A Step-by-Step Guide to Custom Home Construction

Creating a blueprint of a custom home and being in charge of planning the construction has the potential to feel overwhelming. Have you ever messed around with a puzzle? The more the pieces, the more difficult it gets. Well, this is a puzzle for which you design the pieces. Sounds challenging enough?

Don’t worry. Here’s a simple guide that takes you through five important tasks you need to check off the list in order to construct the home of your dreams!

1. Finding the Right Lot

Before you even formulate a vision for that home, check out that lot. This will act as the foundation of your home so ensure that it is build-ready. Keep the following in mind; 

• Zoning Laws: Every municipality has different regulations. Carefully consider whether your dream home can be built on this lot.

• Soil and Drainage: Make sure you perform a soil test to ensure that the foundation can be supported. This prevents any nasty surprises in the future.

• Utilities: Does the land have proper access to electricity, water, and sewage. If not, there is no point building a home there as setting up the essentials is going to eat into your budget real fast!

Choose the right lot and everything else practically falls into place. Do your homework and ensure all the inspections are done before you purchase.

2. The Design of Your Custom Home

Once the lot has been secured, it is time to move on to the design. Your design choices should ideally reflect a great aesthetic sense, functionality, as well as compliance with building codes. Get some professional architects on board if you have a unique vision and decide just how much you want to personalize. 

Don’t forget to map out the floor plan ahead of time. If you are planning to expand your family in the future, you may need extra rooms. Moreover, consider if you need any extra features built in such as accessible ramps for differently abled guests or family members.

3. Foundations and Framing

Here’s where your home begins to take shape. Your foundation options include a slab foundation which is best for a warmer climate. Although this option is cost effective it limits many future changes.

Another option would be a crawl space, which is great if your goal is ventilation. It also provides easy access for plumbing, but the downside is the intense maintenance to be able to control the moisture.

A third and final option is definitely a basement. This adds to your storage capabilities as well as living space, although it does cost a lot more to build and even more to waterproof! This is followed by framing which includes installing walls, roofs, and structural supports. Before you move ahead, make sure all the room dimensions, window placements, and ceiling heights have been planned in line with your vision for the house.

4. Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC

This is pretty straightforward. Make sure you consider the electrical planning, ensure there are ample outlets in each room, and make room for smart home tech if needed. Plan the plumbing layout well and determine the HVAC sizing you need to heat/cool your home efficiently. If you are considering sustainable energy, now is the time to decide.

5. Final Inspections

A custom home construction is incomplete without a final check in by a professional before you move in! Don’t forget to check against codes and safety standards. Make sure you run faucets, test outlets, and check appliances. You must also address any minor defects like paint touch ups or door alignments before moving in.

Save Yourself the Trouble

Want to skip all the hard work? Consider bringing on board expert Cranberry custom home builders who can plan for you. Just hand over your vision to the experts and watch the magic unfold.