If you’re like most first time home buyers, you may feel a little overwhelmed by the process, especially if you are looking at building a custom home. There are so many things to think about – from financing to choosing a builder. This is why we’ve put together this guide for first time custom home buyers. We want to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible for you! So, whether you’re just starting out your research or are ready to start building, our team at Built Right Homes is here to help.
Our Tips for First Time Custom Home Buyers
Building a custom home in Virginia is an exciting experience. You get to handpick each and every detail that goes into your home, ensuring that your home is reflective of your unique needs and lifestyle. And as first time custom home buyers, you are able to feel good knowing that your home’s construction is of the highest caliber quality.
Although the experience is exciting, our team at BRH knows it can also be extremely stressful. This is especially true if you are unsure of what to expect from the process as a first time custom home buyer. Here are some of our best tips to help prepare first time custom home buyers for the home building process.
Determine Your Budget and Stick to it
One of the most important things first time custom home buyers need to do is determine their budget. This will help to narrow down your options and make the process less overwhelming. It’s also important to remember that your budget should include not just the cost of the home, but also ongoing costs like property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance.
Know What You Want Ahead of Time
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to have a good idea of what you’re looking for in your new home. Not only will this help you when meeting with builders, but it will also help streamline the process by reducing the number of revisions you may need.
Although you may have a good idea of what you want in your home, remember that builders are not mind readers. Be prepared to communicate your ideas and needs clearly to your builder. This will help ensure that the end result is exactly what you had in mind.
Do Your Research
Like with anything, it’s important to do your homework before making any big decisions. This is especially true when it comes to building a custom home. Not only will research help you determine your budget and what you want in a home, but it will also help you find the right builder for you.
Choose the Right Builder
This is probably one of the most important decisions first time custom home buyers will make. Not all builders are created equal, and it’s important to do your research- like we mentioned above- in order to find the right one for you.
When choosing a builder, first time custom home buyers should ask themselves the following questions:
- What kind of homes have they built in the past?
- Do they offer a warranty?
- Can they provide references?
- Are they licensed and insured?
- Do they have a good reputation?
- How long have they been in business?
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of builders, it’s important to meet with them in person. This will allow you to get a feel for their style and see examples of their past work.
Know your Financing Options as First Time Custom Home Buyers
One of the biggest hurdles first time custom home buyers face is financing. Not everyone has the cash on hand to purchase a brand new home, and this is where your builder can be a huge help.
Many builders offer in-house financing options, which can make the process much easier. They may also have relationships with local banks and lending institutions, which can also make getting a loan easier.
If you’re not sure where to start, your builder’s finance department should be more than happy to help. They will be able to walk you through each step of the process and answer any questions you may have. Visit our financing page to learn more about some of your options!
Understand that Your Timeline has to be Flexible
Building a custom home is not a quick process. From the initial design meeting to the final walk-through, it can take anywhere from six to twelve months. This means first time custom home buyers need to be prepared for a long wait.
Although your builder will do their best to stick to your original timeline, there may be delays along the way. This is especially true if your home is being built in a popular area or during peak building season.
It’s important to be patient and understand that these delays are out of your builder’s control.
Try to Stay Away from Trends
One of the best things about building a custom home is that you can personalize it to your own taste. This means first time custom home buyers should avoid trendy designs and instead focus on creating a home that’s uniquely theirs. Start simple by brainstorming and sketching out your ideas and making a list of features you would like in each room. Make sure you leave room for designs and styles to change as you and your family grow in the home.
Make sure to consider function and flow when you are designing your home’s floor plans and aesthetic, rather than what is “in” and “cool” at the moment. This will not only help make your home stand out, but it will also ensure that it never goes out of style.
Be Prepared for Change Orders
Change orders are a fact of life when building a custom home. From minor tweaks to major renovations, first time custom home buyers can expect to make changes along the way.
Although this can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that these changes are often necessary in order to ensure the home is perfect for the buyer.
Your builder should be more than happy to go over any change orders with you and explain why they are necessary. This will help first time custom home buyers feel more comfortable with the process and understand why changes are happening.
Why First Time Custom Home Buyers Choose BRH
Building a custom home can be an intimidating process, but with the help of your builder, it can be a lot easier. At Built Right Homes, we pride ourselves on our ability to guide first time custom home buyers through each step of the process. We understand that this may be your first time building a home, and we want to make sure that you have the best experience possible. Contact us today to learn more about our custom home-building services!
