Watching home design programs often leave us mesmerized at what is realistically possible when it comes to building your dream home – however, knowing where to start can be the biggest hurdle. While you may have a couple of ideas in mind, tying the whole project together can be near enough impossible without a solid plan. Therefore, it would be in your best interests to carefully construct a proposal as to how you’ll go about designing your own home through to the actual build. Here are some useful tips you may like to keep in mind to help you get started:

1. Find a building plot

First thing’s first is deciding on the location in which you want to live. It is more difficult than you may expect to find a plot of land for sale that has been signed off with the relevant planning permission to build a home. It may be worth enquiring about the certain permissions for the land you’re interested in before you decide to go through with the sale to prevent you from meeting limitations later down the line. There are plenty of online resources you can browse through listing plots of land for sale; however, you could also inquire in the local community to seek plots that may not have been publicly listed. 

2. Funding

One of the earliest steps you need to take is ensuring you have the correct funds for the project – especially if you have not yet got your foot on the property ladder. Loans are available from a construction loan company to help you cover the cost of the build. You could secure a minimum of $100,000 through an application form to allow you to get started on the build of your home in just a matter of days. 

You do, however, need to set yourself a budget of how much you would like to spend, as it’s very easy to get carried away with your vision. You’ll need to take a sensible approach to budgeting to ensure your home is practical, functional, and has an appealing exterior without spending over the odds.

3. Choose the right builder

Ensuring you choose the right builder ensures the construction of your home is carried out with success. While it may be appealing to opt for the cheapest quote, have you seen their portfolio or have any references from their previous customers? If not, then you may need to reconsider your options. It is often the case that paying a little bit extra could be the difference between the success and failure of a project, so always do your research before committing. Make sure the builder is licensed and insured and has experience in the desired style you are hoping to achieve. This will ensure you don’t come across any difficulties along the way and your expectations are met. 

4. Get an independent inspector

At each step of the building process, it’s important to have an inspector on board to steer you in the right direction. This will help guide you on selecting the most appropriate materials for the build and ensuring that all of the regulations are met.