by Sharon Jones
For some people, the idea of building their own homes rather than buying one that already exists is a dream come true. And it can work out very well. It can be a lot less expensive, it means you’ll have a home that works in the way you want it to and has all the rooms and space you might need, and it means you’ll be the very first (and possibly only) people to live there. Furthermore, with how the world is now, you would also have the opportunity to build a home that is truly green. Having a consultation on how to build a passive house chicago (or elsewhere more relevant) can help you to create an environmentally friendly home, this can be a deeply gratifying experience and a choice that will benefit you for years to come.
Yet just because there are a number of reasons why building your own home could be exactly the right thing to do, that doesn’t mean you can rush into things; there is plenty to think about and consider before you get started. Doing your research at the start means you can be much more confident that you’re making the right choice and that your budget will cover every eventuality. Read on to find out more.
Where Will Your Utilities Come From?
If you’re building a house near to other properties, perhaps converting a disused piece of land or changing the use of a barn, and so on, then your electricity, gas, and water (as well as drainage) may not be such an issue – you can use the same means of getting these utilities as everyone else in the area.
If, however, you are building a house in virtually the middle of nowhere, getting water and gas to your home might be a lot more problematic, and this is something you’ll need to deal with right from the start. Solar panels could help with your electricity needs, for example. As for your water, you may need to hire professional bore drilling experts to go deep underground and tap into a water source.
Always Have a Contingency Budget In Place
It’s crucial to have a budget worked out for when you’re building your own home. If you don’t, you can easily run out of money and end up with a half-finished house that you can do nothing with, and no more money to buy elsewhere.
Yet what many people forget about is a contingency fund. Ideally, this should be around 10 percent. If you have this money in place but set aside only to be used in emergencies, you should – assuming you have budgeted correctly for everything else – always be able to complete the build and enjoy the home to the fullest.
Be Careful When Choosing Contractors
Unless you have a lot of time and a lot of skill, it is unlikely that you’ll do the majority of the construction work on your newbuild property by yourself. You might do some things here and there, but in most cases, you’ll be hiring a variety of different contractors to build your house for you, following the plans that an architect has drawn up professionally for you.
Because you want your build to go as smoothly as possible, and because you want to ensure that you’re spending your money wisely, it’s essential tobe careful when choosing contractors. Make sure they have experience in whatever you’re asking them to do and ask to see references. Also check they have all the correct insurances and permits in place. Even if it costs more, choosing a good contractor means you can have peace of mind that your home will look great, be safe, and be finished on time.