, outdoor space, bathrooms, the kitchen and much more. Take your goals from the first step and prioritize your design list. This is a big step and can take some time, but the right custom home builder will show you the way.
Step #5: Construct Your Home
Now it’s time to build. You won’t actually construct your home, of course, but you will oversee construction by monitoring the building process and ensuring your builder is following the right process when it comes to insurance, inspections, permits and so forth. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! The best builders give you peace of mind by allowing for transparency into the process, but at Aspire Fine Homes we can also make the process as turnkey as you’d like.
Step #6: Review and Enjoy Your Home
Once construction is complete, all you need to do is a final walkthrough of the home before you can start enjoying it. The lot should be cleaned up by now and if landscaping isn’t already complete, it’s time to get started on that part of it. Then you can show it off to friends and family!
If you’d like to learn more about how to build a custom home and what the process looks like at Aspire Fine Homes, contact us today.
