So, you are ready to embark on one of the most exciting projects of your life: building your own custom home from the ground up.

If you have already owned a luxury home or experienced a major renovation on an existing home, you have an idea of the work that goes into creating and maintaining a custom living space. But if you are a first-time home builder, buckle up for a unique, involved, and ultimately rewarding experience.

There are many important things to know when building a house. It is helpful to do your research and learn as much as possible upfront so that you are not overwhelmed by the process once you dive in. 

Read on for essential tips for first-time home builders. Print this custom home-building tips sheet to reference throughout your journey. 

Custom Home Building Tips

1. Define your budget

Our number one tip for first-time home builders is to take a hard look at your finances to determine how much you want to realistically spend. This number will lay the foundation for every following decision, such as the plot of land to be purchased, the size of the house, and the design features that can be included. 

2. BUT also be prepared to go OVER budget

Many builders will tell you to plan for a cushion in case the project goes over budget. In the home building process, there are almost always unexpected challenges and additions that will arise. 

However, you can minimize this possibility by working very closely with your builder and team to determine upfront the quality of finishes, brand of appliances, and type of furniture you are expecting in your home. The more specific you can be, the more accurate your spending estimate will be from the jump. 

3. Assemble a team of rockstars

This leads us to the second most important custom home building tip: hiring a team of experienced professionals to help you get the job done. Here are the essential members you need to hire:

  • Home Builder or General Contractor: Your main contact and partner in this project. This is the person who will oversee the execution of your home build from start to finish.
  • Architect: The professional who designs the floor plans and elevations for your property. 
  • Interior Designer: Someone who will work with you to map out the floor plans and design of each room in the house. 

Luckily, at Cullum Homes, we provide all of the above services. We have experienced and passionate craftsmen who can get the job done right.

4. Communicate openly and honestly with your team

In the home building process, communication is everything. 

Once you have your team assembled, you will sit down with your builder, your architect, and your interior designer to talk through exactly what you are imagining for your home. 

It is essential to get everyone on the same page in terms of expectations. This is where your team can lend their expertise to determine if your vision falls within the budget and what may need to be adjusted. 

5. Lean on your designer to help make decisions

Being a first-time home builder, you may be shocked at the number of decisions you’ll be asked to make. Decisions you didn’t even know existed; from the doorbell design down to the light color in the hallway closet. 

One way to cut down on the stress of decision-making is to lean on your interior designer. They have gone through this process many times before and can aid you in landing on the right decision for you and your home. 

6. Get the correct permits for your build

Before anything gets built, make sure you have obtained the correct permits and scheduled any inspections required by your city or state. These are tasks typically handled by the general contractor, but it is helpful to check in periodically on their status to ensure that you stay on track with your timeline.

7. Plan for the life you want

Building a home from scratch is an incredible opportunity to design a living space that caters to your unique needs. This includes not only what you need today, but also what you might want in a home many years from now. 

If you are planning on spending a significant part of your life in your custom home, consider how you may grow into it. For example, if you plan on having children, map out extra bedrooms where they can grow up. Or, if you are planning to live in your home into your later years in life, you may consider a floor plan that keeps your spaces on one floor so that you can avoid navigating stairs.

Spend some time dreaming about where you will be 5-10 years from now, and discuss this vision with your team so that your new home can accommodate your ideal life. 

Build Your Dream Home With Cullum Homes

Your home is your personal space, it’s where you go to relax, it’s your foundation from which you build your life. We are dedicated to making your house as perfect as a handcrafted product can be. With over 37 years of experience, we know firsthand how much goes into the process of building a new home.

Ready to build your dream home? Contact us today.