8 Tips for First Time Custom Home Buyers

When it’s done right, building a custom home is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That’s why at DeFatta Custom Homes, we believe that each and every step of the process should be a positive one from start to finish. Below, we’ve listed some of the things we hope our buyers keep in mind as they go, in order to make their custom home building experience as enjoyable and memorable as possible. If you’ve already begun or completed the custom home building process, let us know if we missed any!

1. Create a budget…and stick to it.

When you’re considering building a custom home, the very first thing you should do is decide how much you are willing to spend on the adventure…from start to finish. That way, you and your builder have clear expectations of what’s to come. Be realistic and factor in things like monthly expenses, because your custom home will require upkeep and routine maintenance once it’s been built.

2. Decide what you want…ahead of time.

Do you have a Pinterest account? If not, it might be time to get one. Take time to plan out your style, layout, and must-have design elements before meeting with your builder. Then your builder will be able to direct his or her questions towards your preferences and provide useful recommendations.

3. Do your research…because every builder is DIFFERENT.

Make a list of questions to ask your Custom Home Builder before deciding he’s the one for the job. You might worry it’s an inconvenience, but the right builder will be happy to show you extensive examples of past work…it’s a pride thing.

4. Keep a flexible timeline… you ebb and allow for bumps in the road.

It’s a good idea to expect some ebb and flow in the coming months. Expecting curveballs ahead of time will allow you and yours a bit more peace in the custom home building process as a whole. Set your expectations to allow for hiccups like rain delays and product shortages. You’ll thank us later.

5. Make sure everything is in writing…and know you’re not being annoying to expect it.

This way, you AND your builder won’t encounter any surprises as far as your expectations of each other go. After all, your relationship with your builder should feel like a partnership…and you will work together to make sure the finished product is nothing short of the home you’ve always dreamed of living in.

6. Think through your design decisions…trends don’t last forever.

Start simple by brainstorming and sketching out your ideas. Make lists of features you’re looking for in each and every room. But make sure YOU leave room for designs and styles to change as you and your family grow. Consider function, flow, and fun when you’re designing your ideal floor plan and design aesthetic.

7. Understand your financing options…ALL of your financing options.

The right builder will help you determine the very best financing options for you and your needs. If you have questions, make sure you say them out loud…even if you’re worried the question isn’t valid. If your builder doesn’t have the answer, he or she can point you to a mortgage broker.

8. Most importantly…have fun!

Like we said above, building a custom home should feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re working with a builder you trust with your vision, you should feel free to soak in every step of the process. Remember that every day of the journey, you’re one step closer to delivered-on-dreams!

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