You’ve probably heard nightmare stories about people building homes. How much more time it took than they expected, they didn’t plan for unexpected contingencies, going over budget, and so on. This is why it’s important to think about these critical decisions before starting an 12-month (give or take some months) project, or journey some would say.

Of course, you often hear how happy people are with how their house turned out, and that the journey was worth it in the end. However, building a house is not for the faint of heart. There will be many moments where your patience will be tested and you feel exhausted, especially if you’re working a full-time job, have kids, or both. Before breaking ground on your own home, take your time, and check out your options.

Fortunately, our team at Summit Edge Builders has come up with a checklist of essential questions you should ask yourself before delving into the homebuilding process. Because if you know what you’re getting yourself into, you’ll be much more prepared and less surprised when things don’t go to plan. Now, let’s get started!

1. Can you afford to build a home?

Once you have come up with your budget and added up all your quotes, you will be smart to add another 10% to that budget. Sure, building a home looks fairly affordable after you’ve put all the numbers on paper, but you need to be prepared for all the costs that aren’t planned for. Maybe your land needs additional surveying, or your build is delayed, or the cost of lumber goes up. This isn’t to say everything will go wrong, but planning for unexpected occurrences never hurt anyone.

You also have to consider changing your preferences during the home build. Those hardwood floors and marble countertops would definitely look amazing, but do you need them? Synthetic laminate flooring and quartz countertops could also look amazing, and you’ll be saving a ton of money for unexpected occurrences. Just remember to only sign up for what you can afford. Our team at Summit Edge Builders are experienced contractors that can help you budget your home build and figure out a plan. Who knows, many people come in under budget and get everything they needed and wanted!

2. Do you have the patience to build a home?

You probably don’t realize how many decisions go into building a home. As many couples who have gone through the process know, if your relationship can get through building a home, it can get through anything. Just think about all the decisions you have to make along the way, together. That means agreeing on hundreds, if not thousands, of choices over light fixtures, back splashes, paint colors, materials, flooring, sizes, and countless more.

You also have to consider how much time and effort building a home requires. Even stick-built homes can take 9-12 months to finish, and if you’re considering a custom home, up to 18 months or longer. Building a home isn’t for people that want to be moved in right away, but in the end, all the decisions will have been yours. By discussing a plan with us at Summit Edge Builders, you can get a better idea and feel for the process and timetable for completing your project.

3. What exactly do you want and need?

Eventually, you’ll have to have a discussion about your wants and needs to build a home. For “needs,” write down all the features your home must have, such as a large kitchen, a kids playroom, or lofted ceilings. Under the “wants” category, list all the features that are not necessary but you would like to have them, such as a front porch, mudroom, or bathtub. This will help you budget accordingly so that when or if you have money left over, you can add that mudroom that you really wanted, but wasn’t essential.

4. Do you have a location to build a home?

Price per acre varies greatly depending on location, which is why it’s important to look around at land in your area for sale to see what’s out there and what to expect before deciding to build a home. In addition to the cost per acre, you’ll have to determine if a particular location needs power, a well, septic, landscaping or excavation, permits that you may need to purchase from the city, county, or any number of extra costs.

You also might want to consider a land survey before purchasing. They can be expensive, but sometimes they can be worth the investment. A land survey could reveal unknown easements, encroachments, and boundary issues that might cause problems down the line. You want to be an informed buyer.

5. Do you have a builder?

Choosing a builder might be the single most important decision you make before you build a home. You want someone who is upfront and professional. Builders that make wild promises may sound great at first, but you don’t want someone that is going to max out your budget. Remember that you will be spending a lot of time together, so you want a general contractor like Summit Edge Builders with experience, reputation, integrity, flexibility, and the ability to listen. Choosing a great general contractor is one of the best assurances of a quality job.

Final thoughts

It won’t be easy. You’re going to devote your heart, sweat, and tears for months to build a home. You’ll need the capital, patience, a clear plan, a location, and a builder in order to accomplish it. But in the end, you’ll have a custom home to call your own and a place to make memories in for the rest of your life. The best things in life don’t come easy, but those things are worth the sacrifice.

If you’re looking to build a new house or addition with a general contractor that is dependable and trustworthy, contact Summit Edge Builders at 303-481-2005 or fill out a contact form more information.

Am I Ready to Build a Home - The Essential Checklist