Building a house is a major project. There are many things to consider and it can sometimes feel like you’re juggling lots of stuff at once. We get that. That’s why we’ve gathered 10 things to keep in mind when building a house, so that nothing gets swept under the rug. Inside you’ll find information on budgets, layouts, contractors, and keeping the big picture in mind. If you’re looking for land for sale in Ogden Valley, you’ll find it with Destination Properties!
1. Set A Budget And Stick To It
Don’t pay more than you can afford. This is advice that applies to anything having to do with money. If you can’t afford it, then you shouldn’t do it.
Homes are security. You’ve got a roof over your head and walls keeping out the elements. So while it offers physical security, you should also preserve your financial security along the way.
As of December of 2021, the average cost to build a single-family home of nearly 2,600 feet was around $485,000, according to Ramseysolutions.com. And while the conditions which affect the cost generally change (including what state you’re living in), it’s important to give yourself a general idea of what to expect.
So before you even start building:
- Sit down and figure out what exactly you can afford. Make a list and factor in everything that you can think of. Get quotes, if you can, so that you can have the most accurate system possible.
- Factor in unforeseen expenses. Sometimes things aren’t going to go as planned and it might cost a little extra. By already having money set aside for the unexpected, you can give yourself some wiggle room.
- You can even find tools online that will help you to make approximate estimates on what certain aspects might cost.
2. The First Rule Of Real Estate: Location, Location, Location
This tried-and-true rule continues to be a byword among real estate professionals and it goes for building houses too.
Once you build your home, you can’t just pick it up and move it if you don’t like the location. So before you start laying out floor plans, start by looking at the layout of neighborhoods.
- Factor in distances from schools and jobs and churches and hospitals.
- Consider the weather of the area, if there is constant flooding or wind.
- Even consider if the type of soil will affect your foundation in the long run.
Thankfully, if you’re looking for land for sale in Ogden Valley, you’re in luck! The Ogden Valley provides all the convenient proximity to big cities, while still providing small-town comfort.
3. Schedules Are Guidelines, Not Hard-And-Fast Rules
If there’s something you can count on when building a home, it’s the unexpected happening. Lots of things can cause projects to take a little longer than expected, including:
- Inclement weather. There are conditions that just won’t allow for work to get done.
- Issues with the building, like cracked wood or concrete that didn’t set correctly.
- Scheduling conflicts. Permit delays, working with contractors, and shipments taking longer than expected can all cause a project to take slightly longer.
Remember to account for extra time when it comes to building, so that you can more comfortably and efficiently move along.
4. Make A Plan
Going into building a new home without first having a plan will lead to big problems later on. Sometimes it can be easy to get so caught up in having a large master bedroom, that other things can get lost in the shuffle. Just a couple details to factor in include:
- Determine your size. Do you want a large house or a smaller one? Does your land allow for that? Does your budget?
- Factor in how much yard you want. This is going to affect the size of your house, depending on how much land you have to start with. If you want a larger yard (which can massively increase the value of your home) then you’ll want to consider how that will affect your home size. With land for sale in Ogden Valley, there are plenty of chances for a large yard.
- Consider the layout. This is a fun part. Decide which room should go where, how large they’ll be, how many windows you want and where they will go. How many bathrooms do you want? That’s just scratching the surface.
- Where does your home face? Do you want your home facing the sun or away from it? Remember, the rooms facing west are going to get more light and heat come evening.
- Don’t forget electricity and plumbing. Factor in where outlets will go, especially depending on your plans for interior design and where you will spend the most part of your time. And remember to make bathroom proximity, sinks, and washing machines and dishwashers all a priority.
- What kind of a kitchen are you looking for? Large or small? Will you spend a lot of time there or just a little? Do you want that island in the middle of it or has that never appealed to you? Will it be in the same room as the dining room or separate?
5. Keep The Future In Mind
Things will change. You can certainly count on that. And if you’re planning on staying in this home for a long while, it’s best to make room now for changes that may just come. Kids will require more space. Some people do business out of their home. Things that didn’t seem to be priorities before might very well become major ones later on. So make sure to think in the long term and make plans accordingly.
6. Factor In Storage
Believe it or not, this one is not always at the forefront of people’s minds, especially when the thrilling idea of that island in the kitchen is at one’s fingertips. But planning out storage is going to save you so many headaches (and the bill for a storage unit) later on.
Figure out closets, food storage, etc. Decide where you can allot more space. More storage now means more space for you in the future, so that you can breathe easy and feel like you have elbow room.
7. Do Your Homework – Find Good Contractors
Not just anyone should do this job. It’s a big project and a big investment, so it’s obvious that you want to get it right the first time. Before you go with the first team you can find, take some factors into consideration:
- Experience and credentials matter. Read reviews, see what they bring to the table, and how much experience they have under their belts. Meet with a few different contractors and see where they’re coming from.
- Reasonability and personality. Keep in mind that you’re going to be working alongside these people for at least the next six months. So you’re going to want to find people you will actually like, otherwise it’s going to be a long six months. Also, find the contractors who allow you to have a voice. This is your home after all.
- Are they within your budget? Put simply, find the best contractor you can afford and who will stay within your budget.
- Would they build by your style? Take a look at projects they’ve done. Consider whether or not you like their style. Not all contractors build from the same design. So make sure you pay some mind to if the style takes your fancy.
8. Sweat Equity Is Worth The Investment
Want to get your hands dirty? Good, because this is one of the best ways to save some money and move your project forward faster.
Sweat equity is the work that you yourself put into improving your home, which will in turn increase its value. Generally it is a lower financial cost (sparing you having to hire someone), opting instead of an investment of your time, but it comes with the ROI (return on investment) of improving your home’s worth.
Keep in mind that there are some things that should be left to the professionals, like roofing, plumbing, and electricity. But laying your floors, throwing in grout, landscaping, spackling, and painting are more than just “work” – they’re investments that will end with a higher home value.
9. Invest In Fixtures Before Furniture
This one is hard, because who doesn’t want to go all out to make the home they’re building look like it jumped off the cover of a magazine? But opting instead to invest in the fixtures will save so much money and hard work later on, because they will last longer and work better, thus allowing you to put away for your dream furnishings.
There will be time later on for great new furniture and all the extra bells-and-whistles. But for now, the best way to assure your long-lasting comfort is to let fixtures take priority.
10. Know The Limits
Some areas have rules about building, from height to materials, to overall size, and especially safety standards. If you don’t follow these rules, it could mean penalties, which would definitely take a chunk out of your budget.
Do your research, speak with your contractors, and when you’ve found the information you need, abide by it. It will save you a lot of time, effort, and money later on.
Looking For Land For Sale In Ogden Valley? Destination Properties Is There To Help!
Of course, you can’t build a home until you’ve found a place to build it. That’s where we come in. Destination Properties are your Ogden Valley real estate experts. We work alongside you to find the land that suits your needs and will give you the best opportunities to build your new home.
Getting started is easy! Simply contact us today and we can schedule a time to meet and find what you’re looking for. If you already have a firm idea, feel free to browse with our advanced search to find land for sale in the Ogden Valley.
We can’t wait to get started with you! So go with Destination Properties today!