If you’re here I’d like to say congratulations! Likely you are somewhere in the process of deciding or starting to build your home. Building a home can be exciting and times daunting. Choosing your location, select your model, and the essential items that are important for your family’s needs can be overwhelming. When my husband and I began our building process, we had no idea what we were doing. Luckily we had my parents who have built multiple times and were able to guide us throughout the process. By the time you finish your home building process, you’ll be seasoned compared to where you started. Here are four lessons we learned when building our house I hope you can use in your own building process.
1. Take pictures and videos of all your rooms in each buildling phase
Take pictures and videos of all the stages in your home building process. We took photos of each room’s studs, electrical, and plumbing, and it has come in handy when starting new cosmetic projects in our house. Are you trying to determine where to hang your tv, a heavy piece of art, or install a wet bar in your basement? Having pictures and videos have sped up our planning process and helped determine design ideas.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for items not on your model’s plan
Don’t be afraid to ask for items not on your model’s option plan. We went into the process thinking we had to follow everything by textbook. For instance, we chose not to install a fireplace because we didn’t like the location. In reality, we should’ve asked if our builder could move it to a different location. If the builder agreed we would have been more inclined to have one installed before closing. We also wish we requested a laundry sink in our garage. A sink was an item not in our model’s plan, and we asked too late in the building process for one. Our Program Manager informed us we could have had one had we requested before pouring the foundation. Remember, no one else is living in your home but your family. Ask for what you need. The sky is the limit when asking for additional items in a home you will live in. The worst that can happen is your Program Manager says it is not possible. Later, after going to closing we saw a new model built in our neighborhood that was not on the builder’s website. This is because our neighbors requested if the model could be built. These large requests were well received and now we feel silly for never asking for some of the smaller amenities in our home.
3. Pick items that will age with your family’s lifestyle
Pick items that will age with your home. My husband and I were adamant about the carpet on our first floor. For us, it was a huge mistake because we wholeheartedly wanted hardwood floors or LVP. We believed having carpet would be easier for our babies when learning to walk. Yes, there is truth in this statement but an easier solution would have been to purchase a massive accent rug for them to practice. We later installed LVP and were lucky as we thought the LVP installed in certain areas of our house was discontinued. This meant we would need to rip out all of the first-floor LVP and replace it with a new color to ensure a cohesive first floor. This would have cost us more money but luckily we were able to find the right floors and install the LVP in areas where the carpet was. The lesson learned for our next house is to go ahead and install LVP throughout the entire floor. Other items worth investing in before closing are kitchen cabinet upgrades, plumbing rough-ins, and additional light installations (such as recessed lighting).
4. Ask what future projects are taking place surrounding your home
We decided on our community and finalized what model home we wanted. My husband and I decided which plot of available land we wanted to build our house on. It was super exciting and we couldn’t wait to see all our ideas installed throughout the project. However, we never thought to ask questions about what would be built behind our house, infant of our house, would there be additional parking signs that are eyesores. For us, we didn’t want any trees in our yard. Yes, we know trees bring value to your house and many other benefits. We did not have one because of a negative experience in our prior home. Months later, we learned the county would be planting two trees right in front of our house. We discovered for every tree cut down in the community, another tree needs to be installed in the final stages of the neighborhood. Yes, we do not have any trees on our property. But the two trees planted right outside of our property will grow to cover our beautiful home. Our takeaway for you is to request a neighborhood plan and educate yourself on what the community plans to install surrounding your home. For us, the two trees were a bummer but not the worst scenario. Not understanding your home’s surroundings could later have your property beside a new building, a bike trail (okay, some people might enjoy this!), or any other installation that is a turnoff for your preferences.
I hope our life experiences help you plan the next steps in your building process. Remember there are no right or wrong answers to what your needs are. You may not want a sink in your garage or would love tons of trees in your yard. The important takeaway is to ask questions and do your research so you can live in your home long-term.
